The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (12A)

Directed by Francis Lawrence

3 Stars

Loyal Hunger Games fans have little to fear. This sequel, virtually a faithful adaptation of the second book in the trilogy, is just as bleak, brutal and violent as its predecessor although it has a distinctly deja-vu feel to it.

Having won the 74th Annual Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) soon become the targets of the Capitol when their victory sparks a rebellion in several districts.

Desperate to quash the spreading unrest Panem's President Snow (Donald Sutherland) announces that all the tributes of the next Hunger Games - the Quarter Quell - will for the first time be past victors, thus sending our heroes back into the gladiatorial contest and their certain deaths.

Oscar-winning Lawrence is on fire as Katniss once again. She is statuesque as the feisty and uncompromising teenage heroine who is burdened with guilt and is now haunted by the harrowing memories of the last games.

Hutcherson delivers a soulful performance as Peeta but Liam Hemsworth is easily forgettable as Katniss's soulmate Gale.

Catching Fire delves deeper into the growing disparities between the poor and oppressed districts and the wealthy and power-hungry Capitol, pointing up the ruthless lengths the latter will pursue to ensure the masses toe the line.

The first half of this stunning looking film serves merely as the build-up to the Hunger Games themselves which are even more vicious than the previous ones.

Unfortunately, like most sequels this one is devoid of a proper ending as its purpose is to set the scene for Mockingjay, the trilogy's finale.

But with two more films on the way the odds are ever in your favour for a satisfying ending for fans and box office alike.

Maria Duarte