Director: Francis Lawrence, Main Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Stanley Tucci
This second installment of the Hunger Games series (yep, I guess we can call it a series since there will be 2 more films) is surprisingly good. The story picks up almost right after the first movie ended. Katniss and Peeta are going through the country on the Victor’s Tour but serious unrest or even open rebellion is brewing in the Districts. Katniss is at the center of it all, being viewed as a symbol of hope and defiance of the establishment. After receiving an offer she couldn’t refuse by President Snow (finally we get to seen Sutherland flexing his acting muscles) and failing to deliver, she fears for her life and that of her loved ones and plans to run away with Gale’s help. He has a different opinion and wants to stay and fight. The new Head Gamemaker and Snow have a machiavellian plan to get rid of the thorn in their side, using as perfect opportunity the Quarter Quell, a special edition of the Hunger Games, this time the tributes will be selected among the victors of each district: Katniss is going back into the arena! The recurring cast seems more at ease in their respective roles, Jennifer Lawrence keeps up the good work and kudos are due to Harrelson, Banks and Tucci. The new faces (Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Jena Malone and Sam Claflin) are quite convincing as well. Loved that Hoffman is not wearing any weird make-up or clothes. We see a little bit more of the other Districts and learn more about Panem’s political equilibrium (or lack thereof), which is interesting. The film has a good pace and never a dull moment and it comes easy to relate to and root for our heros. Enjoyable —7/10
Ramblings of a cinephile 