SPLICED Magazine Issue 02 Dec/Jan 2014 | Page 155

SPLICED MOVIES / ISSUE 02 REVIEW / THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE A total of 48 minutes of the film, including the entirety of the Arena sequences, were shot with IMAX cameras. to argue about physics. That said, the ooh-aah factor is there in abundance. As with the first, the attention to visual detail is integral, from the futuristic fashion to the gaudy Romanesque opulence of the Capitol. The twists are fairly obvious, as are the allegiances and resultant doublestandards. Yet, even topping over 2hrs of viewing time – the movie is gripping. You’re there for the ride, adrenalin pumped and bloodthirsty every step of the way. It’s well paced, starting at a predators stalk as all the pieces are laid out, but by the time the actual games begin its hard not to hold your breath. Catching Fire is clearly a set-up for the final instalment(s), and the abruptness with which the credits fall is almost offensive having just been through so much to get there without the satisfaction of resolution. For that you’ll have to wait even longer. In the spirit of franchising, the final book has been split into two parts, releasing in November 2014 and 2015, which is infuriating as I can’t wait for more…  7 VERDICT Katniss and Peeta return to fight for their lives as targets of the ruthless powers of Panem in a thinly-veiled attempt at quelling a revolution in the adrenalin-fuelled second instalment of the Hunger Gam W2g&