Hey everyone! Welcome to Movie Pit. Movie Pit is a weekly movie review on TDN. All ratings for Movie Pit are based on the website Rotten Tomatoes, the free movie review website which judges if something is a ripe tomato (Above 60%) or a rotten tomato (Under 60%).

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” of the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) – a competition that could change Panem forever. (c) Lionsgate

Most of the critics who reviewed this movie had nothing but positive things to say. One of these critics was Bob Mondello from NPR. “Given the strength of this instalment, I’d say the box-office odd continue to be, in that Hunger Games catchphrase, ‘ever in its favour,’” Bob said.

Many critics commented positively on Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen. “Unpredictable yet utterly dependable, thrilling yet stoic, Katniss Everdeen is a force of nature on screen, and a role that Jennifer Lawrence appears born to play,” is what Ed Gibbs said in his review on The Sunday Age. Mark Kermode’s review stated, “Like Katniss, Lawrence has become bigger than the Games themselves, something that makes her very powerful, very dangerous and rather inspirational,” in his review on Observer (UK). Andrea Chase from Killer Movie Reviews said, “The real emotional resonance is due exclusively to Lawrence, who moves through the film with an urgent determination that brings a visceral reality to even the most far-fetched of situations.”

Several critics also believed that Catching Fire was a lot better than the original Hunger Games. Bob Bloom said, “‘Catching Fire’ is more substantial than the first feature because it delves deeper into themes such as loyalty, love, honour, sacrifice and freedom,” in his review from Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN). Bob Grimm from Reno News and Reviews said, “I hated the first one, but I really like this second one.”

A couple of critics were very unamused by the production. One is D.K. Holm from Cinemonkey who said, “Talk about starvation! Catching Fire is sadly lacking in visual nutrition.” Walter Chaw from Film Freak Central claims that “The type of movie you hope no one ever brings up in polite company…”

If you ask me, this is an excellent movie. A must-see for everyone!! Get some tickets while it’s still in theatres!!!!