Movie Review: “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

Photo: Lionsgate

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” made a huge premiere weekend profit bringing in about $161.1 million at the box office.

The anticipated sequel to the 2012 film “The Hunger Games” based on the series of young adult books by Suzanne Collins broke the November record for highest gross film. It beat out my beloved “The Twilight Saga: New Moon,” which made $142.9 million in 2009.

But enough of the logistics let’s get into this film!

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson returned as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark and are set to go on a victor’s tour with Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games to the disappointment of Capital head man President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

Katniss and Peeta visit each district of Panem to realize they have unknowingly started a rebellion: the citizens vs. The Capital. Katniss has given the citizen hope and her mockingjay pin has become a symbol of defiance. So guess who isn’t happy about this? President Snow! And he’s trying to get rid of the girl Katniss by any means necessary, so what does he do? Create a “special” game to celebrate the third quarter of the games or something like that, basically celebrating 75 years. Past victors from each district are selected to return to the arena. That means Katniss automatically goes back since she’s the only female winner from District 12 and the male tribute is between Peeta and Haymicth – duh Peeta goes back.

SIDENOTE: None of this should be a surprise because 1. This premise is based on a book series and 2. We have the internet. Anywho, that’s the general idea behind this annual Hunger Games. I really enjoyed this film, I’m not as invested in this franchise like I was and still am with “Twilight” but I can appreciate a good film. Visually, THG slays. I love a film with special effects that doesn’t look cheesy and I think this particular story is something that’s interesting and will keep you guessing “what’s next” or “how the hell does this end.”

“Catching Fire” had a great build up. I am always anticipating the games to be the best part of the movie, you know that’s the part I’m dying to see but this time around there was so much happening in the districts that I wasn’t completely bored the entire time. Although the film is centered around young adults and children battling to the death I can see beyond that. The problem isn’t the game, it’s the system, it’s the government and that’s why President Snow is so pissed at Katniss because she had the balls, for a lack of better words, to go against that system and inspire change, whether she meant to or not. But Katniss is still human, flawed and makes mistakes but what I really love about this character is no matter what obstacles were thrown her way or how hard The Capital was trying to break her, she still came out on top!

The last scene that sets up for “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” just let’s me know it’s about to get real. Plus I did my research so I know how real it gets so I can’t wait to see it visually come alive. Overall “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will give devoted fans what they want and possibly bring in new fans to the franchise.

I give “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” Three and a half Glamberous Sparkles

Did you see “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” this weekend? If you did let me know what you though about!

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