Hunger Games : Catching Fire

Apparently Gary Ross (Director of Hunger Games) turned down the opportunity of directing the sequels.  After approaching 8 more directors including the likes of Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) and Joe Cornish (Star Trek 3), the opportunity landed on Francis Lawrence’s table who has then proceeded to give us a rendition that tempts me to ask him to remake Hunger Games 1.

Francis Lawrence is about 15 years younger to Gary Ross but that cannot be the only reason for an effort that is so much superior.  Lawrence has stayed as true to the book as anyone could have.  He hasn’t spared any attention to the major details and has used the concept of a picture speaking a thousand words effectively to ensure that the minor ones also find place.

I may sound like a fanboy here but The Hunger Games series was entertaining reading.  Not the epitome of literary art by a country mile and a half but definitely amongst the better “young adult” reading that is available these days.  The premise of the victory of good over evil through a fantasy set somewhere in the future is coupled with some good writing.  So it was a tad disappointing to see the first part turn out to be just average.

Therefore, it came as a pleasant surprise to see Francis Lawrence recreate the finer details without compromising on the pace of the movie.  Hunger Games Catching Fire goes past like a breeze.  It is a long movie mind you – longer than some of the Bollywood flicks that you see these days @ 146 minutes.  But at no point will you find yourself squirming in your seats.  Unless you haven’t seen the earlier part or read the books.

The story takes off from with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peta (Josh Hutcherson) on their victory tour of the 74^th Hunger Games.  President Snow (Donald Sutherland) senses a rebellion and comes down heavily on the lovebirds and the residents of all districts. He goes on to announce the 75^th Games which will feature winners of past Games in an attempt to quell all inspiration and end Katniss’ reign as the most popular winner.

Jennifer Lawrence is quickly rising up the ladder of popularity.  Very good performance from her side and needless to say, most of the cast.  Watch out for a very interesting piece of casting with Philip Seymour Hoffman in the role of the Head Game Maker – Plutarch Heavensbee.  Simply superb. The overall casting for this movie is actually near perfect.

HGCF is probably the shot in the arm Francis Lawrence needed after 3 average full length features – Constantine, I am Legend and Water For Elephants.  I will be watching out for his future releases.  Especially Hunger Games Mocking Jay – and whaddya know – they have split this into 2 parts!!! More money for the studios!!! 7 on 10 for HGCF.  Watch it for sure on the big screen.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4243236889/?ref_=tt_ov_vi

And if you don’t recollect the previous part, here is the link to my write up on HUNGER GAMES (2012) http://kartikr.blogspot.in/2012/03/hunger-games.html