Last night I sacrificed my homework and math test score to see the new Hunger Games movie, “Catching Fire.” And let me tell you, I would definitely do it again and again. “Catching Fire” is the second movie adaptation of a three book series by Suzanne Collins. The movie is set in a dystopian world, where the districts are under the control of a corrupt government. The two main characters Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) are again thrown into the arena, but this time left to fight to the death with previous victors. There were many breathtaking moments and a crazy ending that left the entire theater with their jaws dropped.

I am an avid book reader and once I had devoured the series in a matter of days, my number one concern was that the movie, like so many others, would completely botch the books. I am so relieved to say that this did not happen in the slightest. While there are a few little details that diehard HG fans will surely write strongly worded reviews about, in my opinion the movie beautifully resembled the book while still making its mark as a film. Creating a condensed movie while still hitting all the major plot points is no small feat, and Francis Lawrence did a knockout job.

The actors were on point as always, but I’d have to give most of the credit for the stunning visuals to the special effects producers, graphic designers, and the makeup, hair, and costumes team. From the slim tribute uniforms to Effie Trinket’s (Elizabeth Banks) monarch butterfly dress with matching hair, all the characters that Suzanne Collins poured her heart into jumped from the pages and came to life on screen. The arena and the districts were designed in perfect harmony with the book description and without the special effects the movie would have not been what it was. “Catching Fire” was filled with terrifying realism that made the audience feel as if they were reaped along with the other tributes in the Games. From the Capital-engineered mutts to the vivid bolts of lightning, the visuals in “Catching Fire” were perfection.

All in all, I really have nothing substantial enough to complain about because this movie was thrilling from beginning to end. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoyed the book trilogy, but also to those who haven’t read it yet, as they’d still enjoy getting lost in this magical dystopia for two-and-a-half hours.

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Rating: 5 out of 5