The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The second entry in the post-apocalyptic thriller franchise sees the return of Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta. Still troubled by the violent events of the first film, the duo are sent on a tour of the districts to celebrate their achievement, but as open rebellion threatens to break out, the rulers of Panem throw them back into a fight for their lives. Directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend).
After surviving the last Hunger Games, Katniss' actions have ingnited the hint of a revolution within the districts. But the iron fist with which they are ruled proves stronger than ever and Katniss is again forced into the role of propaganda tool and combatant, facing off in another deadly free-for-all tournament - this time going up against victors from previous years. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jena Malone join the cast alongside returning co-stars Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Donald Sutherland.
- Director:
- Francis Lawrence ('Water for Elephants', 'I Am Legend', 'Constantine')
- Writer:
- Simon BeaufoyMichael Arndt
- Cast:
- Jennifer LawrenceElizabeth BanksJosh HutchersonSam ClaflinLiam HemsworthPhilip Seymour HoffmanJena MaloneWoody HarrelsonStanley TucciDonald Sutherland
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksRevisiting the dystopian setting of last year’s The Hunger Games, Catching Fire makes even more of Jennifer Lawrence’s rising star than its precursor. Like her character Katniss, the actress continues to reveal hidden strengths both when this sequel demands more range in her performance and when she’s simply required to cover familiar ground.
On Fire
The second instalment of the Hunger Games boasted a budget of close to $140mil, the original cast (shooting was delayed to allow Jennifer Lawrence to complete her part in the sequel to X-Men). And was assured greatness…and it delivered. Exceeding the hype from the first instalment The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has already earned close to $1Billion...
Managed to captivate in a way the novel couldn't.
Following the enjoyment of the first film, I went and read the trilogy this series in based upon. I was immediately worried for the future of the film series. Those worried were gone the second I started watching Catching Fire. The spectacle and the intrigue translates perfectly to film, and the arena scenes (easily the best part of the novel) is delivered...
A Science Fiction Fantasy
This story is more solid than the first one.The characters are more mature.The new director has done away with the shaky camera work.It is slow to get going but carefully weaves around to softly develop the characters and story. The games seen to be more about science fiction and looses the connection with the skills of the contestants.(Spoiler Alert!)The...
Surpasses the First!
Moving on from the child slaughter of the first film we see a more mature nature this time around, Really witnessing what happens when the power the rules decides to wield its mighty hand to ensure its terms are met. Can the rebelling enslaved actually make a difference? We would all like to hope so... To be continued... Great sequel a must watch for Hunger...
Hungry for More
Hunger Games : Catching Fire Pretty good follow up movie, just found it a little slow in parts (I will eventually read the books now). Enjoyed the special effects and the new actors, bringing some more realism to the screen. I found the ending kinda just dropped & stopped, like 'Breaking Dawn pt1', but other than that it was pretty average. Reminded me of...
Better than the 1st one.
I was never a fan of the 1st film, actually thought it was rather boring. But this time I was dragged along by my step daughter who insisted that I go with her. I will say it a lot more enjoyable than 1st movie. I got a bit tired of Jennifer Lawerence having the same expression on her face but to be honest after watching this I will go willingly to the next...
Variety
pressMakes for rousing entertainment in its own right, leaving fans riled and ready to storm the castle.
Total Film
pressExpands Suzanne Collins' novel beyond the confines of the arena to tackle some seriously brutal truths.
Time Out
pressThe keepers of Suzanne Collins's trilogy of fantasy novels have dodged the perils of the sloppy second franchise film.
The Guardian
pressNot quite a full course, more of an amuse bouche, making its mammoth audience hungry for future, meatier instalments.
The Dissolve
pressIt’s not just bigger, it’s better, and it bodes well for the future of the series, if not necessarily of its unlucky protagonist.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA safe, serviceable, carefully crafted action drama in which the subversive seeds planted in the first story take welcome root.
Empire Magazine
pressThis second grittier, more confident round of Hunger Games thrills us into submission.
Flicks, Steve Newall
flicksRevisiting the dystopian setting of last year’s The Hunger Games, Catching Fire makes even more of Jennifer Lawrence’s rising star than its precursor. Like her character Katniss, the actress continues to reveal hidden strengths both when this sequel demands more range in her performance and when she’s simply required to cover familiar ground.
Variety
pressMakes for rousing entertainment in its own right, leaving fans riled and ready to storm the castle.
Total Film
pressExpands Suzanne Collins' novel beyond the confines of the arena to tackle some seriously brutal truths.
Time Out
pressThe keepers of Suzanne Collins's trilogy of fantasy novels have dodged the perils of the sloppy second franchise film.
The Guardian
pressNot quite a full course, more of an amuse bouche, making its mammoth audience hungry for future, meatier instalments.
The Dissolve
pressIt’s not just bigger, it’s better, and it bodes well for the future of the series, if not necessarily of its unlucky protagonist.
Hollywood Reporter
pressA safe, serviceable, carefully crafted action drama in which the subversive seeds planted in the first story take welcome root.
Empire Magazine
pressThis second grittier, more confident round of Hunger Games thrills us into submission.
On Fire
The second instalment of the Hunger Games boasted a budget of close to $140mil, the original cast (shooting was delayed to allow Jennifer Lawrence to complete her part in the sequel to X-Men). And was assured greatness…and it delivered. Exceeding the hype from the first instalment The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has already earned close to $1Billion...
Managed to captivate in a way the novel couldn't.
Following the enjoyment of the first film, I went and read the trilogy this series in based upon. I was immediately worried for the future of the film series. Those worried were gone the second I started watching Catching Fire. The spectacle and the intrigue translates perfectly to film, and the arena scenes (easily the best part of the novel) is...
A Science Fiction Fantasy
This story is more solid than the first one.The characters are more mature.The new director has done away with the shaky camera work.It is slow to get going but carefully weaves around to softly develop the characters and story. The games seen to be more about science fiction and looses the connection with the skills of the contestants.(Spoiler Alert!)The...
Surpasses the First!
Moving on from the child slaughter of the first film we see a more mature nature this time around, Really witnessing what happens when the power the rules decides to wield its mighty hand to ensure its terms are met. Can the rebelling enslaved actually make a difference? We would all like to hope so... To be continued... Great sequel a must watch for...
Hungry for More
Hunger Games : Catching Fire Pretty good follow up movie, just found it a little slow in parts (I will eventually read the books now). Enjoyed the special effects and the new actors, bringing some more realism to the screen. I found the ending kinda just dropped & stopped, like 'Breaking Dawn pt1', but other than that it was pretty average. Reminded me of...
Better than the 1st one.
I was never a fan of the 1st film, actually thought it was rather boring. But this time I was dragged along by my step daughter who insisted that I go with her. I will say it a lot more enjoyable than 1st movie. I got a bit tired of Jennifer Lawerence having the same expression on her face but to be honest after watching this I will go willingly to the...
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