Caught an advance screening of Catching Fire last night, and must say I quite loved it! [SPOILERS AHEAD]
As reference:
I read the book a while ago (before they decided to make the movies), though I am pretty good with remembering details from books I've read. It's probably my favorite of the series (or at least a tie with the first book; got so annoyed with the third book I never even finished it). I thought the first movie was decent but not anything spectacular.
General Opinion:
Not that I would call this installment spectacular either, but I thought it was a HUGE improvement from the first one and certainly did the book justice (not a praise I dole out easily for book-to-movie-adaptations). Not only was it an extremely faithful (both story-wise and visually) translation of the book, it really did a wonderful job balancing the action and excitement with the darker the moments that make you think and feel (so to speak).
In fact, I thought film did a better job conveying the somber, oppressed yet just-that-little-bit-hopeful and defiant mood of the districts, as well as reactions of the victors (united at least in their desperation and sense of the injustice being done to them), more vividly than the book was able to. Lots of poignant moments, and better yet they weren't just throw-aways (as I felt most in the first movie were) but rather were built up naturally and felt significant.
They really upped the ante on the production value too, which being an effects-fiend, I appreciate. The arena was just as I imagined, and more!
The Characters:
The characters are definitely all around a step-up from the first one. I thought all the actors did a great job embodying their characters (i.e. no one stuck out like a sore thumb). Jennifer Lawrence was generally superb, but had a few OTT moments that felt iffy to me.
Gale still is far from what I imagined looks-wise, but baby Hemsworth did fine conveying the character, and especially, his principles and belief in/hope of a revolution (I can respect that). Peeta was his nice sensitive yet fairly practical self - I almost feel bad not being a big fan of his character ... it's really not his fault that he drags Katniss down (apologies to the fangirls, but to me, he does), and it's even more evident in this film as one victor after another puts themselves between him and harms way (to which I say, ugh). I mean, sure Peeta's well-meaning, but his innocent softness, while likable and even endearing, just doesn't cut it in the harsh world of Panem, and it's annoying to see others suffer for his sake, just because he is importnat to Katniss. Anyway, I'm not really "Team" anyone (other than maybe Katniss-Kicking-Ass), so moving on ...
The highlight for me though was the supporting cast, many of whom elevated what was written for their characters in the source material. This film also gets credit on taking a few small but effective liberties to this end. I'm reminded once again why I love Elizabeth Banks as she made Effie both comical and a tear-jerker. Woody Harrelson is fantastic (one of the few things I actually loooved about the first one). Donald Sutherland is the perfect Snow (but he's Donald Sutherland so of course he would be!). Ditto Stanley Tucci and Philip Seymore Hoffman. A pleasant surprise was Prim in her brief scenes, which was well-delivered and really helped to flesh out her character (you get the sense she is cool as a cat and wise beyond her years, and can't help but love her).
The new additions were no slouches either. Mags was endearing and heartbreaking, as I knew she would be. Johanna was a spitfire - strong, entertaining, yet a tortured soul. Beetee wasn't quite as I imagined, but almost better (less of a caricature).
I owe the actor who plays Finnick an apology, because he ROCKED IT. I had literally been voicing my disappointment with that casting choice to my friend just seconds before his opening line, but after his first scene with Katniss I was sold. Funny, charming, subtle, layered ... another bullseye for the casting folks on this movie.
Scenes I'm SO Glad They Included (and didn't butcher):
(1) District 11/Old Man (:( but necessary; they were a bit more tame in handling District 11 Victors Tour though, but still appropriately appalling)
(2) Johanna/Katniss/Elevator (more awesome than I imagined; a bit of levity before the storm)
(3) Katniss' burning dress transformation (cheered under my breath) and victors together presenting an united front (at least for a brief moment)
(4) Cinna/before Katniss enters the arena (again, :( but so well done)
(5) The puke-inducing drink - I may have mis-remembered, but I think this may have been introduced in the first book (and I was sad it didn't make it into that movie). [EDIT: I mis-remembered, this was in Catching Fire - like I said ... faithful :)]
Luckily, Not TOO Sorely Missed:
(1) Madge (ahhh loved her, but since she wasn't in the first movie, I wasn't expecting her to suddently pop up here. Plus, we are spared her sad fate)
(2) Haymitch backstory (I really would've liked to have seen this, but I can see how it might screw with the pacing and ultimately not be necessary. Also, no Madge = no Madge mother and aunt and Katniss' mom story with the Hunger Games = less meat fo Haymitch's HGs)
(3) Plutarch showing Katniss his watch (I loved that tidbit in the book, and they so easily could've done it in the movie, but in retrospect I can see how that might reveal the "twist" too early for non-book readers)
(4) Burning of District 12 (would've liked to have seen a montage of this rather than just be told)
(5) Refresher of District 13 (I can't remember if the videos of a seemingly demolished District 13 ever showed up in the first film, but in either case it would've been nice to include a little background on that to better tie-in the ending)
All in all, very satisfying. I still don't plan on watching the next movie, but this one has my kudos.
