The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Claflin Jena Malone
Director: Francis Lawrence
Rating: 5/5
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has been one of the most anticipated and talked about movies of 2013... Believe me when I tell you that it does not disappoint.
Having seen how faithful an adaptation The Hunger Games was last year, I have been excited to see how the rest of the franchise transfers from book to screen; I remain thoroughly impressed.
Catching Fire picks up as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are about to set off on their victory tour of Panam.
However, just when they think that they can settle back into 'normal life' they are plunged back into the arena for the Quarter Quell.
This time around, they will be doing battle with former Hunger Games winners... but everything is not as it seems.
Suzanne Collins story and characters are so rich and powerful and it is great to see that during the book to film process none of that has been lost: which can so often be the case.
It is always difficult to make a 'middle movie', as this film does not need to set up the central characters and is a bridge to the climax of the finale, however, Catching Fire is as riveting and as exciting as the first instalment.
Director Francis Lawrence really must be applauded as he has delivered a movie that is intense as well as fantastically paced; the action and danger comes thick and fast, never allowing the audience to catch their breath.
There is a more refined look to the film - the special effects really are fantastic - and it is exciting to now that Francis Lawrence will direct the final two instalments of the franchise.
While the story is tight and the film looks great, it would be nothing without fine performances from an impressive cast list.
Jennifer Lawrence is back as heroine Katniss Everdeen, and we continue to see an unjust world through her eyes.
Lawrence really brings through the strength and the determination of Katniss, and yet she is not a character without fear and self-doubt.
We are introduced to some great new characters in Finnick Odair, Johanna Mason and Plutarch Heavensbee - all played terrifically well by Sam Claflin, Jenna Malone and Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Seymour Hoffman in particular has some great scenes with Donald Sutherland, and he plots and schemes as the new gamesmakeer. I am excited to see how all three characters develop over the next couple of movies.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is one of the best blockbusters that I have had the privilege of watching so far this year.
Everyone involved has taken into account the affection that many people have for the novel, and it really is another very faithful and true adaptation.
A personal hate of mine is when the heart and the spirit if a terrific book is trampled all over... but there is no fear of that here.
Catching Fire really is a heart-pounding ride and is not to be missed. I can't believe we have to wait a whole year for the next instalment!!!!
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is out now.
Tagged in Jennifer Lawrence The Hunger Games