The latest installment in the Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, was one of the best movies I’ve seen so far this year. I finally got to watch it over Thanksgiving break and it was amazing. It is definitely worth the 146 minutes and $10 ticket. I was entertained the entire time. If you weren’t a fan of the series before, this movie will definitely convert you. I saw the first Hunger Games and liked it, but that was it. I saw Catching Fire and I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see it again.

I haven’t read any of the books, so I didn’t know about anything before watching the films. I was a little confused at some points of the movie and had to ask my knowledgeable friends, but the movie is pretty easy to follow. Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson give great performances and are just so easy to watch on screen.

Newcomers: Sam Claflin plays Finnick. He is one of the previous winners from District 4 who competes in the 75th Annual Hunger Games. He teams up with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) to survive the games. He saves both of them a time or two. He is a welcome addition to the series and very easy to look at as well.

Jena Malone plays Johanna Mason. She is from District 7 and also competes in the 75th Annual games. She is a cunning and smart character,who adds just the right amount of sass to the screen. She will be back in the 3rd installment, because her fate is undetermined at the end of Catching Fire.

Scene Stealers: Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark. I was not sure if I was Team Peeta or Team Gale after the first movie, but Peeta won me over in this one. His constant love for Katniss just yanks at my heart. He is really just a sweet and genuine guy that would do anything for her. All I wanted to do was give him a hug the entire movie. His good looks don’t harm his charming character either…that jawline!!! He is just so likable that if you don’t like Peeta, you need to reevaluate your priorities.

Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket. Effie gets more screen time in the second movie and I don’t hate it. She adds so much joy and happiness to the film with her eccentric outfits and personality. You also realize that Effie truly cares for Peeta and Katniss and hates that they have to compete again. She definitely adds a bit of glimmer to games.

The movie ends on a cliffhanger, so I can’t wait to see the next one. The third movie is being split into two separate films with the first one coming out November 2014. Catching Fire has grossed almost $300 million after two weeks of being in theaters.

If you have not seen this movie yet, take a break from studying for finals and go see it! I promise you it is worth it and you won’t be disappointed. If you have seen the movie, tell me what you thought of it. What was your favorite part?