In the world of movies, sequels can be a hit or a miss. Some, like “The Dark Knight” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” successfully build from their originals to become beloved films in their own right, while others, like the sequels of “Bring it On,” fail to bring anything new to the table. Fortunately for “Catching Fire,” the “Hunger Games” sequel that debuted this past Friday, it falls into the former category.
Based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novels, “Catching Fire” reintroduced the world to Katniss Everdeen, the young heroine who won the fight-to-the-death competition that pitted her against twenty-three other children. However, winning the games and saving fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, has consequences. Katniss has to convince her country she is a foolish girl in love, not a pillar for a budding rebellion. But when she fails, the Hunger Games’ 75th anniversary brings a twist that will change Katniss’ world forever.
One of the greatest struggles to adapting a novel is the balance between respecting the source material and creating a riveting film, and “Catching Fire” strikes that balance with finesse. The film follows the novel almost perfectly, some scenes literally taken word-for-word from the text, but still has the added bonus of new scenes embracing the fact that we’re seeing the story beyond Katniss’ limited perspective. While minor characters and details may have been scrapped, it is nothing major enough to cause a stir in die-hard fans.
The movie is carried on the weight of Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence’s shoulders, and that’s not a bad place to be. This movie shows just how far Lawrence has come in her acting. While her “Hunger Games” version of Katniss was colder and more aloof, “Catching Fire’s” Katniss has a sharper wit and more of the spark readers grew to love about the heroine. Lawrence achieves great emotional depth within this film, from the sharp-tongued feistiness as she held her ground with the other tributes to the shaking agony of someone wracked with guilt. Lawrence pulls off all the emotions near-flawlessly.
Director Francis Lawrence helmed this adaption with streamlined intensity and heart. Gone are the shaky camera movements and awkward character interactions from Gary Ross’ first film, replaced by the intensely fast-paced and seamless movement through Katniss’ second chapter. The movie transports you to a place where two and a half hours flies by without a second thought. While the movie benefits from setup in the first movie, the power of the film lies in its intent focus on the story and the strong and complex portrayals from the cast.
This movie may not be for everyone. Some people don’t like “The Hunger Games.” Some find the portrayal of violence uncomfortable. Some are not as easily won over by Lawrence and her cast of heavily hitters. However, those loyal to the series or who just enjoy the story will not be disappointed with what “Catching Fire” has to offer.