A good Friday ends with a great movie! What more can be better than that. Another film franchise based on novels that I love very much, just like how much I miss Harry Potter series. And similarly, I don’t read those novels as I find delivering a story through motion picture is much more efficient, interesting and quick than reading pile of books. The first of ‘The Hunger Games’ film released last year kicked off with a very good start and that introduced me to this wonderful story. And now, here came its sequel; Catching Fire.
The story continues from previous instalment that after winning the 74th Hunger Games, both Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) whom are representation of hope sparks a rebellion or uprising in the Districts of Panem and become target of the Capitol. The centerpiece of this sequel is the Quarter Quell, a special version of the Hunger Games every 25 years of which all tributes are selected from the existing pool of victors. This forced the love couple to be back in the games for survival and for more challenges ahead on them beyond the arena.
The first instalment is already a good one, and this one as a sequel works out better and beyond my expectation. The story is great and very engaging eventhough it is taking a bit too long to be presented. The movie took up two and a half hour but I didn’t realize that much time passed as I watched it. Every single scene is strong and thoughtful. There are several noticeable parts that captured us with impact. The gown scene is fascinating (and that actually reminds me of Black Swan). I knew that the games itself where most actions are will only commence after almost half of the movie just like the first film, but surprisingly, no parts are boring or pointless. One thing I like most is that there are much more intensity and excitement offered to audiences from the various challenges (poisonous fog, mandrills, etc) in the Hunger Games. The actions are great, but I find the action part before Katniss electrocuted in the end slightly confusing.
Jennifer Lawrence, the Oscar-winning actress delivered an outstanding performance as Katniss. She carried out and commits to the dashing role so well that she is worth nominated for best actress again in upcoming Academy Awards, eventhough is unlikely for a character in a science fiction adventure film. . Josh did a good work too, but his character appears to me to be too weak and always needed to be saved. This pairing is so sweet together. From first film, I can see Katniss felt in love to Peeta was just for act. Here, in this sequel, I can see true love started to blossom and even deepens. Couldn’t wait to see their relationship further develops. Sorry to Gale, Katniss’ former love. I also noticed there are too many kissing in the film. On the other hand, the supporting casts performed very well too.
The visual effects are great as usual. Same goes to the heart-stopping sound effect and background score. I couldn’t find any major mistakes or disappointments from this movie. It is filled with actions, adventures, love, friendship, conflicts and emotions. A brilliant movie and a very successful sequel. It delivered strongly and effectively from a perspective of a poor young girl from District 12 whom continues to fulfill her destiny as an inspiration and as a revolutionist. I couldn’t wait for the final chapter, Mockingjay which will be split into two films just like how Harry Potter franchise concluded. I rate ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ a total of 8.1. One of the highest points I have awarded to movies released this year. Similarly to other movie critics or reviewers, this film garnered overwhelming positive feedbacks and this movie done full of effort deserved it.
(Images in this post are from various sources throughout the world wide web)
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