Writer: Simon Beaufoy, Michael Arndt (Screenplay) Suzanne Collins (Novel)
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, Sam Claflin, Edgar Wright
Plot: After surviving the 74th Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and Peeta (Hutcherson) have to go on tour around all the districts. Winning the games has caused the first rumblings of a rebellion throughout the districts. President Snow (Sutherland) threatens to expose the truth about Katniss and Peeta if Katniss doesn’t convince him they are the real deal couple. After she defies Snow he calls for a Quarter Quell where he can hold an edition of the Hunger Games with all the districts previous victors face each other, putting friends against each other but joining together with other districts could be their only chance.
Verdict: The saga continues to roll on
Story: Picking up right where we left off following the victors around the other districts and seeing the different reaction to the winning this works well because this offers up the chance to see the revolution build up. While having the Hunger Games was a bit more of the same, with added content involved in them. This one’s strong point is that it is the builder to the final instalments where the final parts of this film will get fully explained. (8/10)
Actor Review: Jennifer Lawrence – Katniss the girl on fire who just wants her life back to normal but her standing up to authority has changed that for her. Jennifer gives a great performance which continues on from what she built up from the last one. (9/10)
Actor Review: Josh Hutcherson – Peeta, Katniss’ fan friendly partner in victory with whom we have to deal with the same watching him crush over Katniss while she only plays along for the camera. Josh does well with what he has to work with but never gets to show much of his abilities. (7/10)
Actor Review: Liam Hemsworth – Gale, Katniss’ boyfriend back in district 12 who has to help protect her family. Good performance in a small part which hopefully will become more important in the final parts. (7/10)
Actor Review: Woody Harrelson – Haymitch mentor to the tributes with a slight drinking problem, he knows how to play the crowd well but is also willing to let the tributes let their hair down. Woody really is the scene stealer here you just want to watch his character. (9/10)
Actor Review: Donald Sutherland – President Snow controls all the districts and if you don’t follow his rules you are wrong and he will make you pay with death. Good villainous role showing how power gets to characters heads. (8/10)
Actor Review: Philip Seymour Hoffman – Plutarch the new games runner who creates one of the best games in the history, has motives for creating his game. Good performance from the late actor who role will become much more important in the next chapter. (8/10)
Actor Review: Elizabeth Banks – Effie Trinket the wildly eccentric leader of district 12’s tributes who always has an outfit that will be center of attention. Good performance in a smaller role but always knows when she is on the screen. (8/10)
Actor Review: Jena Malone – Johanna Mason another one of the tributes who sides with Katniss to create a team that will be a force for anybody. Jena character sure makes an entrance that you won’t forget in what is a good performance that again will be bigger in the next chapter. (8/10)
Actor Review: Sam Claflin – Finnick tribute who helps Katniss and protects her from the more deadly tributes. This is Sam’s best performance to date as I was wonder how he got roles before but this time he shines. (9/10)
Director Review: Francis Lawrence – Creates some great direction and I will be looking forward to see how he ends the saga. (8/10)
Action: With fewer fights that the first one we get some more intense scenes but not too many that stand out. (8/10)
Adventure: The middle part will always be hardest to put together and cut off at the right time the adventure is only half way through right now. (8/10)
Special Effects: Good special effects throughout. (8/10)
Believability: Not believable but good story. (0/10)
Chances of Tears: No(0/10)
Settings: The dark depressed districts are great setting to show how the world has turned out but it is the setting for the games that really shines. (9/10)
Suggestion: I think this could be the must watch trilogy of the recent films that have tried to make something for all. It has the elements of changing the world for the better but will have the twisted style to suit all. (Watch)
Best Part: Katniss wedding dress trick
Worst Part: I know it is only building but more explanation at the end would have been nice instead of having to wait for the next film.
Action Scene Of The Film: The start of the games
Kill Of The Film: A tributes sacrifice.
Trivia: Was highest grossing film in 2013 in North America, it was also the first film with a solo female lead to top the annual box office since The Exorcist.
Oscar Chances: No
Chances of Sequel: Yes two part conclusion to the saga
Similar Too: a tame Battle Royale
Overall: Action Saga Continues With Fine Form
Rating