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In 2012, The Hunger Games finally gave teen moviegoers a couple of strong and deserving young heroes—a much-needed breath of fresh air after years of Twilight moodiness. Now, the tributes from District 12 return for Catching Fire, a worthwhile follow-up that makes a thrilling companion piece to the book.
Catching Fire reunites with Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss and Josh Hutcherson’s Peeta as they’re preparing for their Victors’ Tour of the twelve districts of Panem. Before the young heroes embark on their journey, Katniss is visited by President Snow (Donald Sutherland), who makes her realize that, although she survived the Hunger Games, she’s far from safe. Her actions in the Games have given people hope, sparking rebellion in some of the districts—and unless she can quash the building revolution, everyone she loves is in danger.
As things in the districts continue to spiral out of control, Snow demonstrates his power by giving the 75th Hunger Games a shocking twist.
The Hunger Games was certainly a tough act to follow—but director Francis Lawrence wastes no time in proving that he’s up for the challenge. Catching Fire opens with a tense and emotional journey for the young victors. As Katniss moves forward under Snow’s watchful eye, she and Peeta are forced to visit the home districts of their fallen fellow tributes. And as they travel from the colorless gloom of the downtrodden districts to the vibrant opulence of the capitol, an underlying sense of doom haunts the festivities.
After setting the stage, though, the drama gives way to grand and often breathtaking action and suspense as another round of the Hunger Games approaches and the tributes stand up to face an enemy that’s even more deadly than their competitors in the arena. This second installment in the series takes the story to a new level. No longer are the tributes simply fighting against each other; now they’re fighting against something much bigger—and much more powerful.
Here, however, is where fans who have read the books are at a distinct advantage. There’s so much at play here—so many characters, so much conflict—that there’s no way to cover everything within a relatively manageable runtime. As a result, many of the story’s layers are merely touched on—and most of the characters are kept in the background. Readers of the book, then, will have a better understanding of both the context and the significance of some of the characters’ actions, while newcomers to the story will miss out on many of the story’s subtleties.
Fortunately, though, Katniss and Peeta remain strong characters. You’ll be just as touched by Peeta’s selflessness and compassion as you’ll be inspired by Katniss’s grit and determination. And as the second part of their story builds to its abrupt conclusion, you might just find yourself holding your breath as you await the outcome of their latest deadly challenge.
Catching Fire may not have the same depth as the book—and it will most likely be more satisfying for those who have read the book—but it’s still a moving and action-packed follow-up to The Hunger Games. The courageous young characters and their gripping story of survival and resistance will leave you eager to continue the revolution in next year’s Mockingjay.
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