THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson
Directed by Francis Lawrence
One of the fundamentals of world-building in sci-fi storytelling is that, once youve established the rules of your speculative reality, you must abide by them. As scripted and directed by Gary Ross, 2012s The Hunger Games (adapted from Suzanne Collins wildly popular young adult novel) aggravatingly felt as if it was constantly rewriting its dystopian futures rules right through the closing credits.
Consequently, theres some satisfaction in seeing that films outcome combatants Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) both prevailing in a televised battle royale that was to have only one winner/survivor being derided as a fiasco in this follow-up. Even more rewarding is seeing the franchise raise its game by enlisting Oscar-winning screenwriters Michael Arndt and Simon Beaufoy. Their combined efforts ensure a more structurally sound and emotionally involving film that expands the storys scope.
Rather impressively, the film lambastes the manipulative power of media while simultaneously pushing all the right buttons, uncovering the ideal combination for top-flight escapist entertainment. This edition of The Hunger Games leaves you with something to chew on.
