The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (M)
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci
KATNISS Everdeen is back, and setting the hearts of teenage girls aflutter.
But for middle-aged men, it must be said, not so much.
This Twilight for the 21st century presents a darker vision than the original, with the veterans of previous Hunger Games called back for an all-star tournament.
This time, the older kids are killing older kids.
But all is not well in the provinces, with the shadows hiding murmurs of rebellion.
The theme of revolution against the Capitol is ever-present… it just takes a long time to get there.
How long?
Well, it takes about an hour and a half for the games to start.
That’s some prelude, Katniss.
Out in the jungle, things have a very Avatar feel, although no-one’s blue – well, not physically, anyway.
So it’s darker than the original, and as long as you like, but is it better?
While it goes in a different direction, it’s really still one for the fans.
That said, it will no doubt pack the cinemas with teenage girls and boys who are a little younger.
And there are worse films for a parent to be subjected to… it’s just so damn long.
Will you enjoy it? The odds are not in your favour.
– Jason Beck
