It is often said that sequels to movies tend to be a notch down from the original. However, this is simply not the case for the second part of The Hunger Games trilogy: Catching Fire. One would think that if one read the book, one would know the plot through and through. But somehow, even though the movie’s script stays very close to the book, every scene has the audience on the edge of their seats. The movie draws the audience in to the suspense of every situation, and evokes a lot of emotion. Nothing about Catching Fire is predicable. The characters and the actors do a great job of making the audience part of the story, which is why this is an extraordinary and truly original film.

The previous movie, The Hunger Games, ended with Katniss and Peeta breaking the rules and being able to both come out as the victor, or the winners of the game.  Now that they both are winners, they must make a “victor’s tour” through all the other Districts of Panem. There is a sense of rebellion and uprising in each district, which President Snow does not take lightly. Snow takes action by changing the games. The tributes, or the participants of the hunger games, have no idea what’s ahead of them.

The Director of Catching Fire and the actors all did an amazing job of keeping the audience hooked the entire time. It’s remarkable that the characters are able to display their thoughts through their facial expressions. Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, never cracks a smile. You can see that her character is someone who has relied only on herself and who finds it very difficult to rely on others. This quality gives her maturity, but also makes her seem lonely. Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta Mellark, is the opposite. He is open to helping others and reaching out to make everybody else feel secure. Hutcherson is good at looking weak but when needed, strong and protective.

The actors in the film are also good at making the viewer feel empathetic for their characters. For example, when Katniss is upset, the viewer becomes upset for her. During countless parts of the movie, the characters are put under stressful and uncontrollable situations, and you find your heart racing. All the components of the movie– the actors, scenery, and relationships– make the movie more complex. Plot twists surprise you at every turn. There are so many jaw-dropping, intense and suspenseful moments from this movie that make you relate to the characters and understand their feelings. There are even times when you need to look around the room to remind yourself that you are not in Panem.

Catching Fire differs from other teenage literary crazes in that it doesn’t focus on the love story. The love story seems like it is placed in the movie almost by accident, as though the film does not need it. Because the viewer empathizes with the characters, he or she wants Katniss’ character to have good in her life when everything is bad. However, this proves a conflict, since there is not just one love interest in the story. Gale is someone who loves Katniss and her family, and has always had a close bond with her. However, her relationship with Peeta develops along their journey. It’s not a situation when one could say “team Peeta” or “team Gale” because both are so precious to her that you want both to be a part of her life. This movie is a great example of a love story that isn’t corny, but real. One boy is a part of one life, and one boy is a part of another. Because those two lives come together, she no longer gets to control either of the relationships.

Catching Fire is definitely a “must see” movie, filled with an indescribable plot, and a truly extraordinary turn of events. Every part of this movie is a thrill and you will not be disappointed. The viewer gets to relate to the characters and understand what they are going through by living the adventure with them. The glamorous style, dynamic scenery and ambiance of each location give the movie that extraordinary spark. It’s breathtaking. You will find yourself still thinking about the movie hours after it is over. There really is nothing else like it.