MOVIE REVIEW - Hunger Games - Catching Fire

The second installment of The Hunger Games franchise is out this week, Jennifer Lawrence is back as Katniss Everdeen in Hunger Games: Catching Fire.   Destined to be a record setter this week.

We pick up where we left off after the original Hunger Games within our story and movie. But movie goers are flashed forwarded light years ahead since the original almost 2 years ago.  Much has changed. 

The budget for this is nearly double the original, and we can all be assured Lawrence was not paid the measly sum of 500 grand for this as she was the first.   The sets are magnificent, and the supporting cast is strong, with some new additions that you will love as some more A-list actors show up.  The music from James Newton Howard is simply great, and the story itself is whistling along nicely in this set of movies.  These are not perfect movies, as the dialogue can be silly, and bland at times, but it's not a deal breaker.   Also, this is exciting but it is not a "special effects fest."  Yes there are some, but not the overdone computer generated effects producers are in love with right now.

What this movie does well, is what the first one did well.  During the "games" portion of the movie, it does put you right in the game with them.  Of course this is the future, and this whole Hunger Game concept with the movie, is a real life video game. Even tough this is a bit long it paces along very well after a slow start.  They know you want the games and they give you plenty of them.

They also are taking this in a new and good direction.  There is less emphasis on the fighting and the games itself, and now it has shifted towards who the enemy really is.  And that would be the gigantic, overbearing government that is controlling every aspect of life in the future.  Is revolution at hand?  That is the real story now in Hunger Games.

Things are a lot different since the last time Jennifer Lawrence was introducing herself to us in the original.  She is older, more mature, and has an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook.   She is pretty good in this really not so challenging role, as this is an ensemble piece.   It is fun to see her continue to come of age as an actress.  There are many great things ahead for her, and she will look back sometime and be thankful for this franchise and this chance.  But there is far better work and roles ahead for her as an actress than this will allow.  But this will now provide the paycheck.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  For what this is, still away above the fray and pretty good.