‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Movie Review, Best and Worst Moments of the Film [WATCH]
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" movie starring Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy), Donald Sutherland (President Coriolanus Snow), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman) and Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), was released on Nov. 22, 2013 in the U.S. Here is a brief movie review of it including the best and worst moments of the film.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is the second installment of "The Hunger Games" film adaption based on the trilogy ("The Hunger Games," "Catching Fire," and "Mockingjay") by American television writer and author Suzanne Collins. It was much better than the first film, in terms of acting, costumes, plot and special effects. It certainly helped that they cast 2005 Academy Award winner for Best Actor ("Capote") Philip Seymour Hoffman (Plutarch Heavensbee) in "The Hunger Games" sequel. He added a level of mystery and suspense to the film, which left people wondering if he is what he seems to be.
CREDIT: YouTube/The Hunger Games
BEST MOMENTS:
One of the best moments of the film was when Katniss Everdeen, played by 2012 Academy Award winner for Best Actress ("Silver Linings Playbook") Jennifer Lawrence paid tribute to her fallen comrades from the 74th "Hunger Games," District 11's Rue (Amandla Stenberg) and Thresh (Dayo Okeniyi). Even if it was heart-wrenching to watch, especially because Rue's family was there as Katniss spoke about her, it was one of the highlights of the film because it showcased Katniss' concern for others and her courage to defy those in power.
Another highlight of the film was when Katniss emerged from behind the curtains to be presented to the audience as part of the 75th "Hunger Games" with her fellow victors, including Peeta Mellark. When she stepped out wearing that gorgeous white gown, it was breathtaking. Click HERE to see it. Then, she twirled around, and the gown seemed to catch fire again, just like what happened in the first film. The difference is that this time, another gown was revealed as she twirled, finally showing a black gown and wings that made her look like a mockingjay, which is her symbol of defiance against President Snow's oppressive regime in Panem.
Finally, when all of the "Hunger Games" victors who will compete again with each other on the 75th "Hunger Games," held hands with each other as a sign of unity, it was inspiring to see. They all tried to stop the deadly games from continuing on. Unfortunately, they failed as they were still forced to battle each other to survive "The Hunger Games."
A funny moment in the film was when Jena Malone, who played Johanna Mason, one of the victors, went inside the elevator that Peeta, Katniss and Haymitch were riding, complained of her outfit and proceeded to undress nonchalantly in front of them all.
WORST MOMENTS:
One of the worst moments of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," was when a man from District 11 was killed because he started to whistle and hold his head up high showing a sign that meant he was against President Snow and his minions. When some of his district members followed suit, he was captured and put to death.
Another one was when Gale, played by Liam Hemsworth was publicly whipped for trying to save someone from being beaten up. It looked so realistic and very painful to watch. Honestly, it was like Jesus being scourged at the pillar!
When a poisonous fog threatened to engulf Katniss and her friends in the game, it was horrible. You'd think they would die and there was no hope for them to survive that. Luckily, they managed to find an area that was shielded from the deadly fog and some water to wash off the painful remnants of the poison. Unfortunately, one of their comrades (Mags, played by Lynn Cohen), sacrificed herself so they could move faster.
Lastly, towards the end of the film, when Katniss got separated from Peeta and she learned that he was taken captive in the Capitol, along with Johanna, that was one of the worst because the film ended after that part, leaving audiences hanging and wanting more.
BOX OFFICE INFO:
According to Rotten Tomatoes, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" movie held its number one position and beat out its contender, animated film "Frozen"($66.7 million) in the box office records. It grossed an estimated $74.5 million over three days (Friday-to-Sunday). Plus, it amassed $110.2 million over the five-day span and after about ten days its ticket sales have reached $296.5 million. And that's only in the U.S.! In other parts of the world, the film has reached $573 million already!
IMDB RATINGS:
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) rating for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is 8.2/10 from 83,924 users. It garnered a Metascore of 75/100 from various critics including Joe Morgenstern of Wall Street Journal and Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times.
ROTTEN TOMATOES RATINGS:
According to the Tomatometer, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" deserves an 89% score and is certified FRESH by Rotten Tomatoes. It scored a 7.5/10 average rating, with 198 considering it fresh and 24 considering it rotten. It also got a 93% score and a 4.5/5 rating from the audience.
"Smart, smoothly directed, and enriched with a deeper exploration of the franchise's thought-provoking themes, Catching Fire proves a thoroughly compelling second installment in the Hunger Games series," stated Rotten Tomatoes in its Web site.
SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS:
Danny Villalta (@WandererGirl451) wants to see the movie again.
I NEED, no I HAVE to see @TheHungerGames #catchingfire AGAIN, Francis Lawrence You Genius! Amazing movie PERFECT!!! I'm speechless
— Danny Villalta (@WandererGirl451) December 2, 2013
Joe Kucharski (@TyrannyOfStyle) loved Effie and her outfits.
Can't get over the phenomenal character arc @ElizabethBanks and @MzTSummerville created together for Effie in #CatchingFire. — Joe Kucharski (@TyrannyOfStyle) November 30, 2013
AUDIENCE REVIEWS:
Those who've watched "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" have different opinions about the film. Read snippets of their thoughts below.
"Francis Lawrence was nothing short of an excellent choice for the director's chair: gone are the shaky camera action (one of my major problems with the first film) and welcome are thrilling and pumping action scenes that expertly convey the tension and ferocity of the moment. He managed to keep the violence and shock without ever crossing the line, and whoever read the books know how important this is; it's part of the plot, of the criticism and one of the main elements that make the whole point of the film. He keeps you interested and invested in the story even when nothing bombastic is happening, and that is a great achievement, something that really sets this sequel apart," said Arthur Ribeiro from Brazil, in the IMDb user reviews and ratings section for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."
"In a time where the most anticipated blockbusters have been disappointing, Catching Fire takes a different direction. Not only is it a note-worthy sequel, but it's also a slight improvement over the previous film," said Drew St. Pierre from Maine, in the IMDb user reviews and ratings section for "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire."
CRITIC REVIEWS:
"Catching Fire delivers on the grim, roiling promises of the original," said Lisa Kennedy of Denver Post as stated in the Rotten Tomatoes Web site.
"Water for Elephants director Francis Lawrence makes us wait one and half hours before the actual Games begin, when the previous victors are pitted against each other in this - the third Quarter Quell of the 75th anniversary of the rebellion. This is a battle to the death and there is much more than devious opponents to conquer: other elements include poisonous fog, vicious baboons, a tidal wave, blood rain and a deadly electric storm. But it is Lawrence who holds our attention and steals our hearts, her expressive, vulnerable face magnified to exaggerated proportions. I was a tad disappointed the film does not fire in the same way as does Lawrence, but the fans may not agree," said Louise Keller in the Urban Cinefile (The World of Film in Australia - on the Internet )Web site.
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" movie review provides insights and a brief overview of the said film, including its best and worst moments, box office records, audience and critic reviews and ratings from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. If you haven't watched "Hunger Games: Catching Fire" yet, I suggest you go on and head to the nearest cinema because you are definitely missing out. The last installment of the "The Hunger Games" trilogy is "Mockingjay." It will be split into two movies and will be released in Nov. 2014 and Nov. 2015.
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'Hunger Games' Jennifer Lawrence Spotted with Beau Nicholas Hoult at 'Catching Fire' Premiere (Click HERE)
