HG: Catching Fire is being hailed by some as The Empire Strikes Back of the franchise, a hard mark for any film to live up to. So far the movie has set the box office alight, single-handedly transforming Lionsgate into a major picture studio and bringing millions by the minute, Lionsgate have struck gold. But is it the 24 caret standard or pyrite?
The Positives
- Acting
For the most part the cast do a sterling job. The focus from Lionsgate was quite clearly, "Men, we've got an Oscar winning leading women, let's make everyone know!". Jennifer Lawrence outshines anyone unlucky enough (or lucky enough?) to share any screen time.
Josh Hutcherson does well as Peta, but in certain scenes seems mismatched in talent up against the likes of Lawrence and Woody Harrelson (Who puts in one his best performances in a long stretch).
Donald Sutherland's President Snow is a great villain, ruling from the shadows and Sam Clafin's Finnick Odair becomes surprisingly likable as the story progresses.
- Suspense
If Catching Fire got anything right, it's the suspense. The action no longer feels like lazy mans action (shaky cam) and the film builds suspense perfectly, constantly keeping you on your toes.
- Panem
Without a doubt the best part of the film is The Capitol, Panem's sprawling capital city. Just as Thor: The Dark World explored more of Asgard on it's second outing, Catching Fire does a great job showing off Panem, in both poverty and riches, showing us just how evil the government really is.
But now...
The Negative
- Story
THGs have one thing going for them, half the script is already there waiting for them. Unfortunately... they cocked it up real bad. In the original film the story felt new and shocking. No-one was safe and twists were at every corner.
Catching Fire tries to carry over the first movie's charm but after 30 minutes of trying as hard as it can to keep up, it fell flat on it's face...
By the third act the story let the film down massively and was ultimately the only pitfall of an enjoyable movie.
The Verdict
Overall, Lionsgate have hit on a real winner with Catching Fire. I can't call it an Empire Strikes Back marvel, but a rather good marvel it is. Francis Lawrence is already locked in for Mocking-jay Part 1 and 2 which is no bad thing.
Does it match up to November's other blockbuster Thor: TDW? No, but comeback with a stronger script and an already great cast, you can be certain that I'll be there opening night come next year!
Without a doubt: TOP
Grazie, Signore e Signori