This is yet another film version of a popular youth novel series. This time it is the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, first published in 2008. And although to date it sold far more than a million copies it was not quite as popular as the Harry Potter or Twilight series of books. I, for one, was not particularly impressed by it.
To start off with, the whole story line is a bit grim for my taste. In the imaginary land of Panem, society is basically ruled by fair. Once a year each district must provide one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to take part in an annual event called the Hunger Games. So far, so good, you might think. But wait, there is a twist: the "games" are a fight to the death from which only one survivor can emerge as victor! Enter Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) on behalf of one of the districts and let the 'games' begin...
If it wasn't for the excellent acting of its young cast (which includes Liam Hemsworth from Thor fame) I would have rated this movie a one or, worse even, a DUD! Therefor that is the only reason why, in the end, I gave it two out of five stars.
Trailer link:
Trailer link:
Cast
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
The story picks up where the previous one ended. Our hero's, Katniss (still portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (also still played by Josh Hutcherson) must go on a victory tour through all the districts. But since the previous games, which they won, there is growing dissent throughout the land. And president Snow (Donald Sutherland) wants to use them to quell any possible uprising before it becomes a real threat. So he decrees a special version of the yearly Hunger Games. Only for this 75th anniversary of the Games the participants (or 'tributes' as they are called) will not be chosen in the usual way (see discussion of The Hunger Games above). In stead, each District must appoint two of their previous victors. Obviously that causes a lot of anger and resentment amongst such participants.
But I'm afraid that, except again for the excellent performance of the cast, this sequel is no better than the first one in this series. Again I can give it no more than two out of five stars. Maybe the third delivery (if there is one) will be better. Who knows?
Trailer link:
Trailer link:
The Catching Fire cast
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