The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

My review of The Hunger Games finished with the conclusion that its strong and dynamic central character bucked the trend of the hapless teenage heroine in need of a man to save her and was, as a result, hugely refreshing. This central character is Katniss Everdeen (again played by the immeasurably wonderful Jennifer Lawrence) and I stand by my original thoughts. The primary reason that The Hunger Games worked so well was because it was grounded by Lawrence's enthralling performance and, to my delight, the same is true for the second instalment of the trilogy.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire has a new director (Francis Lawrence - I Am Legend) and a new set of tributes who must fight it out in the 75^th year of the Games. Every twenty five years, the Hunger Games sees a new twist and, this year, the twist is that previous winners will again be offered as tributes. The hugely-unlucky Katniss has to, once again, enter the arena, although this time she has the support of loyal Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). It is a fairly large plot contrivance but if it produces performances and action as seen in the film, then I'm all for it.

First thing's first: Jennifer Lawrence is captivating as the dark-haired, defiant and beautifully vulnerable Katniss whose determination to protect those she loves is a joy to watch on screen. There is no doubt that Catching Fire succeeds because of Lawrence. Without her, it would be very difficult to imagine how a film such as this – the dystopia of children killing one another – would work in a cinematic context over a series of films. The final shot of the film is a perfect example of this and is, dare I say it, the finest piece of close-up camera acting I have ever seen. Without giving away spoilers, Lawrence is...well, stunning.

When the first film was released, it was accompanied by much debate over the level of violence and whether the film's subject matter was suitable for a 12A certificate. Catching Fire carries on its predecessor's attitude towards violence: it is an intrinsic part of the story and is treated in a careful and appropriate way. Gruesome injury detail is minimal and much of the violence is implied or cut away from. This does not make it less affecting, however, and it was still genuinely disturbing to see (or, sometimes, not see) the violence. To remove any more of it would have weakened the intrinsic value of a film based on moral issues such as repression, fear and aggression. Catching Fire is, perhaps, slightly less shocking than the first film. This is due to the fact that the audience are more aware of the film's ideas and subject matter. Furthermore, the first half of the film is set outside of an arena context and focuses on the PR campaign conducted by the Capitol when Katniss and Peeta embark on the Victor's Tour, aimed at keeping down rebellion. There are still, however, plenty of shocks.

A strong supporting cast, displaying the vivid and extravagant costume design of Trish Summerville, works well and helps to create depth in the world of Panem. Fans will be delighted by the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale (Liam Hemsworth) although the whole triangle had be rather confused: can't Katniss just decide who she wants to go out with?! All rather unfair on the boys... Anyway, that's beside the point.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire blends great action with insightful moral commentary and a compelling personal drama. The brutality of the Games and the Capitol once again propels the narrative and results in a film which is, arguably, more accomplished than the first. Jennifer Lawrence is, however, the integral component which holds the film together and is an awesome screen presence. The final book in the trilogy will be split into two films (as with so many adaptations these days) but hey, I don't mind. If it carries on like this, you'll find me at the front of the line...

Clapperboard Rating: * * * *