Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone
Running Time: 146 minutes
Certificate: 12A
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) returns in THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE to celebrate being a victor along with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Of course there isn’t really a lot to celebrate. She’s alive, sure, but the whole of Panem are now looking at her, and at District 12, and President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is not best pleased that she is giving the people hope when they should be afraid.
The second story in the Hunger Games series takes an even darker turn as Katniss must smile for the camera and convince everyone she is madly in love with Peeta, not just to save her own life but the lives of those she loves too. So when she is thrown once more into the arena with other former victors, all bets are off.
There are many elements to these stories which go some way to explaining their popularity, and the adaptations to date have done a simply superb job of capturing them. These are, after all, more than just stories – they are a whole new world. The look of the film is simply breathtaking, from the darker districts to the opulence of the Capitol. Those behind the film have certainly paid close attention to sets, costumes and style and created Panem beautifully. The scope really is sublime, even before they convert it to IMAX.
The story itself is barbaric, gripping and superbly written. There is nothing patronising about the complex plot and characters, even with its 12A rating. There is plenty of violence and killing – unsurprising, given the subject matter – but the real genius of the story is that it allows time to explore the effects the games have on those involved. Those inside and outside the arena are altered in an irreversible way and none of that important message has been lost during the adaptation process.
The cast of the first film all did a superb job taking on these iconic roles but for the second outing, the ante has most definitely been upped. Philip Seymour Hoffman leads the talented new additions, which include Sam Claflin and Jena Malone. The roles they play are incredibly complex characters, with many layers, and to take them on and join a franchise after the success of the first film was certainly a challenge. Fortunately it is one all the new additions rose to, even the mute Lynn Cohen as Mags who speaks volumes without ever uttering a word.
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE does not shy away from the true horror of war, looking closely at the choices the citizens are being forced to make – namely, whether they should flee or fight. Visually the film is stunning, the cast are all flawless no matter the size of their part and the story is full of action, emotion and drama.
Roll on Mockingjay!
[usr=5] THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE UK is released on Blu-ray, DVD and Download on 17th March 2014 courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Special Features
Those who have produced the DVD have really gone all out, knowing just how passionate fans are. The 2-disc DVD means there is an extra disc packed with hours of behind the scenes looks at what went into making the film – from the freezing cold scenes filmed in the water to the battle preparation against CGI monkeys. The cast talk about how it felt to have new people join this close-knit group, to have familiar faces return and just how hard it was to work sometimes because so much silliness was taking place.
There is also audio commentary with the filmmakers and some deleted scenes – including a hilarious one between Finnick and Katniss.
