As a nerd for dystopian literature and The Hunger Games trilogy in particular, I can honestly say that the 20-month waiting period between the first and second films was worth the wait. As I walked out of the theater, I was extremely pleased with the depth and precision of the movie ‘Catching Fire.’

In replacing Gary Ross in directing the second installment of the Lionsgate film franchise, Francis Lawrence does a masterful job in capturing the storyline and characters. Not only did the writers pay attention to detail, but along with some assistance from the book’s author, Suzanne Collins, the different characters were explored as well. Playing the lead role of Katniss Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence helps to shed light on the fact that Katniss is severely psychologically damaged girl who just wants to protect the people she loves.  Katniss, along with other main characters, have their layers unraveled and show their true natures throughout the film.

Some may argue that paying attention to detail is what can make or break a movie. This is not in any way an issue for ‘Catching Fire.’ The precise lines taken directly from the text give the film authenticity and themes that directly correspond with the book. It was clear that the engaged audience- that must’ve consisted of several fans of the book- picked up on these specific but important details, because every time a favorite chapter was implied in a scene, there was an explosion of enthusiasm. We laughed, we cried, we cheered. To me, that is the sort of connection that makes a film based off of a book special. When the audience believes in the characters, and therefore are taken along with each intense emotion, that’s what real entertainment is about.
If you’re placing bets on what film of 2013 will be the most celebrated, you can count on ‘Catching Fire.’ Also, if you are planning on seeing this movie, I would highly recommend making sure you understand the story first. The filmmakers explain the storyline clearly, yes, but you might just have a better appreciation for the film once you get to know the beloved characters that make this story great.