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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, and Lenny Kravitz
Synopsis: The second act in a trilogy can be the most freeing. You don’t have to establish the world and the characters, as is the case in the first chapter, and you don’t have to craft the ideal ending, a burden that falls to the third chapter. In the middle chapter, you can go deeper and set the stakes higher. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” does just that. In the grand tradition of “The Empire Strikes Back,” it’s the rare sequel that might be better than the original and certainly leaves viewers wanting more. And since the third book in the series — “Mocking Jay” — will be split into two additional films, similar to the path taken by “Harry Potter” and “Twilight,” this installment also got to chew up the most narrative movement. “Catching Fire” is a darker film. This is set up early on when Haymitch reflects on the games. He says no one wins the Hunger Games. Some survive it, but there are no winners. This goes along with the deeper psychological reflection that underpins this follow up. One of the most striking things about this series is the idea of teens forced to battle to the death. We know that in war, often the men and women who fight end up damaged and a bit broken. It is common for them to be haunted by the events that transpired long after their time at the front is over. How much worse would it be for children? “Catching Fire” spends a good deal of time exploring the lasting effect of the games on Katniss and Peeta. Both are plagued by regret, nightmares and survivor’s guilt. That only gets worse as they have to travel throughout Panem and remember those who didn’t survive their games. This is beautifully done, and one of the reasons “The Hunger Games” franchise is a cut above some of the young adult fiction franchises of recent years. There is a larger narrative, larger issues to grapple with and darker truths to consider. This film, tonally, does a brilliant job of weaving it all together. Director Francis Lawrence — who took the reigns of the series from Gary Ross — does a great job of bringing this story to life. The pace and flow work well, and the film weaves the narrative and the larger themes together in a powerful way. That’s also a credit to screenwriters Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt. “Catching Fire” also has the benefit of great performances from its deep cast. The seasoned veterans — Sutherland, Seymour Hoffman, Banks and Harrelson — are great in supporting roles. So, too, is Stanley Tucci as the flamboyant host Ceasar Flickman. But ultimately this movie comes down to the lead role, Katniss, played beautifully by Lawrence. She is one of the finest young actors working today, and it shows in this performance — which requires a range of emotions and plenty of physicality as well. Lawrence is the heart of this film and the engine that makes the story go. “Catching Fire” is not only a great sequel, it’s a beautifully made film. “The Hunger Games” was one of the best films of 2012, and this sequel does it one better. This is a fitting follow up to the original and sets the stage beautifully for the final act due out next year.
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Oldboy

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Imperioli

Synopsis: Director Spike Lee has had a fascinating career. In this instance he is dutifully re-making the Korean film, "Oldboy." It's violent, dark, and depressing. But Lee does a good job bringing the story to life, bringing out the performances, and creating something that will stick with you. I haven't seen the original, but from what I've read this film hews closely to the 2003 film that's become an iconic classic to some. It's a dark film about a broken man who's imprisoned, then set free to discover why. Brolin does a great job in the lead role, and there are some strong supporting performances from Imperioli, Jackson, and Olsen. Perhaps the most fascinating work comes from Copley, who gives a good performance in a very different kind of role. That being said, this is a grim film. The story is dark, the violence level is high, and the ending leaves you a little numb. It's a well-told story, but it's a dark story. This is certainly a movie that isn't for everyone.

Rating: R for strong brutal violence, disturbing images, some graphic sexuality and nudity, and language.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, December 6 — "Out Of The Furnace"

Friday, December 13 — "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," "Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas"

Wednesday, December 18 — "Her," "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues"

Friday, December 20 — "Saving Mr. Banks," "Walking With Dinosaurs"

Wednesday, December 25 — "American Hustle," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," "47 Ronin," "Grudge Match"