The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Directed by Francis Lawrence, the man that brought us I Am Legend (2007) and surprisingly Britney Spears’ music video ‘My Prerogative’ comes the sequel to The Hunger Games (2012). With this, Caps Lawrence’s first directorial entry into this trilogy. Let me be the first to tell you that for a 2.5 hour long movie, it delivers! Its not very often that a big time movie production does justice to a well written book or that a sequel outperforms the original but both are fortunately true here. This reviewer is a big fan of Suzanne Collins work, especially her Hunger Games trilogy and this production does her proud.

We pick up just after the cessation of the previous 74th annual Hunger Games with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) embarking on the traditional victors parade throughout all 12 districts. Much to Gale Hawthorne’s (Liam Hemsworth) dismay, they have continued their fictional relationship to appease The Capital’s hierarchy and especially President Snow (Donald Sutherland). This is to not promote the image of defiance or put their families in jeopardy. Unfortunately Katniss and Peeta’s actions at the climax of the previous movie have given the people of all 12 districts something they never had before, something they cling to and are willing to die for…..hope. Her actions have inspired the idea of a new way of life for the people, a life without subservience and inequality. The extent of the rebellion against the authority is revealed slowly over the course of the movie and is very powerful. Losing grips on his dictatorial control over Panem, President Snow hatches a plan to rid the world of its spark of hope in Katniss. Every 25 years Panem celebrate the Quarterly Quell which is very similar to the average Hunger Games but this year on the 75th anniversary there is a major difference; the competitors are chosen from the winners pool of all districts. With only 3 ever victors in District 12, Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) in the mix and you can guess who ends up back on the battleground.

This is an emotionally charged movie that sucks the viewer in straight away! Its powerful, gripping and very passionate. Lawrence delivers a magnificent performance worthy of an Academy Award winner has really matured as an actress. You might ask why it has been rated only an 8/10, it is a fantastic movie and one of the best released of 2013. However, it is not in the conversation with other 9+/10 movies of our time such as The Matrix (1999) and The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
This reviewer patiently awaits its next instalment!

Futureproof Movie Review Score: 8.0