View original postThe great news is: this time the games work too. By adding more characters that function as much more than victims and raising the stakes for Katniss and Peeta, the second half of the film is exciting, surprising, sometimes even wonderfully unpleasant, as should be. The new additions to the cast work great, especially Jena Malone, Sam Clafin and Philip Seymour Hoffman in roles that are not that easy to figure out. While Hutcherson manages to give his character much more heart and depth this time, this is still Lawrence's show, once again proving how she already is the leading lady of her acting generation.

View original postTop notch special effects, a much more spectacular setting for the game arena and unexpected plot twists make for a breath-taking finale, that ends as abruptly as imaginable. That robs the film some of its standalone merit, but leaves you wanting more and that soon.