Catching Fire

I liked this movie so much better than the first one. I realize now that the first Hunger Games is mostly to just set the stage and explain how awful, if that can even begin to describe, the capital. In the first one the problem is presented. But in the second one, something is down about the problem. I love when the contestants start to speak out against the capital at their interview. I also love how Peeta tells everyone that Katniss is pregnant, which brings the crowd the horror of the truth, that the games are awful and should not happen. There is also action taken by leaders who seem to been with the capital until the true, that they are planning against the capital.

We talking in class that it is important to find a problem but the hope is not just to find it but to begin to do something. Even if that something is just raising awareness.

One interesting thing that is happening in this movie is all the media is controlled by the capital. So much like some of the theories we have engaged in the media is run by the man, as it were. We have talked before that we really don't have a choice in media, that it is either Ford or Chevy it is really the same think. In the case of the Hunger Games Catching Fire that is true. And unlike in our day where we have ways of creating our own media and sharing it, they had nothing to create videos or even communicate with each other except through the capitals media. That is why Peeta gets so good at using opportunities to use the media of the capital to give money to the family of the little black girl.

In the movie there is this idea where the people in the capital eat so much that they will throw-up just to keep on eating. Where the districts are starving. We see this as a counter argument against capitalism. For just because one person or group of people can get more food does not always mean that they should keep it for themselves. We need to share that wealth. Though I am glad they do not address how because that is a tricky question.

As far as the movie goes itself there are a few problems. For example, there is the scene where that girl rides the elevator up and undresses herself. Now in the movie she, the character, is the one who decides that she will strip, but who is really the one who decided that? The writers and the director. We still live in a world where women are at their best when they are naked and sexy. There is even a time where Katniss is upset and tries to stab someone with a needle, rather than being praised for her dedication she is looked at like a fool. She does stop the Hunger Games but they don't take the time to congratulate her at all.

One thing that the movie did do well on its own was it was very careful to show that violence is bad. It hardly showed anything as far as killing was concerned. And went their was a violent moment you were supposed to see it for the disgusting nature of it.

Overall a really great movie with a lot to talk about.