Hunger Games: Catching Fire Is The Best Sequel Ever | Guilty Pleasures Ep. 116 

Who's here after the You Can Sit With Us episode where Becky talks about how pregnant she was during this episode? Congratulations Becky and Keith and the Habersbaby!!! ❤❤❤

Came from the you can sit with us episode to see pregnant Becky 😂

The thing with Finnick is that he won at age 14 so during this movie he is 24, so not that he's super old but certainly older than Katniss and Peeta who are in their late teens

If I’m not mistaken, President Snow smelled like blood because he was always bleeding and was using the roses to cover up the smell. He did not dip the flowers in blood, Katniss could smell him bleeding.

i can't believe they missed talking about how the aspect ratio changes when she raises up into the arena! it's an incredible detail that mesmerizes me every time

I’m with Garrick!! Gale is annoying asffffffff he’s so bad for Katniss lmao

36:46 I feel like Peeta nearly dying multiple times would've been more believable if Peeta had to get his leg amputated like in the books. It's the one plot change that I'm really unhappy about

My biggest and possibly only guilt with the movies is the Peeta slander. He's one of my favorite characters in the books because on first read he doesn't seem that unique, but he is actually extremely powerful and is a major part of Collins' thesis IMO. Both Gale and Peeta are supposed to seem a little whiny because they're all teenagers (although Gale is older than Katniss and Peeta so he should be more mature). I actually think that Gale and Katniss are too similar, and that's why she ultimately loves Peeta more. They both understand brute survival, and physically reacting to defend the ones they love because that's all they've ever known. But Peeta had to navigate a different sort of trauma due to his abusive mother, and he learned from an early age that how you present yourself is super important. President Snow does a lot of horrible things but he's only a badass, terrifying villain because he's able to hide all of that underneath the shiny capital people surface. Peeta is the only one who has the charisma and forward thinking to actually challenge Snow. Peeta's emotional and social intelligence is his superpower, but unlike Snow he uses it to help others and be kind. Without Peeta, Gale and Katniss would be reactionary soldiers, and in trying to take down the capital would repeat its same mistakes (Gale's war crime, the vote on a new hunger games after the war). Peeta has the ability to understand that an actual culture shift needs to occur to encourage actual growth and change. He ultimately is the hero of the book series and you see it in how much Katniss changes in response to him. I'm sorry this is so long, it's just been a while since I analyzed this series and Collin's writing is GOD TIER AHHHH

The book series and world building are incredible. Suzanne Collins deserves all the compliments for writing these books. This movie was so good.

Anyone here after listening to You Can Sit With Us and checking how pregnant Becky looks and how I missed it 😅🥰

Did anyone else come back to see Baby Henry Bump? HOW CUTE!

Still waiting for the apology to Peeta for the wrongful slander last episode.

Anyone else here after babysberger and hyping up Becky and Keith’ for living their best private lives ✨🥹 love y’all! Congrats!

I really enjoy Rick and Becky mentioning stuff from the books! I think it's fine to talk about the film separately and it can get annoying when people go "well actually in the books...", but i feel like they do it in a way that adds depth to the convo rather than trying to debate book vs movie

I expect a public apology for peeta slander in the last one

HARD disagree on Katniss leading them on. What I love about Katniss is that she has these two 'amazing' (I'm not a Gale fan lol) guys who are in love with her, and her priority is survival. Katniss' whole mindset is "I don't have time for this crap, we are fighting to survive people." She can't think romance, she's too focused on keeping her people alive.

I think something that's SO FASCINATING and also provides a whole new perspective on the "love triangle" is reading Suzanne Collins' explanation of just-war theory. All the characters represent a different perspective of war and just-war theory, fPeeta being more diplomatic and Gale tending towards action and violence. Peeta and Gale don't just represent points on a love triangle, they represent Katniss trying to discover her worldview.

excuse me this was NOT Josh Hutcherson’s first major movie franchise. he was incredible in Bridge to Terabithia & Journey to the Center of the Earth as a child

In reference to the facts, Jena Malone (Johanna) came out this year and said she was actually sexually assaulted on the Hunger Games set (don’t know if it was this one or Mockingjay) by someone, so I’d say that she was really mistreated between this and the elevator scene (like what the hell is going on) and God knows what else went on. Jena Malone deserved better especially.

I don't think I'll ever get over how much they played up the love triangle in the movies that was not at all as prominent in the books imo. I am a firm believer that the Hunger Games is deeply critical of society and capitalism in a way that is much more radical than most other YA books, which makes it fall closer to true Sci-fi than people have given it credit for

When the lightning thief series comes out on Disney+, I do now expect a review

One other cool thing about the arena in this one being on water is that this is a dystopia where the different districts don't mix and there's little recreation, so unless you live in a district near water like Finnick, a lot of people don't actually know how to swim. Putting them on water is an easy way to knock out a couple of contestants immediately.

Honestly Kelsey wasn’t wrong, this is arguably one of the greatest sequels of all time (if not just one of the most iconic MOVIES of all time tbh)

I actually really appreciate the YA themes in this book because it’s painting us to be the capital. Like people are freaking dying and children are being murdered and we’re still asking our other friends who are reading the books, are you team Gale or Peeta. It’s commentary on how we are becoming the capital and personally I think that this is a super cool interactive way to draw deeper connections to the books and real life.

Plz god let them start to slander Gale

wait… rick is looking like a whole model in this episode!

The whole rose thing is because Snow uses poison to get rid of his enemies and I think he takes some of it to be immune from it, but since he's always drinking poison he coughs up blood so he has the rose to hide the smell

y'all should def talk about how fucking cool the marketing for all of these movies was. since this was back when movies had websites, they'd put up real propaganda videos about the might of the capitol and culture stuff like "latest fashions sweeping the capitol this week!" as if this was the capitol's only "official" government approved news source so when the last two movies were coming out they'd periodically put in interceptions from district 13 like how was in the book, and like a whole lot more. the attention to detail was wild

truly need you all to STOP obsessing over gale and get on the peeta train

THANK GOD GARRICK IS IN THIS EPISODE CAUSE I THOUGHT I WAAS GONNA STAB MYSELF IN THE EYE LAST EPISODE WHEN THEY TALKED ABOUT THE HUNGER GAMES. 😭😫💜 JUSTICE FOR PEETA 😭😭😭💜💜💜

Being team Gale is lowkey a red flag

In the book, Peeta really believed what they lived at the games was real - until it’s revealed that it was an act at the end of book one ofc. He is a young boy in love and I completely understand his “I almost thought the kiss was real”. Katniss does not owe him anything but he’s bitter about it. I probably would be a bit bitter too at that age and if I was still in love with Katniss lol Peeta is not perfect for sure but Gale has always been a red flag for me.

This and the first book came at a perfect time for me. I was in 8th grade in 2009 and read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire over Labor Day weekend because a friend was reading it. The last words being "Katniss, there is no District 12" I panicked and immediately searched for the third book only to find out it wasn't being released for another 12 months. Part of my soul left me that day. Great episode, guys!

I am oblivious! How did I not notice Becky’s baby bump! Congratulations Becky and Keith!! ❤️❤️❤️

on the topic of ed sheeran not being folk enough for the hunger games soundtrack, we must remember that this is the same man who in the same year did i see fire for the hobbit. that song would have fit perfectly in this soundtrack, with the added knowledge that ed started off more folk sounding before becoming so commercial

Not only is this one of the best sequels of all time, it’s the greatest book-to-movie adaptation I’ve ever seen. So excited to see y’all finish the series!

My read on katniss and the smooches is that she reads very like aromantic and asexual to me, and she feels comfort and safety in both these guys but she isn't romantically interested in any of them, all the smooches she does is for a reason, and you notice this even more when reading the book, she doesn't want any of that.

Could not agree more - I got chills when you guys were describing the climactic lightning moment, and I still get goosebumps picturing her face in the very last shot of this movie. So good!

i love watching zach react to kelsey talk, he always seems amazed and happy to be there

Came here after Becky’s you can sit with us episode, I listen on Spotify so I don’t know what the episodes look like, I expected to see Becky with a blanket, maybe a pillow or smth to cover her belly she was always just wearing normal clothes and that’s all THE whole time and no one noticed. Absolute queen.

The Hunger Games lore that the mockingjay pin Katniss finds in the first book actually belonged to Lucy in Songbirds & Snakes so Snow immediately recognizes it on Katniss and hates her from the start.

21:00 someone is sleeping on Bridge to Terabithia and Zathura aka Space Jumanji.

Zach: “what do you think a hologram is?” Kelsey: “Tupac on stage.” Me dying laughing

41:14 Kelsey is a mood rn on this Monday but so grateful Becky is back with the gang to discuss a series that was SUCH a moment. I'm excited for the new one, hope it lights up some minds ✨

Ok but like them saying this was Josh's first big movie!?!? What about Bridge to Terabithia? Journey to the center of the earth? Journey to Mysterious island? He was a child actor in a TON of big movies lmao

Zachs face when Kelsey is saying how amazing the sequel is 😂

zach: we have liam hemsworth who's like-- garrick: not chris

Just wanted to say I’m on my way to my first ever day teaching and saw you uploaded a podcast about one of my favourite films and it’s really helping ease my nerves, thank you for your silly little podcast

I'm so excited for Zach to continue to discover how legitimately great this YA series was!

me watching this episode while patiently waiting for the mockingjays and songbirds and snakes episodes

i vividly remember watching a fan parody of ke$ha’s tick rock based on catching fire when i read this book in middle school, so kelsey’s little song at the beginning was very appreciated

Ok do we not all realize that josh hutcherson was in not only in and own for hunger games but he was also in zathura and bridge to terabithia

garrick not only fought for peeta but also fought for ed sheeran and i personally love him with my entire being for that because i just don’t understand when we all turned on ed sheeran. it pisses me off to the umpteenth degree as he is so talented.

I love a lot of the movies you talk about, and I know you already have a long list of what to cover in the future. I do have a few requests though! An Emma Stone month (Easy A{TUCCI}, La La Land, House Bunny, The Favorite, Superbad), Pirates of the Caribbean, Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted, Miss Congeniality, and more animated films (over the hedge?)

I JUST finished rereading the books…and they still hold up! Super easy reads, and such great world building! Highly recommend reading them again!

thank god u posted this my youtube has been so dull

5:56 and I already have goosebumps just from Kelsey’s description of the movie. This is gonna be a good one

The last three minutes were the MOST chaotic and I get it.

Can’t wait for you guys to talk about Mockingjay Part 1 especially the scenes where the districts revolt - district 7 land mines & district 5 dam attack. (might be wrong, but i don’t think it’s in the book. nevertheless, those scenes are impactful) & the iconic “IF WE BURN, YOU BURN WITH US” ahhh so good

My toxic trait is I will absolutely accept no criticism of The Hunger Game franchise in any way, shape, or form

Zack having to ask if they are doing the rest of the movies is almost offensive 😂 Like come on we gotta

I was in college during the Hunger Games era, passed on the first movie, which ironically came out on my birthday. When Catching Fire was announced, I was on a mission to catch up (bookss and film) in time to see it in theaters with my friends.

They have to get to the soundtrack, it's not just for the folk scene. There are major artists and not a song was feature in the actual movie and it still compliments it when you listen to it, you can picture it. It holds the scenery, the energy, the power, the concepts. They were crazy for that

I wouldve loved for yall to mention the aspect ratio changing when katniss enters the games because it is such an interesting and powerful choice. I love this film.

Ugh I love this, it just brings me to my childhood 🥹

This is my fav movie & book sequel of all time and now definitely my fav Guilty Pleasures Pod episode! Can’t wait for Songbirds & Snakes! Hope y’all review that one too.

Three things: 1. Love the pod. Keep it up. 2. Two podcasts about the hunger games and nobody is gonna talk about how it’s just a tame Battle Royale? 3. Please do an episode on Earth Girls are Easy. Please.

Just here to defend Peeta! 1:02:00 yaaa! Garrick, telling like it is!!

Omg Becky's mom is so sweet! Hi Kim!

I am BEGGING you guys to do the next two. Mockingjay part 2 is on-par with Catching Fire in my opinion. I know y'all are taking a break for the strike, right on, but as soon as thats over pplleeaassee

GERRICK READ ERAGON i love that so much

How did I not notice how pregnant Becky was!!

What serendipity that I just finished the prequel book yesterday

KELESY THANK YOU!!! This series is so good

I know Becky doesn’t want anyone speculating on pregnancy, but there’s a clip of her rubbing her belly mid-video - y’all may wanna edit that out. Loved the episode!

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is really good y’all should definitely read it

The clock twist in the film is so insane to me. Katniss looks like a genius for getting it so quickly. That is NOT how it happens in the book lol Plutarch shows her his pocket watch and gives her hints before the games start

coach pls put me in this episode!! catching fire, and the hg in general was my whole personality in middle school

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS EPISODE YAY

We need the full series! ❤

saw Zach and Maggie at the broad in the Keith haring exhibit and my heart was racing so fast and I wanted to say hi and take pics but I was working

This is the greatest movie adaptation of a book evaaaaa

Also, y’all gotta do them all now before the new movie!

Here from YCSWU, pregnant Becky is so cute omg

I can't wait for you to make an episode on Nimona ❤❤

Oh!! Had to pause the pod and rewatched the film .... And got so into it that marathoned films 3 & 4 😝. Loved your take and totally agree with your opinions. Please PLEASE do the other films 🙏🏻. (Btw, watching them this time around I enjoyed them more 😅)

Zach: I don't care about his trauma. He's hot. I love Zach and his red flags.🤣🤣🤣🤣

i never in my life expected to watch so many people be team gale and hate on Peet’s 😮 i didn’t think y’all truly existed did we watch/read the same thing???

I will not take this Peeta Slander!!!!

I find it funny that President Snow and Johanna were father and daughter in Pride and Prejudice

FINALLYYYYY I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR THIS

Garrick is so charming

yall need to get a vin action figure to go with that charger in the back

Catching Fire was NOT Josh Hutcherson's first big movie. GARRICK. He's been acting since he was 10 years old in 2002. He starred in the film version of Bridge to Terebithia and was in The Kids Are Alright which got four Oscar noms! Come on now!

You better watch - Red White and Royal Blue when it comes out.

im just saying if you guys make a book club/review podcast, automatic subscribing 😂❤❤❤

I live for the Ed Sheeran respect in this episode. ❤️

I would love a YA YA book club podcast!

For anyone else curious about the Elevator Scene: IT'S REAL. They had a USA Today news story about it, and according to it, the PA pressed the wrong button when they thought they had finally gotten the shot perfect because the elevator was super fast and Jenna had trouble taking off her clothes in time!

I rewatched all the movies and I forgot how the last two are really good. Also the baboons I could not watch that scene the first time cause it gave me so much anxiety Also I think the twist that the arena is a clock in the book is even better because of the scene of katniss dancing with the game maker and him hinting at it