The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Image From IMDB
Katniss returns to once again take part in the Hunger Games. This time because of some bullshit newly introduced rule where past winners from each district must take part rather than a fresh reaping. That means Katniss and Peeta are back in the arena, but the rules aren’t the only thing that’s changed, as the arena itself offers a greater threat than ever before.
It’s a difficult premise, because it essentially feels like a reboot of the first. If this wasn’t Katniss’s story, we’d be following a whole bunch of new kids into the arena, but because it is her story, concessions had to be made. I haven’t read the book so don’t know if it’s handled a little less heavy handed in the novel, but it feels slightly forced here.
That said, I really like the first half of this film a lot. I loved seeing the aftermath of the last games. Katniss in her post traumatic state trying to piece her life back together and form something with Gale (who I always will root for over Peeta) The districts rebelling. Primrose growing up. That insane winners tour –– which I personally think should have been the whole story. Katniss and Peeta having to fake their love, when it’s real for Peeta. There were so many interesting elements and incredible world building, but it all came to a grinding halt once the games began.
The tension was lost during the second half of the film, and I think part of that was Katniss working alongside others this time. It lessened the stakes. Made them not feel real. We’ve seen how capable she is now, she isn’t dying inside the games after being put there a second time. It’s simply not happening. And, as I didn’t care for Peeta’s well being, there was nothing in the games for me to worry about. No Rue character this time. The rebellion was already underway.
The whole clock and lightening thing didn’t work for me either. I get they were trying to be different and I appreciate the effort, but meh. It was just a distraction and a Mcguffiin. Last time out Katniss was fighting for her life, this time she’s trying to work out why lightening is striking a tree?
If the film was about the fallout from the first Games and the insanely insensitive Winners Tour I would have loved it. (That scene in Rue’s district is far and away the standout moment) The building tension. The idea of trying to turn Katniss from a symbol of rebellion to a Capital puppet. All that stuff worked, and felt incredibly intriguing. But, it was immediately lost the moment they entered the games.
It’s still an entertaining movie, and maybe even feels more blockbuster like than the first, but it lacked focus, especially going into that second half. I’ll always watch it as a double bill with the first because of the initial continuation of the story, but the ending didn’t leave me wanting more. An okay film, but one that grinds me down by the finish.
