Avid fans with the burning desire to know more about the life of the “girl on fire” and flame of hope Katniss Everdeen, as well as the 12 districts of the Capital, shall wait no longer. After a year and a half wait, the anticipated “The Hunger Games” sequel, “Catching Fire,” has finally blazed into theaters. The thrilling adaptation of Susan Collins’ popular book series is brought to the big screen by director Francis Lawrence and his incredibly gifted and versatile cast, featuring the acting skills of Jennifer Lawrence (“Silver Linings Playbook”) as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson (“Epic”), Woody Harrelson (“Free Birds”) and Elizabeth Banks (“Movie 43”), to name a few.

Considering the other major roles that Jennifer Lawrence has played in the past, it’s easy to see the impressive magnitude of her talent. Once again, Lawrence shows off her versatile acting skills in her portrayal of Katniss Everdeen.

For anyone who has read the novel, it is safe to say that Lawrence is spot on in her representation of the beloved female heroine. She takes on the Katniss character through her strong and serene disposition, which she upholds as the world is literally crumbling around her. But Lawrence’s acting is most notable and believable during the traumatic scenes of the film.

Those who are indifferent to the “Hunger Games” series as a whole may enjoy this movie solely for the costume design. There is a variety of eccentric costumes, ranging from ragged and dirty frocks of the poor civilians in the districts to the over-the-top and bedazzled attire of the people living within the Capital.

Effie (Elizabeth Banks) in particular is a character well-known for her extravagant garb. She does not disappoint in “Catching Fire,” as she dons her many voluptuous, colored wigs as well as her vivacious dresses.

While the film excels in costume design and acting, it contains no memorable music. The melodies played in the background were used only to complement onscreen images and to draw out specific emotions from the audience — nothing new or original here.

The cinematography also faltered in places, most notably during fight scenes. The action is perpetual, and the cinematography does little to clearly establish what is going on. Everything happens so fast and the camera shakes throughout, leading to nauseating visuals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keT5CRhhy84

Although the soundtrack is nothing memorable and the camerawork occasionally poor, these factors do not take away from the impactful and controversial storyline threaded throughout the film.

Some readers may call “Catching Fire” an easy read, yet an intriguing novel that also encompasses a significant amount of violence. This later point is apparent in the film adaptation of the book as well, which makes it difficult to recommend the film to children. Though this can be frustrating and even shocking at times, these shockingly violent occurrences and plot twists make the storyline for “Catching Fire” that much more powerful and effective.

Despite the film’s depressing nature, “Catching Fire” gives viewers an impactful experience that qualifies as a successful evening at the cinema. Viewers will be captivated by the brilliance of the plotline combined with exceptional acting. It is as enjoyable as it is upsetting. “Catching Fire” will leave you — ahem — “hungry” for more.

4 out of 5 stars