On Friday, the sequel to March 2012’s The Hunger Games will be released, Hunger Games: Catching Fire. In the days leading up to its release, fans and critics are raving in eager wait (and some plentiful in praise) for the long-awaited sequel starring Jennifer Lawrence.

The sequel, Catching Fire, was first announced even before The Hunger Games was originally released. This film is part of Lionsgate’s eventual plan to release four Hunger Games movies, with the last two coming out next year and the following one. This particular adventure sees the franchise’s hero, Katniss Everdeen, reluctantly becoming the face of a rebellion against the evil Capitol by the twelve Districts of Panem.

In awaiting the release of the film, many fans are already making plans for the premiere and to even dress up while attending. Others are simply making plans to go see it and finally see if this sequel can “one up” the original. Prairie Ridge student Brittney McHugh says she will go see the film because “[she has] read the books and loved them and [she] saw the first movie and thought they did a really good job with it.”

As many fans are awaiting the release, some critics have already seen the film, and have nothing but fantastic things to say. Film critic David Edelstein of New York Magazine spoke about the film, saying that “relatively speaking, Catching Fire is terrific.” Erik Davis of Movies.com makes the fantastic comparison of how this film is “like an awesome episode of Survivor All-Stars, except the stakes are so much bigger.” Clearly, critics are loving what they are seeing in this sequel that is directed by Francis Lawrence of I am Legend fame. The film currently holds a 94% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a rather impressive feat for a sequel.

So, what can one conclude thus far? One can certainly conclude that Catching Fire is prepared to dowse the impatient flames of fans everywhere and has satisfied critics. Want to see why these critics are raving? Go see the film for yourself and find out.