“Catching Fire,” the second film in the “Hunger Games” series based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novels, earned $161.1 million on its opening weekend in the U.S.  The epic movie had the fourth highest-grossing debut ever and the highest with a female lead, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.

Fans of the series will be pleased with how closely “Catching Fire” follows the book.  Although a few minor elements are added for dramatic or comedic effect, the movie truly brings the novel to life on the big screen.  Sophomore Alex Livingstone, an avid fan of the series, noted that the “special effects in ‘Catching Fire’ made it feel like you were in the arena.”

In “Catching Fire,” Katniss Everdeen faces the consequences for outfoxing the Capitol in her first Hunger Games and must return to the arena for the third Quarter Quell.  She soon learns that she is a symbol of hope for the people in the twelve districts who try to rebel against the oppressive Capitol.  Katniss is faced with the increasingly daunting task of staying strong for her people while doing her best to ensure the safety of her family.

The movie takes on a dark note from the very beginning by showcasing the extent of Katniss’ emotional trauma from her first Hunger Games.  Jennifer Lawrence truly understands and executes her character, portraying Katniss as strong and independent while suffering serious emotional damage.  Without a doubt, Lawrence’s talent carries the movie and makes Katniss relatable.

Actors Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth reprise their roles as Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne, respectively.  Peeta, as in the first film, is a quiet yet strong individual who will do anything for Katniss.  Gale, on the other hand, undergoes a significant transformation from a quiet hunter to an angry revolutionary.  While Hutcherson does the best he could with the relatively flat role he was given, Hemsworth shines as he takes on a more prominent role in the plot.

Once again, Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy are great successes for the film.  Harrelson, playing Katniss and Peeta’s drunk and witty mentor, provides much-needed comedic relief to the movie’s dark plot.   Banks’ funny yet moving portrayal of Effie gives viewers a glimpse of how much the budding revolution has impacted the people of Panem – even she, a Capitol-bred, begins to realize the injustice of the government and society she once loved.

New to the cast are actors Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair and Lynn Cohen as Mags.  Claflin gives Finnick the perfect mix of flirtatiousness and intelligence for his important role as one of Katniss’ allies in the Games.  Livingstone’s favorite character from the “Catching Fire” is Finnick.  “As the movie progresses, you find out more about his past – he becomes more than just a pretty face,” she said.  Kennedy Cooper, another big fan of the series, likes Mags best “because of the way she sacrifices herself” to save Katniss, Peeta, and Finnick.

“Catching Fire’s” whopping box office numbers are more than enough indication of the film’s success.  The “Hunger Games” franchise promises to grow even bigger as the next two movies tackle the saga’s final book, “Mockingjay.”