The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) Dir: Francis Lawrence
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Having recently rewatched the first film in this popular franchise, it only made sense to continue onto the sequel, which I had also seen before. I don't remember liking it anywhere near as much as the first film, but I hoped that my feelings towards the Francis Lawrence directed film would've changed.
The first thing I need to point out is just how much of an improvement the visuals of the film were. The CGI was significantly better, and really made that of the original look so much more suspect. I was genuinely shocked by the difference.
Furthermore, the camerawork was so much nicer - it didn't make me queezy with unnecessary and disorienting movements for starters. Everything felt a little neater, without losing the urgency or grounding that made some of the first film work.
The story flowed better, the pacing was more consistent, and honestly, I found myself enjoying it so much more. Even the games were significantly more enjoyable to watch. Some of this was the narrative, but I can't understate the level to which cinematography played its part too.
Jennifer Lawrence was far more consistent this time around, and gave a much more rounded performance. I do think there was one scene where she maybe overacted a little, but I felt that she toed the line nicely the rest of the time. I particularly enjoyed her acting in the first half of the games.
I was far more pleased with the acting of Josh Hutcherson this time. He felt more comfortable in the role, even though he had less to do. I enjoyed his acting more, and felt like he was more convincing just about the whole way through the film. I still think he was outdone by some of the names around him, but this was definitely better.
The standouts of the remaining supporting cast were definitely Sam Claflin, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright and Elizabeth Banks. These actors epitomise their roles brilliantly with some great performances across the board.
Although I enjoyed them less, I believe the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, Jena Malone and Lynn Cohen all deserve ay least their names being mentioned too, thanks to their varying supporting roles.
Overall, I can't believe I wasn't much of a fan of this film the previous time I saw it - I thoroughly enjoyed it this time. It was a big improvement on what had been a pretty solid franchise opener, and set up the third and fourth films nicely. I can't remember the book so much, but I feel like this was a good adaptation, based on what I do recall - either way, it's a good film.
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