The Hunger Games franchise is back, and better than ever. With fierce new competitors, intense special effects, and a developing love triangle, the second installment in the wildly popular series will have fans on the edge of their seats for the entire 2 hours and 26 minutes. The much-anticipated sequel premiered at 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 21st. Under the direction of Francis Lawrence, who picked up right where Gary Ross left off, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth star in this brilliant sequel that outdoes the first film.
Jennifer Lawrence’s growth as an actress since the first movie is obvious, and any doubts about her fulfilling the role of Katniss have been shattered. Lawrence shines on screen as the daring heroine, playing out a wide range of emotions with incredible believability. Experiencing the aftermath of the 74th Games through Katniss’s eyes, we as an audience endure the heart-wrenching agony she feels, applaud her defiance, and swoon as she begins to return Peeta’s (Josh Hutcherson) shows of affection.
The plot doesn’t stray from the events of the book, and is consistent with the first film. Yet everything in Catching Fire is bigger and more spectacular than in The Hunger Games. Every outfit Katniss appears in on the Victory Tour is more breathtaking than the last. And her mockingjay dress will give you chills. The arena has been revamped, and the special effects are insane. But what really drives this movie are the characters. The introduction of Wiress (Amanda Plummer) and Beetee (Jeffrey Wright), Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin), Mags (Lynn Cohen), and Johanna Mason (Jena Malone) greatly enhance the story. The characters could have stepped off the page; their likeness to Suzanne Collins’s creations are uncanny. Mags’s sweet demeanor will just about break your heart, while Finnick will make it beat a little faster. The biggest surprise is Malone’s noteworthy performance as Johanna. She has some of the most humorous lines in the movie, and her attitude and spunk is contagious. Her stunt in the elevator will make your jaw drop, even if you know what’s coming.
Catching Fire will have you riding an emotional roller coaster. Right from the start, you are drawn in. Katniss and Peeta’s visit to District 11 will tug at your heartstrings. Before the tears have a chance to fall, however, you will be clenching your fists in anger. Although it is a dark premise, there are bursts of light. Many lines will make you laugh out loud. Apart from Johanna, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Effie (Elizabeth Banks) are big contributors to the humor, as well as Katniss and Peeta. Finally, the romance really escalates in this installment. Look out for many more kisses and “aw” moments throughout.
Overall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an inspired sequel. This film will move the  franchise forward, exciting old fans and drawing in new ones. Catching Fire is a can’t miss blockbuster. Go see it this weekend, and then see it again. And again…