*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Jennifer Lawrence returns as the main protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, in the second film of The Hunger Games series, Catching Fire. The film is set a few months after Katniss and fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), rebelled against the Capitol and became the first two tributes to win The Hunger Games. The two must embark on a Victory Tour and perform as the 'star-crossed lovers'. After finishing the Victory Tour, both Katniss and Peeta think they're safe from the violent Games, unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) soon announces that there will be a special version of the Hunger Games where the tributes will be reaped from previous victors. This means that Katniss, being the only female victor from District 12, will be forced back into the Games, much to her horror.
Since the first film was released in March 2012, I was devastated when I found out that I had to wait 20 months to watch Catching Fire. However, this was definitely worth the wait as I saw it in IMAX at my local cinema a week after its release and it was incredible. It really brought the Games to life and the sound quality was immense. The action has improved since the first film and the story becomes more tense as Katniss tries to protect Peeta, Gale (Liam Hemsworth), who is her friend from District 12, and her family, which consists of her mother and her younger sister, Prim (Willow Shields).
This film is probably one of the most accurate adaptations of the book as it contains the majority of the dialogue and scenes.
Francis Lawrence takes on the series from previous director, Gary Ross, who couldn't direct due to scheduling conflicts. I definitely think Lawrence was the best choice for directing as he previously directed the science-fiction thriller, I Am Legend starring Will Smith. He understands the characters well and what they've been through and easily shows their pain and aggravation.
Jennifer Lawrence is brilliant as Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of the series. This film shows how selfless she is as she is constantly standing up for herself and protecting her family. An example of her selflessness is when Gale is being publicly whipped and she runs to his aid. Another example is when she learns she and, fellow victor, Peeta are being thrown back into the Games and she asks their mentor, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), to protect Peeta, even if it means she dies. These examples are perfect at showing how brave and protective she is of her friends and family. This is definitely one of Lawrence's best performances since her role as Ree in Winter's Bone and as Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook.
Josh Hutcherson is also great as Peeta Mellark. In The Hunger Games, it was revealed Peeta had a crush on Katniss which made their relationship tense. However, in Catching Fire, they become closer as they bond in the Games. Unlike Lawrence, I grew up watching Hutcherson's previous films including Bridge To Terabithia and Zathura: A Space Adventure so I loved watching him in a mature role.
The action sequences in the first Hunger Games is what made it a compelling watch, especially in the film's climax. However, the action has improved in this sequel and is a lot more exciting than its predecessor. The climax in this film is a lot more tense than the previous film and, unless you've read the book, many people will be on the edge of their seats as they have no idea how the film is going to end or what the cliffhanger is.
Overall, with brilliant acting performances all round, this is a great adaptation of Suzanne Collin's best-selling book and is the best in the series.
9/10
Read my review of The Hunger Games here.
Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 here.
Read my review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 here.
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