Hunger Games: Catching Fire expected to heat up box office

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters everywhere Friday, and fans around the globe have been itching to see the second installment of the unbelievably popular franchise for months. (Via Lionsgate / "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire")

The hype has box office analysts predicting big bucks from the new flick — the first movie raked in a massive $700 million worldwide. (Via  Lionsgate / "The Hunger Games")

"A battle of the blockbusters as "The Hunger Games" sequel looks to dethrone 'Thor' from the number one spot at the box office." (Via WFXP)

"Preliminary surveys suggest this will be one of the biggest openings of all time." (Via WJLA)

A senior analyst for box office tracking firm Rentrak told USA Today, "You can add 'The Hunger Games' to the crown-jewel franchises and brands of the movie world. The appetite is even stronger."

And a writer for the Los Angeles Times says the reason behind the series' long-lasting success is because it's "...popular with both boys and girls almost equally... [it] also appeals to older audiences, giving it an edge over many other young-adult properties."

But does the new flick really deliver? Like, is it a good movie?

"But do Katniss, Peta and company live up to all the hype? Yeah, it does." (Via CTV)

"Catching Fire's" 90 percent rating is already beating the original movie's rating of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. (Via Rotten Tomatoes)

Yeah, it's looking pretty good so far. Happy "Hunger Games," everyone! May the odds ever be... Well, they already are in your favor.

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