By Michelle Rettmueller | Editor in Chief, Staff writer
Fans all over have been patiently awaiting its arrival for months. That’s right – the premiere of the second installment of The Hunger Games film franchise, Catching Fire.
The film picks up about six months after the first film ends and follows Katniss Everdeen (portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson) as they embark on a Victory Tour throughout the districts to celebrate their achievement of surviving the 74th Hunger Games. The duo must learn how to carefully conduct
themselves in order to prevent a rebellion from happening within the districts due to their stint with the nightlock berries at the end of their games in the first film while also trying to protect the lives of their loved ones from a very upset and angered President Snow. As if they didn’t already have enough on their plates, they also must deal with the upcoming 75th Hunger Games – a Quarter Quell – which will involve all tributes being reaped from the existing pool of Victors from each district. They just can’t catch a break, can they?
From a die-hard fan’s perspective, the film did not disappoint. It follows the book very closely and only has few differences. Francis Lawrence, the director of the film, did an outstanding job with his interpretation and did not distract the audience with quick, jerky camera movements like the previous film’s director, Gary Ross, did.
The newcomers to the cast did not disappoint either. Actors like Sam Cliffin and Jena Malone, who respectively play Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, added a great new element to the film with their characters, and I could honestly not imagine any other people playing their parts after seeing it.
Whether you’re a fan of the film, books,orjustwanttobeapart of the big pop culture phenomenon, you don’t want to miss out on seeing Catching Fire. I would recommend this film to everyone and anyone, and I can guarantee that you’ll have an enjoyable experience.