Genre:
Action/Adventure, Drama, Sci-fi
Rating:
PG-13
Run Time:
146 minutes
Release Date:
November 22, 2013
A Color Force/Lionsgate Production
Synopsis
Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.
Starring:
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
Donald Sutherland as President Snow
Stanley Tucci as Caesar
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee
Paula Malcomson as Katniss's mother
Jeffrey Wright as Beetee
Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair
Jena Malone as Johanna Mason
Lynn Cohen as Mags
Amanda Plummer as Wiress
Alan Ritchson as Gloss
Stephanie Leigh Schlund as Cashmere
Meta Golding as Enobaria
Bruno Gunn as Brutus
Directed by:
Francis Lawrence
Screenplay by:
Suzanne Collins
Simon Beaufoy
Michael DeBruyn
Based on the novel by:
Suzanne Collins
Produced by:
Suzanne Collins (executive producer)
Nina Jacobson
Jon Kilik
Costume Designer:
Trish Summerville
***CONTAINS NO SPOILERS***
My Thoughts
My daughter and I finally got to watch this movie, Catching Fire...the second installment of The Hunger Games films. I definitely was not disappointed. Like any novel to film adaptation, the movie will not be EXACTLY like the book. From my experience with book to movie adaptations, I have found those movies that stayed true to the story, are, in my opinion, usually successful in capturing the essence of what the story. And, in this case, Catching Fire did just that and so much more. I absolutely enjoyed this movie! It was filled with action/adventure and drama which evolves around the struggle the people of Panem endure under the rule of the Capitol.
It has been a while since I read the book. But while I was watching this film, many scenes reminded me of parts in the books that I read. As for the characters, I absolutely loved the casting of all the tributes! I thought these actors did an excellent job in bringing these characters to life. I just love how Elizabeth Banks brought Effie Trinket to life! As for Jennifer Lawrence...she continues to bring more life and character to Katniss Everdeen! Throughout the movie, I could absolutely empathize for/with her. It appears to be evident that Katniss was traumatized from her experience at the Hunger Games...and Jennifer Lawrence brought that to life. Unlike the first film, Catching Fire revealed a much more grown up Katniss and Peeta after surviving their first Hunger Games. It's not easy to have to kill and to see others killed as well...it tends to haunt you, like it did for Katniss and, apparently, Peeta.
I was amazed at how much detail they were able to put into the film! And, this was not a short film...it went over two hours! Loved it! The movie flowed as if I was reading the book. The film captured the intense, emotional and dramatic feel in the book. In addition to the amazing cinematography, there were the little added details, that's not in the book, that enhanced the dramatic feel of the story on screen. Again, the film captured and revealed Panem in its worse and best...as revealed in each district is in its own suffering.
Now, let's talk about costume design! Wow! The costumes were amazing, and gorgeous,especially Katniss's wedding dress! 'Nuff said!
All in all, I would have to say that the film was, essentially, the book on the big screen! Talk about staying true to the book...that is what they did in Catching Fire, the second installment of The Hunger Games trilogy! The casting was "spot on" and the visuals was outstanding! This is definitely a film that had a balance of action, adventure and drama that made me cry, gasp and angry with and for these characters! Whoa! I was absolutely feeling with them...hahaha! And, to end the film as they did...that was gut-wrenching since, now, we have to wait for the next film installment to find out what happens next.
I would so want to watch it again...hahaha!
My Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
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