Originally posted to the Film & Television Review on 12/22/13
That's More Like It
The introductory chapter to what will eventually be the four film Hunger Games series is a bit underwhelming. From what I hear, it is a faithful adaptation of the book, but as a film it fails to make a convincing argument for a general audience to return when a sequel is released. Jennifer Lawrence, the star and heroine, is in quite a few other films, so turning up to see her Katniss Everdeen sling arrows isn't the only way to enjoy her talents as an actress. However, the latest entry in this series, subtitled Catching Fire, rights every wrong of the first film, and managed to get me excited for the remaining two films.
Having cheated the system to win the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss and fake boyfriend Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) are sent on a tour of the post-apocalyptic Panem's 12 districts. The conniving President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has promised Katniss an even bleaker future should she and Peeta fail in aiding him quiet the nationwide whispers of rebellion. When their tour proves more subversive than as planned, new game maker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) devises a plan to put an end to Katniss, Peeta, and the past victors (who will likely side with their younger counterparts); a special 75th annual games that will see the return of past victors from each district.
The most interesting part of The Hunger Games is seeing the world in which Katniss lives, but that first film lacked the scope and breadth of information that is provided in Catching Fire. Here we get more of the political intrigue and the rumblings of revolution, giving Donald Sutherland far more scenery to chew in the best of ways, and providing Jennifer Lawrence with an extra dimension to play with; she's not just surviving in this film, she's saving face in the public eye to protect her family and friends while ultimately holding the country together on the brink of war. The first film could have played up its criticisms of the media and our voyeuristic culture more than its political themes, but here the focus is on a society rocketing toward class warfare, and it's omnipresent, giving Catching Fire an importance at which its predecessor only hints.
Lawrence continues to be excellent as Katniss, succeeding both in character moments throughout and the action sequences that fill the film's second half. Josh Hutcherson improves upon his somewhat flat work in the first film, as does Liam Hemsworth as the still-little seen Gale. Neither are very dynamic characters, at least portrayed on screen, although Hemsworth will seemingly have far more to do later on. The Hunger Games' outstanding supporting cast returns for the sequel, better than before with better material. Woody Harrelson has more sides of victor-turned-trainer Haymitch to turn out as he guides Katniss through her tour, as does Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket, who seems more like a real person rather than a cartoon character this time around. Stanley Tucci continues to charm and delight as the ultimate television host that is Cesar Flickman, while the aforementioned Donald Sutherland finally has far more to do than twirl his mustache. Lenny Kravitz is also back as Katniss and Peeta's fashion guru, seeming even more sedated than in the first film, but still just fine (perhaps he's this mellow in the book). New additions are all fantastic in the forms of Phillip Seymour Hoffman (playing a tricky character with both charm and slyness), and as victors returning to the games, Sam Clafin, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, and Jena Malone.
The new victors are key to fixing one of first film's flaws, as they help to flesh out the group of allies and enemies Katniss and Peeta will face in the arena. Yet another problem with The Hunger Games' arena-based scenes is co-writer/director Gary Ross' overuse of shaky-cam, although it's also present in scenes containing no action, seemingly to convey the gritty reality of this franchise. New franchise director Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) thankfully rectifies this most glaringly ineffective element of the first film, making everything more steady, and, when in the arena, more brutal. The games seem more deadly, helping to ramp up the intensity in ways other than cutting back to Jennifer Lawrence's performance. Everything in this film also seems more urgent, keeping the plot tight and moving at all times (thanks to a script by Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt, the latter credited under a pseudonym), ultimately making the entire endeavor feel more worthwhile and exciting. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an improvement in every way possible, and when compared to the first film seems like a masterpiece of blockbuster filmmaking. It's cliffhanger of an ending may leave some viewers feeling shortchanged, but I felt energized. Here's a Hollywood franchise that knows how to get bigger, stronger, and above all else, smarter as it continues to grow, and if that's not worth the price of admission, I honestly don't now what is. 9/10