Films spawning sequels seems obligatory these days. Whilst this has been around since movies were invented, it has recently reached an apex. Almost every blockbuster hit leads to further instalments, decreasing the element of risk for cinema’s bean-counters. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is no exception. This follow-up to the initial hit was made while the first screened to huge success. Helping the success was an audience who had read Suzanne Collins’ novels with this latest entry capturing what made them enduring.
Embarking on a Victor’s Tour after their previous Hunger Games win, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) sense trouble. Discovering their win has galvanised those living in their impoverished home district, they see the beginnings of a rebellion. Determined to control this simmering unrest, corrupt President Snow (Donald Sutherland) organises another deadly games tournament. Forced to participate, Katniss and Peeta must win against the odds in order to save their people.
Tougher and more interesting than similar franchises, The Hunger Games series builds on its strengths. Catching Fire directly continues from where it left off with hardly any pause for breath. That’s the best thing that can be said for the sequel – despite its long run-time, it moves briskly. The concept and characters are engaging with Francis Lawrence’s direction blending action and drama with ease. She ensures Catching Fire has its own identity whilst continuing the elements which made the first captivating.
The performers dive into the story’s rugged spirit with aplomb. Sutherland especially enjoys his scene-chewing villain with new characters adding fresh dynamics. The Big Brother/Survivor-esque motif on the public’s lust for reality TV is wickedly skewered with a production design doubly revelling in grim poverty and gaudy excess. The scenes within the Games itself are quite tense with nature’s controlled fury consistently increasing the threat level.
Having the courage of its convictions with a more adult approach, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire makes fine use of the source material. It does the job of any good sequel by crafting further adventures for its protagonists whilst leaving viewers hungry for more.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Rating out of 10: 8
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