“Catching Fire” Is A Delight

For those of you unfamiliar with this blockbuster franchise, the story takes place in a post-nuclear world called Panem. Panem, controlled by the Capitol, relies on 12 districts that each produces a product, such as mining and technology. The totalitarian government, headed by President Snow (Donald Sutherland), has decreed that each district must send a boy and a girl, between the ages of 12 and 18, each year to participate in a death match known as the ‘Hunger Games’.

Catching Fire, the second installment in the Hunger Games trilogy was an absolute delight. The director, Francis Lawrence did a far better job than his predecessor, Gary Ross. He kept, the scenes tight and in control albeit it did have a rather slow start, but once it got going there was plenty of action. It’s no surprise to learn that Mr. Lawrence has been signed on to direct the last two installments – Mockingjay, Parts 1 &  2 – according to the November issue of The Hollywood Reporter.

The incredibly talented Jennifer Lawrence gives a performance of a lifetime in her portrayal of the reluctant heroine, Katniss Everdeen. She leads a stellar cast, which includes Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jena Malone.

Catching Fire was very entertaining and touching although, at times, gripping and violent – the violence was kept to a minimum. The ending will leave you stunned and overjoyed. I know I can’t wait to see the last two installments.

If you’re planning on taking your children, beware that it is 2½ hour longs and is rated PG-13; therefore making it unsuitable for children under 13. If you want to enjoy a fun-filled night at the movies with your family, then go see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; you won’t be sorry you did, I know I wasn’t.

4 out of 5 stars.

Title: Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth

Synopsis: In a follow-up to the sci-fi dystopia, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire revolves around the heroine, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and the aftermath of winning the 74th Hunger Games. Along with her star-crossed lover, Peeta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson), Katniss now faces even greater peril as she is unfairly forced, once again, to participate in the deadly “Hunger Games.”

Bee Hawkins was born in London, England. She immigrated to the United States in 1979 to join her parents after graduation. Over the years, she has lived in Manhattan, Jersey City, and Abilene, Texas. Bee works in Florham Park currently resides in Roselle Park, where she has lived for over three years. She has two children. Bee is passionate about the movies and has even compiled her all-time favorite 100 movies. Some of her favorite directors include, Martin Scorsese, Robert Zemeckis, and the incredible Coen Brothers.