By Marissa Higgs
Exactly 610 days since the first movie in The Hunger Games trilogy hit theaters, the second installment graced the silver screen.
I have not felt as much excitement leading up to the premiere since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 came out. Almost two weeks ago my friends and I pre-ordered our tickets and began the almost never-ending waiting process. Finally the day arrived and we had nothing but high expectations.
As a multiple time book series reader, I would argue that my knowledge of Catching Fire is great. I was not going into this movie blind. I had already done my research beforehand. I knew what actors were playing which roles. I had looked up interviews and still shots. I had even gone as far as to read through chat sites in hopes of learning anything new.
When the movie started the sense of community in the theater was strong. Immediately all my attention was focused on District 12 where the main character, Katniss, is looking to begin her Victor Tour and eventually deal with the Quarter Quell.
The accuracy of the film is unlike so many other books-turned-movies. Everything from the smallest character details to the basic plot followed as closely to the book as possible. The acting was well-done, and the cinematography improved a great deal from the shaky fights scenes of the last movie.
Some things were a bit more on the aggravating side however. For example, the movie was two and a half hours long yet seemed to speed through main important aspects of the movie. The primary reason for this being because the novel was filled to the brim with information and action. A movie can only be so long and have so many scenes. If you are the type of person who feels a director should cut out whole scenes rather than do certain stories complete justice, then remember, I gave you fair warning about this movie.
Another part of the film that bothered me after I had left the theater was the clock information. I honestly feel that if I had not read the book then the entire part explaining the clock-like arena would be extremely confusing. The creators should have been more careful when describing the arena. It may not have been a huge part of the story line, but it was important enough.
Even with those few pieces of criticism I would say Catching Fire was incredible. The story, characters, acting, scenery, and camera angles make you want to personally thank the creators for bringing this very special movie into our lives.
My advice: get your friends, family, significant other, or maybe just yourself and go see the movie. Catching Fire was well worth the wait and I know it will only be days before I go see it again.
