Catching Fire - A Superior Sequel.

I'll start off by saying that I've never read any of the novels from the Hunger Games series. Their similarity to the films is something I cannot comment upon. However, after watching both of the released films so far, I can confidently say that this sequel improves upon its predecessor. Apart from some obvious exceptions, inferior sequels seem to be the norm when it comes to filmmaking. Here I detail just why I feel this particular sequel bucks that trend.

The focus in Catching Fire shifts quite dramatically from the first. The core of the story is dedicated to showing the disparity between those living in the Capitol and those slumming it in the Districts. Less time and importance is given over to the actual Hunger Games and in turn we learn more about central characters, their relationships and the state of Panem.

There is no denying that this instalment of The Hunger Games is darker, grittier and more grown up than it's predecessor. The bleak atmosphere, coupled with shots of poverty and desperation depict a much clearer sense of the world in which the film takes place.

Another noticeable difference in Catching Fire is its villainous tone. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in particular comes across as fiercer and more powerful, something which was lacking in the first instalment. The creepy nature of Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) is ratcheted up here too and his character comes across particularly erratic, provoking unease from the audience. In fact, the whole cast seem more confident and at home in their roles here, which ultimately delivers a stronger film.

The use of camerawork has been altered from the original too. The Hunger Games deployed a lot of shaky camera work during the action sequences where as Catching Fire has much smoother, more fluid style. Gone are the nauseous inducing jungle chases and in their place are controlled, yet detailed shots. This is mostly down to a different directorial style, something that was noticeable throughout.

With all the good that Catching fire has to offer, it is unfortunately bogged down by occasional flaws. While these aren't crucial enough to ruin the film itself, their presence tarnish an otherwise fine film.

There is no escaping the fact that the film is quite simply too long. Sections do feel bloated and at times over indulgent. Cutting the lengthy 146 minutes back to around the 2 hour mark would seem more appropriate.

There is, as expected, an inevitable sense of repetition too. The film does an excellent job of being independent from the first but, especially during the actual Hunger Games, many ideas and scenes seem recycled. Thankfully, this instalment takes a slightly different turn towards the end, which mostly makes up for some of the repetitiveness.

In short, Catching Fire does everything a good sequel should do. It takes the original narrative, builds upon it and delivers a more in depth look into what lies beneath it's predecessor. It is not without it's flaws, but Catching Fire feels not only better, but untimely more grown up than the previous instalment.

Read my 5 word review of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire here

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - 5 Word FIlm Review

UK Release Date: 26th December 2013
Directed by: Ben Stiller
Starring: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott

Synopsis: A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined.

Ultimately uplifting but constantly frustrating.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 21st November 2013
Directed by: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth

Synopsis: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Darker, grittier, more villainous sequel.

The Counsellor - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 15th November 2013
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz

Synopsis: A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking.

Wordy pompous drivel. Reasonable performances.

The Family - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 22nd November 2013
Directed by: Luc Besson
Starring: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron

Synopsis: The Manzoni family, a notorious mafia clan, is relocated to Normandy, France under the witness protection program, where fitting in soon becomes challenging as their old habits die hard.

Wasted talent. Predictable and dull.

Rewind Film Review #8 - The Goonies (1985)

UK Release Date: 29th November 1985
Directed by: Richard Donner
Starring:  Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen

Synopsis: A group of kids embark on a wild adventure after finding a pirate treasure map.

Funny, well balanced adventure flick.

Don Jon - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 15th November 2013
Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore

Synopsis: A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love.

Excellently written. Triumphant directorial debut.

The Butler - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 15th October 2013
Directed by: Lee Daniels
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack

Synopsis: As Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man's life, family, and American society.

Dumbed down, overloaded. Outstanding performances.

Gravity - A Genre Changing Masterpiece

Having awarded Gravity the highest rating I could (read my review here) and with it flourishing in Cinemas around the world, I thought it apt that I give my views on why Gravity has not only reinvented the popcorn thriller genre, but also why it is being viewed as a masterpiece.

I'll start off by saying that Gravity deserves to be seen in 3D, this coming from a film fan that has never advocated the use of this format.

The sheer depth, which is delivered by the 3D aspect, is stunning. It gives the viewer a real sense of zero gravity and actually seems to place you with the characters in their environment and surroundings. The camera floats seamlessly throughout space stations and alongside satellites, weaving effortlessly amongst objects and debris. It is visually a joy to witness such terrific filmmaking.

Coupled with the excellent 3D imagery are some beautiful shots of planet earth and our solar system. Each one designed so intricately that you not only get a feel for how incredible our surroundings are, but also how immensely terrifying the predicament at which the characters find themselves. The camera flows and pans so gracefully with long detailed shots that deliver some of the best cinematography seen this year. The opening scene alone is the best part of thirteen minutes long without a clear, visible edit.

Throughout the film, the sense of urgency, hope, horror, depression and desperation are all delivered so effectively that as a viewer, I literally went through each and every one myself. Each scene draws differing emotions from its audience and that is ultimately where Gravity excels. There are points at which you feel like hiding behind the person in front of you and there are times where you find your eyes filling with tears.

It is this emotional roller coaster that makes the film so gripping throughout. While watching, you are constantly unaware what you’ll be faced with next, and the outcome of the film itself is never clear or apparent. As the runtime lengthens, you find yourself increasingly invested in each of the characters and concerned about their wellbeing.

One of the main issues that I thought could hinder Gravity was the amount of time given over to each character back-story. Thankfully, throughout the film we never leave the main protagonists and instead discover all about them through some well-placed dialogue scenes. These are made effectively so that our empathy for the characters can be apparent, while not affecting the pacing of the film itself. Both Sandra Bullock and George Clooney give stellar performances and are completely believable in their roles.

One of the other triumphs of Gravity is the genre in which it dares place itself. The vast majority of Hollywood Oscar hopefuls tend to be bloated in length and centred on a sophisticated, stylised and often fashionable theme. They certainly are rarely ever popcorn thrill rides filled with suspense that last just ninety minutes.

With Gravity, Alfonso Cuarón has combined the successful elements of a classic popcorn thriller and implemented some incredible direction, narrative and vision to create this masterpiece. Having a film like this is almost alien at the Academy Awards but Gravity has reinvented the genre to create something not only technically remarkable but also extremely daring. It runs heartfelt narrative seamlessly alongside action sequences to create a ninety-minute thrill ride that is as beautiful to watch, as it is tense to endure.

Read my 5 word review of Gravity here

Rewind Film Review #7 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

Release Date: 22nd August 1986
Directed by: Tobe Hooper
Starring: Dennis Hopper, Caroline Williams, Jim Siedow

Synopsis: A radio host is victimised by the cannibal family as a former Texas Marshall hunts them.

Grisly, dark humoured, watchable sequel.

Rewind Film Review #6 - The Breakfast Club (1985)

Release Date: 15th February 1985
Directed by: John Hughes
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald

Synopsis: Five high school students, all different stereotypes, meet in detention, where they pour their hearts out to each other, and discover how they have a lot more in common than they thought.

Touching, uplifting, eighties teen drama.

Rewind Film Review #5 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Release Date: 1st October 1974
Directed by: Tobe Hooper
Starring: Marilyn Burns, Edwin Neal, Allen Danziger

Synopsis: Five friends visiting their grandfather's house in the country are hunted and terrorised by a chain-saw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals.

Dark, gritty and downright terrifying.

Saving Mr. Banks - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 29th November 2013
Directed by: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell

Synopsis: Author P. L. Travers reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney during production for the adaptation of her novel, Mary Poppins.

Wonderfully charming humour. Outstanding performances.

Rewind Film Review #4 - Halloween (1978)

UK Release Date: January 1979
Directed by: John Carpenter
Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran

Synopsis: A psychotic murderer institutionalised since childhood for the murder of his sister, escapes and stalks a bookish teenage girl and her friends while his doctor chases him through the streets.

Iconic score. Genre defining horror.

Thor: The Dark World - 5 Word Film Review

UK Release Date: 30th October 2013
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston

Synopsis: Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Solid, well acted, superior sequel.