Hunger Games 2 Catching Fire: worthy sequel

I learnt that it is progressively difficult for me to watch a midnight show. Having a few glass of beers during dinner make it worse. To top it up, having Chinese tea in supper guaranteed an effective diuretics in which I may as well camped in the toilet. But all these did not prevent me from enjoying Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire. However, the version I saw in the local cinema looked bit blurred and did not appeared as digital 2D; I just felt cheated.


Catching Fire is a worthy sequel from the first movie. I still am a strong proponent that this may emulate Battle Royale's idea, a manga/ novel franchise from Japan; but the story and the execution of the movie did proves that it has a strong story on its own. The movie did not waste anytime for recap and to introduce again the background of Panem, but throw us straight where the first movie left us. This is meant for those who had watched the first movie, so I strongly suggest those who had not watch the first, refrained from going to this movie yet. Anyway, following Katniss and Peeta's victory in the last Hunger Games, it did not change the world of Panem. District 12 still lives in poverty, and the people are rebelling. They look upon Katniss as a beacon of hope, a sign of survival against all odd. President Snow, in his move to rid of Katniss and Peeta, organize the quarter quell, basically the all star Hunger Games, the tribute were chosen from the previous pool of victors, which meant Katniss have no choice but to reenter the arena of Hunger Games. Throw in the usual traps and ever changing environment, this version seems to be more lethal. The games actually make the Survival show looks so sissy. However, in contrast to the first one, there is many more allies who seems to be protecting them. Without revealing too much, we all would know that Katniss will survive and the show ended with a cliffhanger, involving some rebellion towards the government.

The acting is top class. Jennifer Lawrence gave a flawless depiction of Katniss with the right amount of vulnerability and also strong will. Hutcherson, however, had limited screen time, making Peeta appeared more like a supporting character. The rest of the supporting cast were great in their role, the chemistry was undeniably great. Do not expect lots of actions comparatively to a summer action movie, the Hunger Games has a more layered meaning than mindless gun-sword-bomb blowing sequences.


The show was deeply entertaining. As other second movie in any trilogy/ franchise, it served more like a build up towards the final showdown. It may not work well as a stand alone movie, but in the combination of the first movie, now, I am looking forward for the adaptation of the third book.


Ratings: 4 poink!
comments: Colleen said the book is equally good. Hmmm.. I wonder if they would make an adaptation from the Battle Royale as well.