A couple weekends ago Mike and I actually went out to the movies (gasp!) which we haven’t done in a really long time. We went to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Director: Francis Lawrence

Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth

Runtime: 2 hours 26 minutes

Plot Summary: (from IMDb) A year after winning the 74th Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and her partner, Peeta Mellark must go on what is known as the Victor’s Tour wherein they visit all the districts. But before leaving, Katniss is visited by President Snow who fears that Katniss defied him a year ago during the games when she chose to die with Peta. With both Katniss and Peeta declared the winners, it is fueling a possible uprising. He tells Katniss that while on tour she better try to make sure that she puts out the flames or else everyone she cares about will be in danger. But unfortunately she fails to do that. So Snow decides to enact what is known as the Quarter Quell, the right to make a change to the Hunger Games, which he is allowed to do every 25 years. He decides to hold an edition of the Hunger Games wherein previous winners will compete again. Their mentor Haymitch thinks their best chance to survive is form an alliance with some of the others. They decide to align themselves with Finnick and his partner, Mags. But Snow is secretly hoping Katniss will be killed.

Rating: See it in the theater!!!

This movie was absolutely awesome – I loved it. I am always a little skeptical of sequel movies because often times they don’t live up to the original, but this one definitely was as good, if not better, than the first Hunger Games. It also doesn’t feel as long as it is (2 1/2 hours!). I can’t help but hate the Peeta character, played by Josh Hutcherson. I don’t think it’s the acting, because I hated him in the book too. I just got tired of him being hurt and needing rescue. I also loved Jena Malone as Johanna Mason – she was really bad ass! Go see this one!

Ratings Explanation:

• Theater: This means the movie is awesome. Go see this movie in the theater – well worth the $100 you’ll spend for a night out to see it on the big screen!
• On Demand: Since no one actually rents movies anymore, this category has changed to On Demand. This means it’s a great movie, but it is as good at home as it is in the theater and worth seeing a little sooner.
• TV: This means the movie is ok. Wait for it to show up on HBO and see it for free.
• Skip It: Movie sucks, don’t waste your time.