Hunger Games: Catching Fire (12A) Initially, the tone of the storytelling is dark and satirical. The production design effectively contrasts the desaturated, American depression-era look of the Districts with the gaudy excesses of the Capitol. Alongside the young leads, the cast is full of strong character actors who give the film a gravitas you don't expect in a franchise movie. Gradually, though, the contradictions become apparent. Director Lawrence seems uncertain whether he is making a sci-fi thriller for adults or a teen adventure yarn. As the actual Hunger Games begin in earnest, the tempo stutters. The effects are spectacular but the reality-TV show conceit makes the storytelling seem increasingly cumbersome. You can't help but be frustrated by a movie that ends so abruptly (leaving us to wait for the next sequel). Still, to its credit, this is real film-making, not a cynical exercise in exploiting the Suzanne Collins books. Lawrence, back in a role a long way removed from her Oscar-winning turn in Silver Linings Playbook, shows her star quality. Whether shooting arrows or intervening to stop a friend from being horsewhipped, she plays Katniss with such ferocious conviction that we never question for a moment how far-fetched the premise here actually is. Francis Lawrence, 150 mins Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth