Advance tickets for “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” went on sale Oct. 1, which means we are only about eight weeks away from the premiere (Nov. 22). I can already here the faint sound of fans whistling the battle hymn over and over. Many fans were disappointed by Director Gary Ross’ adaptation of “The Hunger Games.” So, all eyes are on Director Francis Lawrence to see if he can do The New York Times bestseller justice. Lawrence, in no relations to star Jennifer Lawrence, has incorporated IMAX into the new feature film.
“Catching Fire” has quite an all-star cast with movie veterans such as Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland. This highly anticipated film features the love triangle between Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence), Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth), and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).
Katniss is attempting to determine her feelings for the two teenage heartthrobs while the 75th Hunger Games is beginning to commence. In years past, once a victor has won a Hunger Games they never have to participate in the grueling battle again. However, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) has a vendetta against Katniss and creates an “alumni games” where past victors are thrown back into the ring to fight.
Another highly anticipated aspect of this franchise is the soundtrack, which hits shelves Nov. 19. The soundtrack will feature artists such as The Lumineers, Coldplay, Of Monsters and Men, Christina Aguilera, Lorde, The Weeknd, Imagine Dragons, The National and Ellie Goulding. Coldplay’s “Atlas” and Christina Aguilera’s “We Remain” have both been released early this month. Here is the full set list for “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” Soundtrack.
1. “Atlas” – Coldplay
2. “Silhouettes” – Of Monsters and Men
3. “Elastic Heart” – Sia (ft. The Weekend & Diplo)
4. “Lean” – The National
5. “We Remain” – Christina Aguilera
6. “Devil May Cry” – The Weeknd
7. “Who We Are” – Imagine Dragons
8. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” – Lorde
9. “Gale Song” – The Lumineers
10. “Mirrors” – Ellie Goulding
11. “Capital Letter” – Patti Smith
12. “Shooting Arrows At The Sky” – Santigold
13. “Place For Us” – Mikky Ekko
14. “Lights” – Phantogram
15. “Angel On Fire” – Antony & The Johnsons
Whether you have read all the books or have never touched a page, go see “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”. It should be worth the $10- $15 you will pay to see this film in IMAX.
I believe Director Francis Lawrence has the vision needed to do the bestselling novel justice. His work in “I Am Legend” and “Water for Elephants” demonstrates he can handle the intense action blockbusters, but he can also do the artistic romantic drama. “The Hunger Games” has both gruesome action scenes and quite dramatic dialogue. So, please do not let Gary Ross’s failure of a movie ruin the series for you.