You may never have read the books or seen the first movie, but I'm fairly certain you've heard about The Hunger Games. This trilogy of books was written by Suzanne Collins, and it chronicles a time that is supposed to be futuristic in nature. To give you the context of her novels: there was an uprising against the capital over seventy years ago. The capital crushed the rebellion, separated people into districts, and each year held a Hunger Games to remind the citizens of the country what the rebellion cost them.
The Hunger Games are an annual event that require one boy and one girl from each of the twelve districts: twenty-four participants in all, to try and kill each other and avoid being killed. The games are held as a reminder/punishment not to rebel against the capital.
In this the second movie of what everyone is saying will be four movies, Katniss and Peta from District 12 (the poorest district in the country), are going on their victory tour after being victors in the 74th annual Hunger Games from the year before. The President of the nation, President Snow, is worried that Katniss' behavior in the Hunger Games is giving people hope and a cause for rebellion. This worries the President, and he assures her that her behavior must change. If you combine that with Katniss' and Peta's fake love story, Katniss' real love for Gail, and the fact that after the victory tour President Snow's see LOTS of signs of rebellion, you know trouble is coming. Well, to prevent a war/revolution from starting President Snow and the Head Games Maker introduce a Quarter-Quell for the 75th Hunger Games. The quarter quell would bring back previous Hunger Games winners from each district to face off in another round of the Hunger Games! Well, that brings Katniss and Peta back to the Hunger Games again!
Be prepared to witness acts of bravery and self-sacrifice as Katniss and Peta struggle to stay alive in this most fierce, intense round of the Hunger Games. I'll stop the story synopsis right there and let you know that you have to watch the movie to find out how it ends!
It is important to look at movies through a Christian lens, and for all of us as followers of Jesus to analyze and interpret the messages that media sends us. First, of all let me be clear that the Bible clearly tells us that we should not kill, murder, or take life. Now, some of you may be asking, "What about in times of war?" Well, that issue gets a little more sticky, and I will say that's not what's going on here. So, please if you see the movie or know a young person who has seen the movie please tell them it's not real and what they're doing in the Hunger Games by killing each other is very wrong. I think we as Christians need to protect, celebrate, and value life, and please tell your young person that's not what they're doing.
Point two to look at when watching Catching Fire, is that this movie is very good at showing how awful and how good humanity can become. The fact that anyone would enter into a situation and kill someone else for no reason other than they don't want to be killed is awful. What is even worse is that a government would regularly set these games up and people would watch them for entertainment! It kind of reminds you of what the ancient Romans did to Christians. But, the movies do show people looking out for each other, encouraging each other, and sticking with each other through very tough times, which do show the movie goer the better side of humanity. The quote from Edmund Burke is so true that evil thrives when good people do nothing.
Finally, I want to encourage you after watching the movie. Be involved in what goes on in our society. Be a reasonable voice for good and change in our society. Pray for your government officials. Take time to vote in elections. Look to help others in need. Let your family know that you love them and pray for them. Above, all fall in love with Jesus. Because, it is truly only Jesus that changes things, people, and reality. Catching Fire is a fictional glimpse at what could become reality if good people don't live bold, unashamed lives for God.
In terms of quality of movie, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. The acting was good, special effects, make-up, and costumes were amazing! The dialogue in my opinion was a tad weak.
I give it 2.5 out of five stars in terms of family friendliness. It has some scary scenes, violent images, and a few cases of alcohol and language. Until next time, happy movie going!
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