The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Sequels usually copy the homework and get a worse grade. Catching Fire copies it and somehow gets a better one. Look closely and it’s the same blueprint: a reaping, a parade, interviews, training, an arena. The first hour is a long victory tour that drags in spots, and the love triangle is still about as thrilling as a group project. But Francis Lawrence steadies the camera, and the arena itself is a clever trap you’ll want to solve right alongside the heroes. Jennifer Lawrence is even better here, angry and scared in the same breath. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Plutarch with a tiny smirk that says he knows more than he’s telling. The new tributes, especially Johanna and Finnick, bring a jolt of personality. It made $425.3 million domestic, beating the original, and the movie.guru score is an 8.5. An 8.1 because it takes a recycled setup and makes it bigger, smarter and angrier. $527 says you see a wedding dress this year and wonder if it could burst into flames.

What works: A steadier director, a puzzle-box arena, and new tributes who bring real energy next to a fierce Jennifer Lawrence.

What doesn’t: It follows the first film’s structure almost step for step, and the slow victory tour and love triangle drag down the first hour.

Who it’s for: Fans who thought the first movie was good but wanted it steadier, bigger and angrier.