The second installment of The Hunger Games is a rip-roaring cinematic experience led by the ever-compelling Jennifer Lawrence.
There was fight and fire at its most gripping when it involved a pack of angry baboons and the film resonated as a persuasive imagining of what might happen if all our worst fears were realised.
On a lighter note, highlights also included Sam Claflin giving a piggy back to Magda from Sex and the City (keep your eyes peeled).
Part two picks up a year after Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) have won the Games. They are about to embark on their Victory Tour but both are having trouble adjusting to their celebrity status.
Katniss, in particular, is a reluctant hero. Shes been traumatised by her experience in the arena and since returning home shes confused about her relationships with Gael (Liam Hemsworth) and Peeta.
But it soon becomes apparent that her biggest problem is the fact that she won the games by bending the rules. Her fearless behaviour has given hope to the poorest districts and ignited rebellion that infuriates President Snow (Donald Sutherland).
The second installment also introduces us to new characters, including the Ken doll-like Career tribute Finnick Odair, played by Sam Claflin, and Catching Fires Head Gamemaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Catching Fire is in cinemas 21 November
