The Hunger Games: Catching Fire-2013

Director Francis Lawrence

Starring Jennifer Lawrence

Scott’s Review #1

Reviewed June 16, 2014

Grade: B-

I confess I haven’t read any of the Hunger Games books, so I am critiquing the film on its own merits only, with no knowledge of the books.

Interestingly, I graded the first Hunger Games (2012) film a B-, and I am giving this one almost the same grade for the same reason.

The first hour sets up the second hour, but it drags on unnecessarily. At times it’s slightly dull.

The meat of the film then takes off, and it’s quite good, though it still doesn’t completely hold my attention throughout.

First and foremost, Jennifer Lawrence is the best part. She has the charisma and likability to carry it off.

The chemistry between the two leads (Lawrence and Hutcherson) is there, so the couple is worth rooting for.

The third part of the triangle is weak (Liam Hemsworth has far too little screen time to make him a viable rooting factor).

Donald Sutherland is wonderful as the evil President, but Philip Seymour Hoffman seems to phone it in, and the character isn’t all that intriguing.

The mood of the film and visuals (fog, train sequences) are great because there is modern darkness, and the premise and wondering who will die next during the games are interesting.

The somewhat twist at the end was effective.

To summarize: nice characters/acting, great-looking film, mediocre story, and slow pacing in the first act.