(Editors note: I have to apologize for the quality of this podcast. I was sleeping, and trying to be more conversational, but my words and my brain were not working together when I spoke. So, I say a lot of nonsensical worlds in this review. In short, sounds pretty silly. So, if you want to listen, feel free, but be prepared for some silliness. )
Hey movie fans!
You know what that music means… it’s time for the second
annual hunger games movie!
But first… and apology… earlier this week, I posted on my
blog I would have three movie reviews this time… but that’s not the case. I skipped out on Vince Vaughn’s “Delivery
Man,” because my girlfriend was sick… and because everyone says it’s just awful… and I did see Disney’s Frozen, but that’s not
going to be released until next Wednesday, so the studio has asked me to hold
me review. Seeing as they are nice enough to keep giving me movie tickets, that’s
fine with me.
So, onto this week’s movie.. “The Hunger Games: Catching
Fire.” This is the second film in the franchise based off “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins.
I have actually read the first two books, and I liked the first movie, so I was
really looking forward to seeing the second film.
The story picks up after the climax from the last film, with
Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, and Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson,
being celebrated for their victory in the games. But, as the last film implied,
the games were just the beginning. Katniss is haunted by her experiences in the
Games… and despite her feelings for Gale, played by Liam Hemsworth, she has to
pretend to be in love with Peeta.
I know, it sounds super teen soap opera, and to be frank it
is. But the love triangle is only part
of the story… because Katniss act of defiance has inspired others.. and
rebellion is starting to build against the oppressive government.
Much like the last film, “Catching Fire” is full of good
drama, and action. By widening the story beyond the games, we start to get a
better feel for the oppressive and cruel world Katniss lives in. This is no
bella-clone, perfect in every way, and desired by all. Katniss is a very hard
to like person, who seems genuinely conflicted not just about her feelings for
Gail and Peeta, but also about her feelings about what to do about the growing
rebellion.
Drama and emotions aside, it takes a lot longer to get to
the action in “Catching Fire,” and when we do, there’s not as much as the
previous film. This sequel is more about
building the story, and the drama than the last, and making us wait for the
action to build. The action that does
exist, however, is mostly well done, able to again convey the danger, and the
confusing nature of the battle.
On that note, parents expect to see much of the same
violence, and death as you did in the last film. This is not a film that
teaches kids that violence is OK. Quite the opposite, it teaches the strength
needed to stand up for those weaker than you.
But it also shows just how disturbing violence can be, and even takes
great strengths to show the emotional toil it has on a person.
Before I finish, I want to make a quick note about the films
co-stars. I imagine they were all brought in to satisfy the need for star power…
but to be honest, all of them do a great job in their roles, adding depth to
the story. Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour
Hoffman, Jeffery Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, even Amanda Plummer all
make strong contributions.
Wrapping up; Even
without as much as we saw in the first film, I actually enjoyed Catching Fire a
little more. The plot is better, and
more detailed, with even more tension and suspense. The threat this time is
more than about just Katniss, or Peeta, it’s the future of these people. I recommend
it fully.
Next week… Disney’s Frozen. And While I’m not going to give
away too much, I will say, I love Josh Gadd.
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