Catching Fire

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Jena Malone, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, Lynn Cohen and Donald Sutherland
Written by: Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
Rating: 4.5/5 Unicorns

It is no secret that I am a huge Hunger Games fan. I still have not brought myself to read Mockingjay because I don't want this journey to be over. It is also no secret that I was not a huge fan of the popular movie adaption of my beloved Hunger Games. If I am being honest with you, I kind of hated it. I only gave it a passing grade because I felt it was well acted. I was a little nervous about Catching Fire because I loved the book and I did not want to be disappointed again. I am pleased to say this movie adaptation actually did the book justice. Thank the lord for Francis Lawrence.

Catching Fire picks up right where Hunger Games ended. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) have returned back to District 12 after being victorious in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. In order to protect their loved ones and themselves they must convince President Snow(Donald Sutherland) that their stunt at the games was out of love and not defiance. During their Victor's Tour they become aware of the increasing rebellion against The Capitol amongst the districts. Knowing the power that Katniss possess President Snow announces there will be a twist in the 3rd Quarter Quell (75th Annual Hunger Games), the tributes will be drawn from the winning districts. This act forces Katniss and Peeta to enter The Hunger Games for a second time.

The entire heartbeat of Catching Fire was absolutely spectacular. This film remained true to the book. For those complaining about the ending of the film, read the damn book. The film captured the ending of the film remarkably. I was beaming with joy because they brought that moment to life. If you want to know what happens next, read Mockingjay. Now that rant is out of the way, I must admit Sam Claflin was amazing as  Finnick. He was hot, sassy, strong and vulnerable all at once. One of my favorite elements about Finnick is his relationship with Mags (Lynn Cohen). Watching that relationship on the screen was truly bittersweet. Can we get an amen for Jena Malone's portrayal of  Johanna Mason. She was even more bad-ass than I had imagined.

In this film, we get to see more development in the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). For someone who is a big fan of the pairing of Gale and Katniss, I was really thrilled to see all their scenes together. I admit that Peeta and Katniss relationship has really grown on me. I remember thinking about how sweet Peeta was. Damn you Josh for doing such a great job at playing Peeta. Even though shipping can be fun the love triangle really is not a huge factor in The Hunger Games series. These series are about what happens when you stand up for what you believe in. These books are about how one single person can inspire a revolution. It really is beautiful to see a strong and complex female character be a center of a groundbreaking franchise.

From the score to the costumes to the special effects Catching Fire was immaculate. Francis Lawrence has an eye for detail that I really appreciate. In the transition from book to the movie there were a few things that were changed for dramatic effect. I might not like it, but I understand they are catering to a movie audience. If you are the few people who have not seen Catching Fire, check it out. I promise you that you will be entertained. 

Movie Buzz

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

It seems that every week there is another casting announcement for the highly anticipated Hunger Games: Catching Fire. It has already been confirmed that Jena Malone has been cast as Johanna Mason and Phillip Seymor Hoffman has been cast as Plutarch Heavensbee. Now there are rumors swirling that the casting directors have decided on Sam Claflin to play the coveted role of Finnick Odair. Sam Clafin was recently seen in Snow White and the Hunstman. Personally,  when I was reading Catching Fire I always imagined a Garrett Hedlund type playing Finnick. I am sure that if Sam was offered the part, he will be amazing in the role. Earlier today it was confirmed that Amanda Plummer has been cast in the role of Wiress. After much thought I believe that she will be perfect in the role. The are rumors spreading that Tony Shalhoub is in the mix to play Beetee. That will be the best casting decision in the entire Hunger Game franchise. Perfect is not even a good word to describe him playing Beetee maybe flawless. Melissa Leo is also in the mix to play Mags. I always imagined Mags as being played by someone older but Melissa Leo is fantastic. 

Pixar

It is official, there will be a Finding Nemo sequel. I have been waiting for this news since 2003. I never thought it would happen and I am so excited that this is finally happening. There is a strong possibility that there will be a Toy Story 4. Next year the prequel to Monsters INC, Monsters University will make it way to the movie screens. 

Quick Box Office Report

In the midst of bombs and mishaps Ted is turning out to be the surprise hit of the summer. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom are the indie darlings of the year.  It is looking that Beasts of the Southern Wild will be joining their company. 

The Hunger Games

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland and Liam Hemsworth
Director: Gary Ross
Written by: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray
Rating: 3.5/5 Unicorns

It has taken me little over a week to analyze my feelings about The Hunger Games. Honestly I did not know what I was feeling when I finished watching the film. All I knew is that I had a lot of feelings about the film. Some were positive and others where a little negative. Now I have come to realize that I was extremely disappointed with the film and that I did not like it at all. It was not a terrible film but in comparison to the books it was lackluster.

What I loved about the film was the casting, the casting and the casting. The casting of this film was fantastic. Jennifer Lawrence is Katniss. Josh Hutcherson is Peeta. Woody Harrelson is Haymitch. The list goes on and  on. I also loved the chemistry the actors had in the film. One of my favorite dynamics in the books is Cinna and Katniss. It was beautiful to see it being played out on the screens.No matter what people may say about Lenny Kravitz being miscast as Cinna he was a wonderful in the film. I found it interesting that in the film they made Haymitch and Katniss relationship develop on a faster scale than in the books. Not until Catching Fire does it appear that Haymitch is quite fond of Katniss. Regardless I enjoyed watching their relationship on the screen. I felt that the acting in this film was top notch, there was no wooden performances like in the Twilight films. The career pact were arrogant and obnoxious, I loved it. I fell in love all over again with Thresh, Foxface and Rue. The costume design was fabulous especially when it came to the look of the Capitol. From the clothes to the makeup it was spellbinding. The folks in the Capitol were exactly the way I imagined it while I was reading. The great thing about The Hunger Games being in film format was the ability to see what was happening in Panem above Katniss narrative. We got to see Haymitch lobbying with people in the Capitol for sponsorship. We got to see the Gamemakers orchestrating the games. We got to see people reactions in different districts  to watching the games . I especially enjoyed the uprising in District 11 which is a perfect precursor to the events the transpire in Catching Fire.

Now the things I had problems with were: the cinematography, special effects and the direction. Considering that Katniss became known as the "Girl on Fire" they could have done at better job with the fire sequences. It was almost laughable which I hate to admit. Since the film is a blockbuster hit, I am sure the studio will have a bigger budget for the next film. I did not like the choice of shaky camera work. It was hard to follow what was going on the screen and it made the film appear amateurish at times

I probably would have enjoyed the film more if I was not a fan of the books. After reading the books I had high expectations about The Huger Games and unfortunately  I was let down. I will still continue to watch the  franchise because I think the next films will be better than this one. Overall it was a good film and I enjoyed it but it just did not make me fangirl.

Happy Hunger Games!

About two months I was introduced to The Hunger Games by one of oldest and most dearest friends. I had been hearing about The Hunger Games for awhile and I was always intrigued by the fandom. She told me to watch the trailer for the movie and once I did it became must see for this year. I really wanted to the read the books prior to the film release because I wanted to know what it was all about. When I began reading it one January evening at a Barnes & Nobles, I couldn't put it down. I had to purchase the novel instantly and read it in under 48 hours.

The most important lesson I learnt from reading The Hunger Games is never read the first book apart of a trilogy without having the other two books. It was tortuous waiting to find out what happened next. I just recently finished Catching Fire and my love for the books has only intensified. Mockingjay is next on my list. It is so refreshing to see a heroine like Katniss Everdeen and I am excited to see the beloved books come to life on screen. Hopefully Gary Ross(the director) does justice to The Hunger Games and from what I am hearing he has done a fantastic job. When I watch the film, I will write a review. I just hope I like it because I adore the books. I love Jennifer Lawrence and I know she will play a kick ass Katniss. One thing I do  know is I will not be ready to see some of my favorite characters fall before my eyes. When I finally watch the film, I will bring out a box of tissues. Lord help me.