Catching Fire Review

Justin, Jake, and I saw Catching Fire on November 23, 2013!! This is my favorite of the three books, so I was excited to see it. We follow Katniss Everdeen & Peeta Malark played by Jennifer Lawrence & Josh Hutcherson respectively as they embark on a Victor's Tour to the different districts. President Snow, played by Donald Sutherland is worried about rebellion in the districts and wants to destroy Katniss as he feels she is a symbol for hope. This results in the 75th Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) to feature all former champions competing in it. Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Plutarch, the new Game Maker taking over for Seneca Crane. The characters are much more pronounced than the first book, and appear to be larger than life, especially in Joanna Mason & Finnick Odair. It was so great seeing Jena Malone in a movie again. She's a good actress and really captured the insanity of Joanna's character. The design of the arena, the threats (a new one at every hour), and the approach to beating the system were all amazing to watch. The monkeys, the jabberjays, the poison gas, the blood rain, the clock cornucopia-all much more compelling to me than the first installment (even though I greatly enjoyed that as well). So many people overlook the second book, because its the one in the middle, but it bridges the two books well combining the Hunger Games with the set-up for the rebellion. To me, its the most important of the series, and I feel it made for a better movie. I really liked the intensity throughout the movie, especially the riots in District 11, and the obstacles our victors have to deal with in the arena. Jennifer Lawrence & Josh Hutcherson were better here, because they understood the characters more. Donald Sutherland plays an excellent antagonist as President Snow. The casting for the victors worked very well, and the action/thrills kept coming. I also have to point out how the supporting cast of Woody Harrelson & Eliabeth Banks as Haymitch & Effie Trinkett really steal the show in many of the scenes they are in. Harrelson's Haymitch is guidance for Katniss & Peeta, and he is very important in helping to shape the rebellion. He understands the Capitol & the Hunger Games take on victors. He is trying to change the guard. Harrelson is so perfect in the role. Banks looks awesome in the different outfits & hair styles. Her wardrobe captures so much of the color spectrum. Color in this movie was incredible-the brightness/different shades of reds, blues, pinks, & greens were beautiful. One of the most impressive scenes is when Katniss turns into the Mockingjay on stage. It reminded me of a scene from Black Swan. It was an amazing visual. The cast, more pronounced characters, action/thrills, new arena, set-up for the rebellion, and the pageantry for the Quarter Quell, as well as the dreary presentation of the Victor's Tour really made this a better movie, and I definitely give this 1 5/5. I was very impressed with this, and feel this book deserves more credit. It certainly made for a better movie overall.