“May the odds be ever in your favor.”
The film begins with a picturesque view of a tree filled mountain. Cut to the next scene and you see Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) hunting turkeys in the forest. This is when I had to think for a second and remember what I had come to the theatre to see.
I was here to see the sequel to “The Hunger Games”. I was here to see “Catching Fire”.
I was taken aback because of the beauty of the opening of this film. I remembered from Part 1 that this was NOT where Katniss and Gale called home. This was the wonderful place that these two would go to escape the dreary grayness of their slum-like neighborhood.
And just as quickly as an arrow hitting its target, I was thrust back into the cold, dark doldrums of District 12.
It’s been a year since Katniss and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) have won the “74th Hunger Games”. Now it is time for them to go on tour as “Tributes” and reap the rewards of their victory. They must visit all the districts and show them how happy they are, and how much they love the Capitol (Panem’s luxorious city where only the priveleged live.)
But let’s remember, another year has past so it’s time for the 75th Hunger Games. This year the games are called “The Quarter Quell” and the rules have changed. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has decided that this year’s tributes have to be previous winners of the games.
So to answer your question before you ask it, yes, Peeta and Katniss are back at it again.
To understand this film you must’ve (and better have) seen the first film. Otherwise, you’ll be paying fifteen dollars to be totally lost at the movies for two and a half hours. My advice to you? Make sure you see the first film before you see this one, It’ll save you a lot of questions. (and you won’t look like a dummy when you leave.)
I really don’t want to tell you anymore about this film for fear of ruining the story for you. I know that MANY, MANY people will be seeing this movie this weekend, and in the weeks to come, so I’ll just ‘Mattify’ this review for you by telling you what I thought of the film and its characters.
I absolutely loved this film. I loved it enough to see it at 8:30 p.m. on opening night and then again at 8:30 a.m. the next morning. I have come to the realization that with certain films it is better to see them twice just so you can catch parts of the movie you may have missed the first time around.
I said this in my review of last year’s original “Hunger Games”, but I have to say it again. (with a few additions to it.) This movie (once again) reminded me of “The Running Man”. I think you all can understand why.
Once again, it reminded me of “The Truman Show” but for some different reasons this time. Let’s just say it has to do with a dome and objects falling from out of nowhere.
I didn’t say this last year, but this film reeked of “The Empire Strikes Back”. It reeked of it because just like in “Empire”, this film leaves you desperately wanting more.
And finally, this movie reminded me of “27 Dresses” (or more like 270 Dresses) because you should see all the different gowns the female characters wear. It was like being in Paris, watching the fashion shows with Miranda Priestly!
Let’s bang out some actors.
Jennifer Lawrence. (Katniss Everdeen) What can you say about her that hasn’t already been said. She’s beautiful. She’s athletic. She’s a wonderful actress. I think this is her best character to date. Forget about her role in “Silver Linings Playbook”. I feel she is a much better actor in this film. (Plus, as many of you may already know, I think that movie was over-hyped.)
Josh Hutcherson. (Peeta Mellark) This kid has been acting for a long time now, and it shows. He is not out-classed at all by his Oscar winning compatriot. He just goes about his business and makes you like him, in a calm and soothing way. He is also a great public speaker when it’s his turn to take the mic.
Liam Hemsworth. (Gale Hawthorne) Liam has a prominent role in this film. He’s a major character, yet he is only onscreen for a total of about fifteen minutes. Ladies, don’t you worry, I have a funny feeling he’ll be a major character in the third installment.
Lenny Kravitz. (Cinna) What can you say, this guy is just downright cool. (even when he’s playing a fashion designer.)
Stanley Tucci. (Ceaser Flickerman) He plays the game show’s host. He’s extravagant, eccentric, and prodding. And his laugh is just annoying enough to make you want to knock him through a wall. Yes, he played his character perfectly. Kudos.
Phillip Seymour Hoffmann. (Plutarch Heavensbee) Hoffman took over the role of Head Gamemaker after President Snow executed Seneca Crane. (Wes Bentley in Part 1) Heavensbee controls the game. I liked how Hoffman made his character unassuming and calm. He was in control.
Elizabeth Banks. (Effie Trinket) This character is over the top! Her clothes are lavish, her style is luxurious. Her demeanor is always upbeat. And even though she is from the Capitol, you can tell that she truly feels for her tributes. (Plus, Miss Banks is from Massachusetts, so you gotta like her.)
Donald Sutherlund. (President Snow) As an actor Mr. Sutherlund is great. But his character in this film is evil. You can really tell a great actor when the role calls for a despicable man and he delivers a performance that makes everyone want to hate him. Snow was bad and Sutherlund was great.
There are just three more characters I’d like to talk about and then I’ll be done, I promise.
To me, these characters were standouts.
Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy). Woody has had a great acting career. I have loved him from his first episode on “Cheers”. He has taken some great roles in his career (“Natural Born Killers”, “Zombieland”, “Semi-Pro”) and his role as Haymitch is a character that I really dig. I’m not sure why, but I really liked this character. Maybe its because I saw a little bit of me in him. Who knows.
Jeffrey Wright. (Beetee) Sometimes you don’t have to do much to make a big impression on a film. That’s how I felt about Beetee (Wright). He was a quiet man, but he was also extremely smart. If I were playing Hunger Games out in the woods I would want this character as an ally. I hope he is in the next installment.
And finally, Jena Malone (Johanna Mason) This girl was a winner from one of the Districts a few years back. She has spunk, a fire in her, and she doesn’t care who knows it or what people think of her. There is a scene in an elevator with her, Peeta, Katniss, and Haymitch that I think is the best scene in the movie. It gives you a real look into her character, along with adding a tiny bit of comic relief that is needed in a film not filled with too many laughs.
Basically, everyone involved with this film were fantastic. That includes the director, FX people, best boys, grips, producers, musicians, gaffers, wardrobe, craft services, and even me… Yes, even I was great too.
Anyway, I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. I loved this film. LOVED. I can’t wait for the next one to come out. (in about a year from today.)
And just remember what I always say: “The movie is ALWAYS better than the book.”
Matty W. Kelley, A Seat Apart Productions, reporting.
Fun Fact: The third installment of The Hunger Games saga will be called “Mockingjay- Part 1”, and it is tentatively set for release exactly one year from the release of this film. (November 21, 2014)
Fun Matty Fact: I find that I cry at movies a lot more when they are early matinees. I think this is because the theatre is a lot less crowded and I can really let my emotions run free.
…. and yes, I did weep at this movie, twice. (but I didn’t bawl my eyes out like a complete wuss.)