The Hunger Games- Catching Fire

 

Since this film is bullet proof my critique will just bounce off. This is the second installment of a trilogy (I think). From the inflated box office this movie has crossover appeal beyond the book’s devotees. It is a fast paced action film with a female leading star as the main protagonist which is rare in today’s cinema.

The story has two things going on, the nascent rebellion and the hunger games. These two events are related since the contestants of the Hunger Games are involved in the rebellion. From the movies perspective the parts do not complement each other. For now the contestants are more contestants than rebels. The games seem to be less brutal than the first movie; more contestants die off with a canon boom rather than being eviscerated on the big screen.

Jennifer Lawrence is a versatile actress (only 23 years old) who can go from playing a manic depressive to a dead eyed archer.  Acting as Katniss Everdeen is not too demanding; basically she is a super hero and that is usually uncomplicated. She does have some vulnerability, but she prevails with lethal effect. Lawrence has an athletic body which she uses to play the role. The Hunger Games are fast paced and unforgiving; there were some interesting killing scenes.  

Josh Hutcherson plays Katniss’s partner, Peeta Mallark in the games. His emotional range is limited to two facial expressions, stern and not too stern. As the forlorn love interest his bleakness serves him well.

It is refreshing to see Woody Harrelson playing a role other than a homicidal maniac. As the quasi alcoholic mentor to Katniss and Peeta, he keeps them alive during the games. Compared to his other demanding roles this was a cake walk for him.

Donald Sutherland plays evil President Snow with his usual languid performance.  His grandfatherly persona complete with white beard, belies atrocities he willingly inflicts. Sutherland’s air time is limited but his role is pivotal.

 Stanly Tucci plays the most annoying obnoxious TV host ever. Tucci has a rich resume of characters but as Caesar Flickerman he is over the top (in acting and in wardrobe). Caesar sells lies to his Capital audience.

This a great franchise for the stockholders and the audiences. Aside from the unique ways of killing people the script does not break new grounds. History is replete with true stories of resistance fighters sans stunt men.