The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

I’m a big fan of Gary Ross and was bummed that he left this film series with Francis Lawrence attached to direct. I had yet been impressed with Mr. Lawrence, finding his biggest hit I am Legend a disappointing mess. How delighted I was to witness not only a better film than the first one (which I liked a lot) but one of the best book adaptations I’ve ever seen. I remember reading the book by Suzanne Collins and thinking it was almost un-filmable, that the action would have to be toned down some to make a plausible film. Wrong. This film matched my imagination almost to the exact detail. Katniss and Peeta survived the first Hunger Games and now they must parade about as celebrities, all to bolster the Capitol’s agenda. One problem: Katniss is a force of inspiration for a growing rebellion and that will force President Snow to change the rules. With an excellent cast of new characters and Jennifer Lawrence giving another memorable performance this series just became a contender for one of the best series made. Grade: A