In part two of the trilogy Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol, and particularly President Snow, after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the downtrodden Districts of Panem. imdb

Pass me a plate and a knife and fork. I am about to eat my words. In March last year, when I reviewed The Hunger Games I had not read the books. Whilst I thought the premise, though horribly nihilistic, (children killing children for TV entertainment) had promise I was mildly damning of the overall production.

I am sorry.

Since then I have read all three books – barely finishing one before diving into the next and now I’ve seen both movies back to back. Limelight screened The Hunger Games at 9pm last Wednesday before Catching Fire at 12:02. With my augmented knowledge of the amazing Katniss the first film seemed so much better but the sodding camera shakes still made me grumpy.

I got so much more out of it than I had first time round and watching the new film immediately afterwards made for a wonderfully rich cinematic experience. Midnight screenings may not be conducive to genius-like function at work the next day but they really rock to remind you of the story so far.

This sequel achieves what only a few have (Terminator 2, Toy Story 2, The Empire Strikes Back), it is better than the original.

It covers the key points of the book well and it adds another dimension to the story, as it should. I have said before that I don’t see any point in making a film of a book if it simply follows the book word for word and does not add to the experience of the story.

There are moments that will always read better than they will look and moments that will be more breathtaking on film than in words, such is the nature of reading versus seeing.

This is so worth seeing. My mouth fell open when the Mockingjay dress was revealed. Peeter and Katniss’ discomfort during their victory tour of the Districts is palpable and the execution of the game arena (an island with a circular sea in the centre) is excellent.

The director, Francis Lawrence, is known for films with a still core (and I don’t just mean no shaky-cam) that allow the audience a moment or two to absorb what just happened and feel the gravity of it – I Am Legend, Constantine and Water For Elephants. His style is excellent for a film that must entertain, capturing our imaginations, whilst holding a mirror up to our excess and where it could lead.

The great Jennifer Lawrence again shines as Katniss. I have to keep reminding myself she is barely 23 years old. Josh Hutcherson has really settled into his role as Peeter. Chris’ little brother Liam get some decent screen time but Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson almost steal the show. Every one of the supporting players is very, very well cast. Watch out for Magda from Sex and the City as Mags, one of the oldest victors forced onto the island and into another contest for their lives.

Recognisable scene elements, such as the various Districts, the extreme fashion and the train, remain from the first film but overall this feels like a more polished whole. The production team are really hitting their stride … maybe that is why the final book, Mockingjay, will be made into two films. Let’s hope this isn’t just a Twilight grab for money.

Roslyn saw this film as a guest of Limelight Cinemas.