Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The (3/3/2014)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Willow Shields, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Stanley Tucci, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland and Philip Seymour Hoffman

Directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend)

It’s rare for a sequel to live up to the original, let alone surpass it…Catching Fire does just that.

In the thrilling sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen and fellow tribute Peeta Mellark have barely returned home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games when they are whisked away once again by the Capitol. Forced to leave her family and best friend Gale, Katniss is dispatched on a victory tour of Panem with Peeta, where rebellion is seething in all 12 districts. The Capitol is enraged and ready to strike back… as President Snow prepares the most diabolical edition of the Hunger Games yet.

TODD’S WORD: I don’t know about you, but I liked this movie way more than the first one.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I liked it a lot. It was great, as sequels go. But I don’t know if I’d say it surpasses the first. The first was so good from start to finish… it didn’t feel like it even needed a sequel. This film not only depended on the first, but it left you hanging for the next film. All that to say… it was really good. I just don’t think I could call it “better.”

TODD’S WORD: The first film was excellent, and I think we should probably address a point that caused so much controversy in the first film…the violence. The first film pitted child against child in a violent fight to the death “arena.” I don’t know anyone who wasn’t bothered by that concept.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Absolutely. The first film was a story about a cruel and corrupt government flexing their power and displaying their dominance through these heinous games. The film was a sobering peek into one possible future where people become totally numb to morality and seek entertainment through gladiator-esque displays of entertainment—with kids no less.

I found it humorous how many people (who didn’t see the film) were offended by the premise (hence my blog post, “Isn’t Hunger Games about Kids Killing Kids?”).

This sequel continued to reveal exactly how far a corrupt government will go to maintain the grip of fear over its people.

TODD’S WORD: But this time around the tributes are older teenagers and adults. In fact, one could make a case that they went too far by involving an elderly woman in the games (although she volunteered as tribute to save a younger contestant.)

JONATHAN’S WORD: And those who would call that “too far” are really missing the point. Mags, the elderly woman, was one of those most noble characters in the film. Innocent and week, she chose to give her life for others. The Bible describes this as the greatest love man can have (John 15:13)

TODD’S WORD: Preach.

JONATHAN’S WORD: The film successfully presented these issues woven into a story with redeeming, likable characters.

TODD’S WORD: It was good to see all the characters we loved back in this film, and the addition of Philip Seymour Hoffman was brilliant.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Hoffman is always amazing as a creeper. His performance in MI3 was probably his best. In Catching Fire he was so formidable and unnerving… especially in his dialogue with the evil President Snow. Most characters are scared of President Snow. But Hoffman’s character Plutarch Heavensbee carried a frightening confidence about him, snickering at President Snow, even dismissing him as times, telling him to have patience. Great addition to the cast.

TODD’S WORD: I totally agree. The director did justice to the book and brought great performances out of the characters to tell the story.

And that’s where I like this movie better. I think this story surpassed the first. The first film was darker and for the most part, void of hope. This film is all about hope and fighting against injustice. The theme of this film is revolution!

JONATHAN’S WORD: The hope was refreshing. Those who have read the books will probably have a different perspective than those who just watch the movies. I went to the theatre with my wife and two teenage daughters, all three who had read the book. They all loved the film, but were not at all surprised by the cliffhanger ending or the major plot shifts. I, was totally taken by surprise several times because I haven’t read the book. This wasn’t a negative, but it definitely was a different experience.

TODD’S WORD: I couldn’t score the first film a “Worth Buying,” but I can with Catching Fire.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I give them both “Worth Buying,” and that’s exactly what I’ll do. I’ll buy it.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Neither of us have any hesitation taking middle school or high school kids to this film. You’ll want to use discretion with younger kids.

There is no sex or nudity in the film, but there is one suggestive scene where a young woman undresses while on an elevator (we see her bare shoulders and her back). It’s tamer than most of today’s TV moments.

While the violence in this installment is less bloody and doesn’t involve young children, it is still very intense and dark.

The violence includes deaths by stabbing, shooting, drowning, animal attacks, and poison, as well as torture, threats, and explosions.

There are two bleeped F-words and a couple other milder profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. Why is President Snow so angry with Katniss and Peeta?


2. What are some ways Peeta and Katniss inspire hope in the people?


3. What are the people hoping for?


4. In 2 Corinthians 3:12, is says, “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” Why do you think hope is so powerful?


5. From that passage, what kind of hope do you think Paul is talking about?


6. How can you be bold this week because of your hope in Christ?