Opened: November 22, 2013

Directed by: Francis Lawrence

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Lynn Cohen, Jena Malone, Amanda Plummer, Meta Golding, Bruno Gunn, Alan Ritchson, Stephanie Leigh Schlund, Patrick St. Esprit, Paula Malcomson, Stef Dawson, Nelson Ascencio & Bruce Bundy

As the second installment of The Hunger Games series, Catching Fire brings the most emotional chapter forward with more energy and a good balance in and out of the games.

Now symbols of rebellion, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) struggle to reacclimate to their world. President Snow (Donald Sutherland) shocks with an announcement that the challengers of the 75^th Hunger Games will be comprised of previous winners.

The first half of the movie deals with Katniss’ PTSD following her time in the game. Lawrence brilliantly acts out the panic and stress she feels while being paraded around by the Capitol.

When the games are reintroduced, tensions are immediately heightened. The arena presents new threats that are elevated from the first installment, while new allies are strongly developed.

Final say: A sequel better than its incredible predecessor. ★★★★★