Fire is Catching: Catching Fire Review

Fire is Catching!

(Hunger Games: Catching Fire)

Fire is catching and fire was indeed caught in the second installment of the Hunger Games, Catching Fire. 

Unlike any die-hard fan, I wasn't able to watch the first showing of the film. Lack of budget and I had a date planned for it. So, it took all the self-control I had in me not to squeal in furious delight once I caught sight of the magnificent poster at the cinemas when it was my time to watch. I had a lot of anticipations for the second movie adaptation. In all honesty, Catching Fire is my favorite book in the saga because of its delicious plot twists, the growing tension of the rebellion and the tangy love triangle between Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and her two leading gents: Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Let's also not forget the Quarter Quell. I expected to see blood, blood and definitely more blood but with class.

Once I was all comfortable in my seat, popcorn in hand and doughnut in another, I swam into the second installment of Suzanne Collins' novel.

I applaud the scriptwriters for remaining so faithful to the book. I agree that some books need to be altered in the movies in order to fit popular demand but Catching Fire, from beginning to end, needs no drastic alterations. It was as if the book had truly come to life and I was watching every page of it. 

Set designs were admirable, too, especially the Capitol and the Arena. I was gobsmacked with the Arena; it was a nightmare/dream come true. Compared to the original Arena in the first movie, there's a certain vibrance emanating from this year's arena, given the fact that it's a beach/jungle combination. 

Jennifer Lawrence is THE boss. She has done an excellent work in portraying the drastic changes of her character from the first book to the second. Katniss in her hot mess state (I simply cannot count the number of times she broke into tears, threw a fit, became all wild and crazy) was just a beautiful masterpiece. I loved how she manages to adapt all the little things about her character: from the way she moves, how she cares for Prim and all that. She also deserves applause for staying pretty despite the fact that she suffered an explosion or was just attacked by a poisonous haze. However, I am not a fan of her kissing. I did feel some sparks when she locked lips with her co-stars but they seemed...awkward.

Or maybe she was just that good. 

Katniss and Cesar Flickerman

Her leading man Josh Hutcherson who plays the ever sheepish, shy, secretly-hurting-over-being-friendzoned-or-used-by-the-girl-he-likes-so-she-could-survive-the-Games baker boy Peeta was successful in collecting squeals, blushes and uneven heart beatings from the audience. I'm a huge Peeta fan; ever since he threw that bread to a rain-soaked Katniss, I fell in love with him. And it doesn't help that Hutcherson is portraying him. Josh + Peeta = OH-WHY-ARE-WE-STILL-TALKING? He nailed the lines in perfect Peeta fashion especially when he said: "No one needs me." 

Peeta Mellark in his Capitol interview getup

Their onscreen chemistry was just heart-melting. J. Law and J. Hutch's tension-filled duo keeps the audience wanting more of Katniss and Peeta. Josh is the typical friendzoned guy who wants to make amends while Jen is the clueless girl who doesn't have any time to think about love but practically snogs Gale behind Peeta's back (shame on you!). I was so amazed with their Capitol parade entrance; they looked like demigods on that chariot. I was practically bowing to them in awe.

Sizzling!

Several of the cast did well in their roles. Hemsworth proves his worth as Katniss best friend/lover with his sultry eyes, hurt demeanor and rugged appearance. I loved Jena Malones' portrayal of spunky District 7 tribute, Johanna Mason. She was gutsy and I adored it. Of course, I have also anticipated Sam Claflin's take on the extremely gorgeous District 4 tribute, Finnick Odair. If I were to make use of the UP grading system, I'd give the guy a 1.75. I guess I expected too much from the character that I wasn't able to fully appreciate Claflin.

Yes, he was great as Finnick-Battle mode but as Finnick who is known for his seductiveness, I don't think Claflin was able to mimic that. But kudos to him for giving the warrior in his character an edge. My heart did pang a bit when he cried over Mags, so job well done, Sam!

Quarter Quell Tributes

Compared to last year's Hunger Games, this year has more memorable scenes for viewers like I. Add to the list the following: the tingling Victory Tour (yes, I tingled at the sight of the Districts rebelling in secret), that moment when Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch found out about the Quarter Quell's tributes (I got goosebumps watching their varied reactions to it), the Reaping (and Peeta volunteering and the trademark District 12 farewell), meeting the other tributes, Effie's goodbye, Cinna getting beaten up and so on and so forth. Let's not forget Johanna undressing in front of an awkward Peeta, an agitated Katniss and a deadpan Haymitch.

The ending was a bit off for me. I've always imagined it with Gale telling Katniss, "There is no District 12" then a close up of her face with just a shocked expression, then darkness. The film took a different approach. My friend and I called it 'The Twilight End.' The way Katniss struggled with emotions (sobbing and sudden bursts of anger) ended with her staring at the camera, signifying her anger at the enemy. It reminded me of how Breaking Dawn part 1 ended: Bella opens her red, red eyes. She was making a statement yes, but still. That was kind of odd but anyhoozles, it did give the hurtful 'Why-would-you-do-this-to-me?' ending.

Let's just hope that Mockingjay part 1 won't end with them retrieving Peeta and a close up shot of him opening eyes and then attacking Katniss out of nowhere.

All in all, I give Catching Fire a rating of 90%. Why not a 100? No movie is perfect. There will always be flaws but the movie deserves a line of 9 for the amazing sets, good actors/actresses and the faithfulness to the novel. Catching Fire caused us to jump, cry and palpitate all at the same time. Though Mockingjay is my least favorite of the books (less screen time for Peeta, very disappointing, very technical), I'm still looking forward to watching the movie adaptation if they would be able to exceed their standards for the next film.

I'm not on fire for Catching Fire, I'm literally FLAMING for it.

Farewell for now (*insert District 12 goodbyes*)