I hate sequels. Sequels are disappointing - at least most of the time. They're like second-rate versions of the first installment.

Catching Fire however, begs to differ. It does not, in any galactic way, disappoint anyone. And by anyone I mean readers and non-readers alike. I guess some would think it could be better. But for me, a fan of both the book and the film, it is so much more than enough, so much better than its predecessor (narratively, aesthetically and technically speaking).

In this second installment of The Hunger Games Trilogy, director Francis Lawrence takes over Garry Ross, and gives us so many reasons to love it more than the first one.

For one, Catching Fire has so much soul in it, as compared to the first one. Maybe because it is where all the drama escalates, teasing us towards the climax. The uprisings, the violence, President Snow’s wrath, the Gale-Katniss-Peeta triangle, the well-thought-about Quarter Quell, and of course, it is where we see all the loved characters (cough Finnick cough). And I love that the film is able to capture all of this so well on screen.

Loved Characters
In THG there's Rue, but in here there's Finnick, Johanna, and Mags, and Wiress and Beetee, and Heavensbee. And how we see them play in the film makes them all tear-worthy. There's so much to love in the film and it becomes more depressing that we lose almost all of them. I especially love how Johanna’s character is given so much angst in the film. She is so full of swag and magnificence. Jena Malone absolutely pulled it off. Finnick is… okay. He’s not like the Finnick in the book who you would definitely swoon over at first glance, rather, he’s a Finnick whose likability escalates as the plot progresses in that he becomes more significant, thus giving his character more soul, rather than just being the drool-worthy half-naked guy (Jacob? Haha). And then there’s Effie, oh Effie, who becomes closer to our hearts in this film. Elizabeth Banks didn’t disappoint, her couture looks were all jaw-dropping! There’s also Cinna, whose most glorious scene with Katniss is at the same time the most heartbreaking. Also, I don’t know why but President Snow is more terrifying in the film than in the book! The film indeed gives so much justice to the characters.

Less romance, more politics
Another thing to take note of perhaps, is how Francis Lawrence puts everything together that it makes the film less about Peeta-Katniss(-Gale), and more about the oppression in Panem, and the whole sick idea of a Hunger Games. In the book there’s so much Peeta-Katniss moments, but in the film the focus becomes more political. Also, in the film you would know at first glance that Katniss-Gale could never happen, most of their scenes together are awkward and rather insignificant. I was expecting more from Liam Hemsworth though. Sadly, Josh Hutcherson seems overshadowed in this film, maybe because there is an obvious effort for the director to make Jennifer Lawrence the center of attention.

Visual
What can I say, the film is visually appealing; everything in the arena makes your guts reel in excitement or fear of a next death. Musical scoring is brilliant. My personal favorite would be towards the ending, when Katniss is being lifted by the hovercraft claw. Neck hairs rose with that glorious music mixed with that glorious expression on Lawrence’s face. The last scene, I think, is also one of the most powerful scenes. Lawrence’s appalling stare totally teased everyone to Mockingjay. I guess it's safe to say that Lawrence will always have a place in my heart. A few wouldn’t understand her acting, but only because it is unique - tastefully unique. Just like this film, which is so tastefully done! (PS. Wardrobe blew my mind! They were all either how exactly I imagined, or even more!)

Here’s how effective it was: at the end of the two and a half hour experience, we were practically throwing screams back our throat with a tormented “how soon til Mockingjay?”

Photos grabbed from different sites, they belong to their rightful owners

So this is where it all really begins I guess, the sleepless nights spent wondering what's next in line for us. Soon the photos we so vibrantly took begin to look better in black and white, the papers we so desperately crammed for haphazardly forgotten, and the days spent together terribly missed.

Here's to that last chance to be the kind of awesome that we already are. I think I'm ready for my last semester in college.

PS. New skin! I have decided to scrap my banner exchange roster. I have also sifted through my affiliate list. I can't promise anything about getting back at your comments/tags right away. I don't like to feel obligated to update that much. I shall update when I feel like doing so. But still thanks for the messages!