What's the best way to spend your Wednesday night? Catching Nuffnang's Premiere Screening of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire at Cathay Cineplax e@curve of course! A big thank you shoutout to Nuffnang for the preview opportunity and to Elie for giving her passes to me. Elie can be found in her corner here.
Obligatory selfie
First time getting movie tickets that are just paper cutouts
Badly taken picture of the Catching Fire tote bag and file
Better view of the Catching Fire logo above
Now, time for the review!
Normally for movies that are split into several parts; the first one is the most exciting and the following parts would simply follow the same formula set out in the first part. I actually rated The Hunger Games ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7/10). So normally, you would expect the second instalment to be at most 7. But no. Catching Fire managed to live up and surpass its predecessor and scored ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)!
So is Catching Fire worth watching? YES.
Is it worth watching more than once? DEFINITELY.
While it may seem like I am overly complimenting the movie, I assure you that its not from the excitement of watching the premiere screening. The movie was well structured; with small events happening at the beginning and slowly building up excitement for the finale.
If I were to criticise the movie, I would say that the movie is a bit lengthy at 146 minutes (2 hours and 26 minutes). Towards the second half of the movie, I had already reached peak excitement and was just waiting for the final scene to happen.
For those that have not watched the movie, I suggest stopping here and coming back after you do, because..
Catching Fire is the second in the Hunger Games Trilogy and continued where the first movie left off. Like the other victors before them, Katniss and Peeta now live in the Victor's Village of their district and have more money than they know what to do with. Instant superstars.
But, President Snow (the old guy at the end of the first movie) is not happy with Katniss and Peeta's attempted double suicide. Their actions resulted in many revolts occurring throughout the districts. So, somehow (Not going to say exactly how. Go watch the movie to find out), President Snow manages to put Katniss and Peeta back as tributes for the 75th Annual Hunger Games.
This time round, the 75th games has been completely revamped by a new gamemaker. Note: remember this guy. He actually plays an important role. The new arena is much more challenging. And deadly. Much much more deadly. Unlike the 74th games that had mostly jungle, jungle and more jungle. Also, the other tributes are also more aggressive and experienced, such that the tributes last year seem like child's play.
We are also treated to a much deeper emotional storyline. I found that Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen's actress) did a great job in displaying Katniss' struggles as she tries to cope with her new abundant life of a Victor and coming to terms with her killing of the other tributes. These emotions were especially prominent when she was paying tributes to Rue, or when she found out that she will be forced back into another games. Frankly, I teared up a little as I saw how heartbroken Katniss was over Rue.
Another thing to look forward to are Katniss' dresses. Cinna's designs from the first movie earned Katniss the title of Girl on Fire. He upped the bar again with a transforming dress!
Do not blink when you see this dress!
Alright I think that's enough for my review. I better stop here else there won't be any point to go watch the movie yourself!
Now if you'll excuse me, I think I will go badger my friend for the third book. Ciao~
