After almost two long years of waiting, the second installment of the ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise has finally arrived and blazes past its predecessor in just about every category.
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ pushes the trilogy into a more dramatic and dark direction and sets up the big climax to take place in the two part finale.
After a relatively slow beginning, the film kicks up the pace by pitting allies against allies in a high stakes Quarter Quell competition. The arena is anything but short on action as Katniss and her crew are constantly plagued by shrieking birds, poisonous fog and one group of VERY angry baboons.
It is no surprise that Jennifer Lawrence’s acting was spot on. She holds the the movie together with her tormented fear and anger which plays into the message of social oppression. And then there is Elizabeth Banks as Effie who was funnier than ever. Just when you wipe your tears away from the drama, you will need another tissue to wipe away the tears of laughter. You will want to say “Oh! Curtains!” every time you walk by them.
The special effects have vastly improved from the first film which is most evident in the new and improved training center the tributes practice in.
The films final scene is a satisfying set up to ‘Mockingjay’ and will certainly have fans wanting more. It looks like the odds will be forever in the franchise’s favor.
