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| Jennifer Lawrence |
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is the long-awaited sequel to 2012's blockbuster "Hunger Games," a gripping thriller that's more enjoyable and ambitious than the first film and won't disappoint the legions of fans of the book series, as well as others (myself included) who come out only to see its lovely star, Jennifer Lawrence, in action. Overlong but entertaining, well-paced and stuffed with some nice cast additions, "Catching Fire" works chiefly because of Oscar-winning lead actress Lawrence, who dazzles as the lead heroine and ably carries the film on her shoulders. In this outing, Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, only to be taken back out on an uneasy "Victory Tour" that has Katniss noticing signs of rebellion. Meanwhile, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) plans the 75th Annual Hunger Games, essentially an all-star version featuring former champions, including Katniss and Peeta, that could ignite the flames of rebellion as they risk their lives once more. Directed by Francis Lawrence ("Water for Elephants") and co-written by Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt, the well-acted "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" has more substance and intensity than the first installment with more to accomplish this time out; with that in mind the first act drags and its best parts come later on during the actual games. The visuals, sets and the costumes are first-rate and far more elaborate this time, particularly another impressive dress that Lawrence rocks mid-film, and the large supporting cast is nothing short of stellar, with Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Sutherland, Stanley Tucci, Lenny Kravitz and Elizabeth Banks (as outrageous as ever as Effie) all reprising their roles, though it's the new cast additions who will generate more buzz. Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright and Oscar-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman are the most memorable of these, adding more texture to the film and easily outpacing the blandish Hutcherson, whose Peeta seems a little lost this time out. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is really a futuristic, deadly cross between "Survivor" and "Amazing Race," and on that note, it goes on too long and tries to accomplish too much, but it picks up considerable energy once the games get rolling and doesn't let go until the end. Best of all is still Lawrence, who is sensational as Katniss and deserving of every minute of screen time she gets, and while the ending leaves you hanging as to her fate, I'm certain this won't be the last you'll see of her. Fans will get the most out of it, but it should pick up lots of non-fans in the process.
Wes's Grade: B
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