Family Movie Night
by Karyn Bowman
When the date for the opening night of Catching Fire, the second movie in the Hunger Games series was published, my daughter wrote it on the calendar.
Image from Hunger Games Catching Fire Wikia
We were going to the midnight screening and that was all there was to that.
That is until we found out we could go see the movie at 9 pm instead of midnight. I was happy for that since I worked the next day.
I have read the books and know what to expect. The story continues from the last movie in which Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) must now live as victors and go on tour. They must continue pretending to be in love or risk the lives of their loved ones.
But all around them, rebellion is on the rise. They can only watch as people are killed for believing in the hope of rising against the capitol. What can the government do but propose another Hunger Games for the 75th Anniversary in which past tributes are reaped for the games.
The acting is tremendous. Jena Malone made me forget she was ever in Pride and Prejudice. Donald Sutherland continues his great performance as the wicked and devious President Snow. Jeffrey Wright shines as Beetee. Philip Seymour Hoffman is simply perfect. I was enthralled most of the time despite having read the books and knowing what to expect.
For those people who have not seen the first movie or ever bothered to read the books, you may be wondering if this is a stand-alone movie. Let me be honest, it is not. It is the second movie in a four-film series. If you are new to the series, I strongly suggest renting Hunger Games before you go see Catching Fire. Relationships between the various characters will make sense to you once you do as will the reason for the games in the first place.
That said, I can only tell you that with an increased budget, you will notice better sets, cinematography, and costuming. The world portrayed in this story is still bleak but interesting as hope filters down to the oppressed districts. The movie does what it sets out to do – propel the story while giving us the battle scenes from the games.
Haymitch’s house, Image from Hunger Games Catching Fire Wikia
What intrigues me is the mix of eras in this movie. Design of the homes is Victorian while societal norms appear to be Depression era. The computer technology is farther along than we are now but they still use coal for heat and fueling factories. Costuming also appears to be a mix of eras although anything from the Capital seems to go for the most outlandish things possible.
I have to admit I would love to see this movie one more time on the big screen in order to catch details of what I might have missed as well as to enjoy the spectacle. And if I do, I would take no one younger than ten because I believe the context of this movie is meant for those who are an older pre-teen and up. It deals with issues of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, government corruption on a large scale, and how people deal with stress in times of oppression.
It was a near perfect movie that slows in the middle till it picks up again and we are back on that roller coaster ride of thrills.
Until next week, see you in the Rental Aisle.
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
Great review. Definitely worth your time and effort if you’ve seen the first, and also especially if you can’t wait to see what they have coming up next in terms of this story.
Just saw this a couple of nights ago. I saw the first movie earlier in the day so I wouldn’t be confused…heard so much about these! Good, and like you noted, the styling is quite the mix! I was fascinated by the contrast between the grim/gray look of district 12 and the futuristic and outlandish look of the capital…lots of imagination gone wild!
Haven’t read the books, so I’ll just have to wait for the next movie! ~ Sheila
Read the books if you can, they are quite good.
I am fascinated by the brick of District 12 and the granite of the Capitol.
I haven’t read the books or seen the movies, but have been interested. Enjoyed your review. Perhaps I’ll start at the beginning with the books. Sounds like they did a good job with the movie – sometimes the second one is a let down.
I was afraid of that, too, but it was a good movie.
Can’t wait to see it. We tried over the holiday break because my son was home but darn, when we were free it was sold out. I’ll try again though…probably this week.