After the remarkable story in the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol who want to see them destroyed after giving the people of Panem hope.
This has to be one of the most anticipated films of the year and I think it actually feels much longer than a year ago since the first film came out. The trailer has been doing the rounds for a while so the hype has been huge around this film. So pleased to eventually get to see it tonight! Firstly pleased to say that I really enjoyed it.
The story begins where it left off really as we see Katniss return home but not for long as herself and Peeta must head off on a Victor’s Tour around each district. But strange things begin to happen at the districts and rebellion from the people is very much starting to take place. The 74th Hunger Games gave them all hope and they have started to believe that they can have more.
It was obviously never going to be that simple for Katniss as President Snow takes it very personally and has threats hanging over Katniss. He is not fooled about the “love” between Katniss and Peeta and wants her to make him a believer. Whilst also threatening her family and Gale. This raises the stakes as Snow plots getting rid of Katniss.
The method in which is to have the 75th annual Hunger Games as a slightly different competition that being ‘The Quarter Quell’ which will see two previous victors from each district to compete against each other. This is due to them all now being a threat to the Capitol and Snow wants to eliminate as many of the winners as possible.
The film moves at a very good pace as it was important to build up towards the 75th Hunger Games to really show much of an impact Katniss has had on each district and what must be done in order for her to survive. Will she be able to have allies and even become friends with others? Something we all know is not her strong point at all.
The love triangle takes a bigger part of this film and we get to know Gale a lot more than the first film. We cannot help but also become confused about Katniss’ affections for Peeta. How real are they and what is in store for that? Especially as we are seeing more of Gale. Yes I did not make it past the first book so have no idea what is going to happen on that front. But pleased we have more of that as a love triangle is something that seems to be rather common.
The film really does boast a very strong cast and the addition of Phillip Seymour Hoffman only adds to this in a very good way as well. I have to admit that Stanley Tucci still managed to make me smile every time he was on screen with his fake tan and huge white teeth! Elizabeth Banks also picked up where she left off with her crazy character and random costumes.
It really does feel a lot bigger than the first time round and such a good cinema experience. It flies over and you wonder how it could possibly be finished already. Leaving it on a very cliffhanger of an ending with a year to wait until the next part! It really leave you wanting it now and to see what is going to happen next. It really is growing into a brilliant series, let’s hope part three continues the good work of this part!
Jennifer Lawrence really is a fantastic leading lady and you cannot help but love her as Katniss as you can relate to her and think that you would feel exactly the same way she does with everything she has to deal with and go through. We really are rooting for her from start to finish.
May the odds be ever, in your favour.