Our first ever movie review on Modern Chic Magazine, was surprise…the first installment of the Hunger Games. So it’s only fitting that we review Catching Fire, in all its glory. Granted, a tad late but we hope you don’t hold it against us. Like any great wine, the Hunger Games only gets better and better, and Catching Fire is by far more poignant, more emotional and more everything than its predecessor.
The film opens up just as the victors Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) prepare to go on their victory tour of the 12 Districts and Capital of Panem. Not before Katniss is visited by President Snow (Donald Sutherland) who leaves a veiled threat: convince me of this star-crossed lovers romance or else. A task not so easily accomplished since Peeta and Katniss are barely acquaintances, despite living right across from each other, since returning to District 12.
But President Snow’s threats underlie a deeper motive. He wants to squash the currents of rebellion echoing among the various districts as a result of the pair’s televised defiance at the end of the games.
With Snow’s threat present, Katniss prepares to really sell her and Peeta’s love on tour. However, it becomes apparent the signs of rebellion running throughout the districts as we see the mockingjay on obscured tunnels and such. And at the center lies Katniss who has become unknowingly the symbol of the rebellion. By far one of the most emotional moments of the film is when the pair arrives at District 11–Rue and Thresh’s district. Choked with emotion, Katniss forgoes the written speech in her hand, and pays tribute in her own words.
Lawrence’s masterful deliverance throughout the movie is absolutely superb. She brings so much depth, strength and emotion to Katniss that we couldn’t imagine anyone else in the coveted role. We especially loved the speech she gave for Thresh and Rue. And we know we weren’t the only ones balling our eyes out in the theater during this heartfelt part. It’s a great reminder of the tragic human loss, the corruption of power and the wreckage these Hunger Games leave behind.
But Katniss heartfelt speech comes at a high cost. An elderly man is dragged to the front of the stage and shot after his salute encourages the rest of the crowd to join in on the famous Mockingjay signal. Despite the pair and their mentor Haymitch’s (Woody Harrelson) efforts to stay on script as government puppets for the continuation of the “Victory Tour,” it only further incites more rebellion.
Looking to make an example of Katniss and Peeta, Snow and new Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) decide to change up gears for 75th anniversary of the Hunger Games. Now each district will be forced to offer up a tribute from past victors. And again our two recent victors find themselves back in the arena..
What makes the movie more powerful and more compelling than the first is how much attention went to letting the physical and emotional roller coaster of the book translate fluidly on film. Instead of overdramatizing, or worse, skimming through the darker conflicts we’d expect in film adaptations such as this, we’re left so utterly compelled by each struggle, loss and pain Katniss has to deal with to keep from unraveling in face of the Capitol’s tyranny.
But what takes Catching Fire to a whole different level is how poignant the characters are. It’s never been a secret that Peeta has always loved Katniss, but Hutcherson’s portrayal of Peeta is right on the mark, especially when we see him give Katniss the medallion Effie (Elizabeth Banks) gave him. Inside are pictures of her mom, Prim and Gale. Even despite the turmoil they’re going through, he knows her and understands her. And the best part, we finally get to see glimpses of Katniss own feelings for Peeta as well.
Let’s not forget how great British actor Sam Claflin was in his role of Finnick Odair. It’s often hard to bring such a dynamic character to life on film, but director Francis Lawrence was right on the money. Finnick is every much the devilishly handsome District 4 victor, but with more depth and feeling. Not many would protect their elderly partner in the arena, nor go to great lengths to keep Katniss alive. Can we also give a round of applause to Jena Malone, as she brought quite a bit of snakiness to the Hunger Games with her character, Johanna Mason. We were absolutely riveted in every scene she was in, whether it was wielding an axe or stripping down to the nude in an elevator.
It isn’t often a sequel can top the original, but without a doubt, Catching Fire is without a doubt one of the exceptions. And with the film, a box office success, we’re not the only ones who agree.
I want to see this so bad!!