Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth

Director: Francis Lawrence

Synopsis: Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Release Date: November 22, 2013

Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1951264/

The next installment in the best-selling book series The Hunger Games was released in theaters a little less than two weeks ago, and already it has brought in more than $290 million at the box office. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is already in the number four spot for best movies of the year. This work of art gave its audience what they wanted, leaving them anxious for the next movie, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part One, coming out in 2014.

In The Hunger Games’ sequel, it is revealed that Katniss and Peeta’s love as shown at the end of the 74rd Hunger Games sparked a rebellion among the people of Panem. As President Snow begins to play a bigger role in Katniss’ life, both Katniss and Peeta are brought back into the Games for another life or death battle that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

I, myself, saw the movie the day after it came out, and walked out of the theater overjoyed and impatient for the next one. I thought the acting was as good as ever and the plot flowed smoothly. The movie received an 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of seven point five out of ten.

“Was it similar to the book?” Ah, the question being asked by every Hunger Games lover across the nation. “The movie was really close to the book.” sophomore Emily Kinser said, “But I think there were a few things they shouldn’t have left out. It needed to be a long movie so I’m glad they made this one longer than the first one.” Despite the few plot events left out, book-lovers, have no fear, the transfer from book to movie went well.

Many are finding The Hunger Games: Catching Fire more entertaining than its prequel. “This movie was better.” sophomore Jayson Wolf said. “I like how it followed the book more.”

I wonder if the increase in popularity has something to do with the change of directors or the fact that the crew went from 11 producers and executive producers for the first one to seven for the second. Whatever the change was, we can only hope it is kept up in the production of the next one.