Disclaimer: I have not read the books.
Did most people really like it more than the first movie? I though it was a just a transition film from the start of the series to what should be an exciting end. While it certainly had more "wow" action elements like the fog and the monkeys, the ending was pretty abrupt and left you in limbo. The first film felt more tangible with the character development and the game itself was laid out with a clear ending. You felt really satisfied with the two main characters beating the game so to speak. Catching Fire was entertaining, but I thought the first movie was a better cinematic experience. This one set up such a great premise with the Victor's Game but then it turned into the characters fighting the elements more than each other when the first one was solidly human vs. human with nature playing third wheel.
