A Spark for a Revolution: Catching Fire Review

Run Time: 2 Hours and 26 minutes

Rating: PG

Genre: Action, Drama

Review:

Following the first movie, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire does a lot right just like the movie before it. From an accurate adaptation, to great action, to fun characters, if you enjoyed the first movie or the books, you will be sure to enjoy this movie.

Negatives wise, there isn’t much that Catching Fire didn’t do right. Besides a few added scenes that really contribute much to the overall plot, everything else was pretty much what I expected from the book.

Since there aren’t too many negatives, I guess I can elaborate on the positives. First off, the movie is pretty accurate compared to the novel. The movie doesn’t try to change or alter an already good story with needless filler. Besides accuracy, I also think they paced this movie well. Considering all the parts in the book, I feel like each arc was developed well and all aspects were given enough screen time. Alongside the story, I loved seeing the new characters being brought to the big screen. From reading, Finnick and Johanna were some of my favourites and seeing them in action was entertaining. Speaking of action, the Games part of the movie was just as entertaining as the first. Although the Games itself were shorter this time around, the same amount of suspense and fear in the atmosphere was solid.

Overall, Catching Fire was a great movie. It’s able to capture the feel of the source material and was able to bring everything to the big screen. The characters and plot were great this time around, and even though the actual Games portion of the movie was shorter, the suspense was still there all the same. Definitely give this one a watch if you’re a fan of the first movie or the novels.

Favourite Moment (Spoilers):

My favourite moment in Catching Fire is the introduction of Johanna Matthews to Katniss and Peeta. I loved the way the whole scene played out just like the book. It was a good spot of humor to ease the tension of the movie. I also enjoyed seeing all the facial expressions of all the characters, because they all fit so nicely with their characters.

Review:

This is my favourite film in The Hunger Games franchise as it is in my opinion the perfect mix of District drama and the actual hunger games. This being my favourite book in the series I felt that they adapted the story as closely as possible. 

The interesting thing about this story, in particular, is that the characters spend little time in the actual hunger games with most of the story taking place in the Capitol and district 12. As in the book, I find that interesting and the fact that it’s my favourite is odd because it has the least amount of action but I like the storyline of a revolution. The characters are all once again well realized with Jennifer Lawrence doing a great job as Katniss especially when it comes to showing the fear and trauma that the first games caused her. Haymitch plays a larger role as well with him coaching Katniss and Peeta when they are under scrutiny and Woody Harrelson is brilliant in the role once again. The new cast also leaves an important impact like Finnick played by Sam Claflin and Johanna played by Jena Malone who both are fellow tributes with Katniss and have a role that is important for this story. The action in the film is amazing and the arena is so much cooler than the first one with the water element setting up some cool action set pieces throughout. The climax is also quite intense and leaves you on a huge cliff-hanger. The drama in this film constantly gives the film a sense of dread especially with a couple of characters getting injured or worse which I think does a good job of keeping the audience engaged.

All in all, this is my favourite Hunger Games film and one of my favourite books to film adaptations. From engaging characters, compelling drama, and stellar drama, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I definitely recommend it.

Favourite Moment (Spoilers):

My favourite moment in the film is when Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch stand up in front of the Peacekeeper as it shows the influence and power that the victors truly have. Along with that the scene where President Snow and Plutarch Heavensbee are talking about that event interests me because it’s their realisation that they gave the power to the victors and specifically Snow gave them this power unintentionally which he now fears.