I have had strong reservations regarding this series; without reading any of Suzanne Collins’ source novels I had (and continue to have) an averse reaction to its basic premise of kids being forced to kill other kids.  There’s enough violence in this world without glorifying the notion of attractive young people actively hunting and killing each other.  The whole thing seemed like a big cash grab to me, built on the backs of an enthralled young audience who would swoon for its hot young stars even while they reveled in big action sequences.

I was wrong.  First impressions and preconceived notions can and often do interfere with artistic license and intent.  I still haven’t read the books, and may never do so, but the two movies presented so far have more than adequately assuaged my rather cynical doubts.  I actually liked the first film, even though the premise still bothered me.  This second film has erased what remained of my reluctance to embrace the concept.  It is a first class film in every respect that adds depth and meaning to the social dystopian situation it depicts.

The social commentary that explains just why kids are forced to kill other kids is finally coming into focus, and the oppressed masses are beginning to rebel.  The story is really revving up to a higher gear and it promises to be an exciting ride. Catching Fire is smart and sharp, whether depicting Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) despair at having to risk her life again, or President Snow’s (Donald Sutherland) tactics to keep his firm grip on power.  The story surprised me in ways I did not expect, including various character allegiances and betrayals.

Francis Lawrence’s film improves upon the original by intensifying the various elements which the original introduced.  The characters are a little deeper, the social conflict more pronounced, the machinations more Machiavellian.  It’s also a bit more sentimental, as well as increasingly complex.  It reminds me of the way that The Empire Strikes Back followed and improved upon the original Star Wars, laying the framework that would coalesce into Return of the Jedi.  Hopefully the capping chapter of this story, Mockingjay, will be a great deal better than Jedi (it is being broken up into two separate movies to fully flesh out its story and exploit its potential).

I will never be entirely comfortable with the violent premise but the series has won my respect by elevating its sensibilities well above pure exploitation.  The story is developing the kind of resonance that marks the best social science fiction, and I am genuinely looking forward to its concluding chapters.  ☆ ☆ ☆ 1/2.  8 December 2013.