Last weekend, we finally saw Catching Fire, the second in the Hunger Games series.

All I can see is wow.

Ok I can say a little more. This movie was phenomenal in every way. It was a great book adaptation. They hit all the major highlights without losing much of the integrity of the story. Obviously they don’t go into all the details that the book does. However,  it is hard for me to realize what wasn’t said in the movie because it was knowledge I already had.

The story occurs in a dystopian future where 12 districts are at the mercy of the Capital. The Capital keeps everyone in fear and constant control. The storyline follows Katniss and Peeta as the victors of the 74th Hunger Games, which is a competition (death match) put on by the Capital with two “representatives” from each district. Peeta and Katniss have to do the “victory lap” within all the districts. All the while, they have to pretend they are in love to keep up the facade they started with the whole “berry” incident. As they are on the tour, they see glimpses of the other districts and the beginning of a revolution.

President Snow feels threatened by Katniss, and with the urging from the new game master, they made the Quarter Quell one for the history books by recalling old victors to be tributes once again.

But little does Snow know that this is the beginning of the end for him.

And that is all I am going to say about the story.

I just loved it.

It was packed with emotion and action, and snippets of humor.

My favorite characters are Haymitch and Cinna. I am also Team Peeta all the way.

I cried twice-once when they showed Rue’s family, and then when Cinna had his misfortune.

The cinematography was fantastic. I hate when they make a movie with CGI that you notice, and this was not the case with Catching Fire. Those monkeys scared the daylights out of me. I also don’t like when they are two quick with the camera action that you can’t keep up with what is going on. They did a great job keeping you focused on what you needed to and highlighting whatever emotion of the time.

The cast was phenomenal. I want Jennifer Lawrence to be in my inner circle.

It sparked more conversations about rebellion and the “end of the world” prep in our house. So it is safe to say that Tom enjoyed it too.

The genius of Suzanne Collins (author of the trilogy) was brought to life in the most fantastic way. Although, nothing in my opinion can beat actually reading the book.

I highly recommend this series to anyone!

Have you seen it? What are your thoughts? Team Peeta or Team Gale?

Friday Filters offer a review that are my own opinions. I was not contacted by anyone associated with these works or compensated for my review. My review has not been influenced by anything other than my love for entertainment and art.