Movie date: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

This is my favourite movie of the year by a very wide margin.

The thing I'm always looking for as a movie fan is a film that works as both an incredible spectacle and cogent social commentary.

Catching Fire, for me, is another Blade Runner or Avatar.

Films like this give me hope that movies aren't entirely useless.

Basically Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) is a goddess - with her bow and regal bearing, she might as well have stepped out of a myth or fairy tale. She inspires awe.

Her battle against the corrupt government of Panem is truly epic.

I love how Lawrence has this perpetual look of fed-up disgust on her face. She knows she's too good for this crummy world and she can't help but show it.

She has so many killer scenes, where do I begin?

There's her tribute to fallen friend Rue. There's the part where she reveals her mockingjay dress. There's the bit where she saves Gale (Hemsworth) from being whipped to death, and gets beaten herself.

Then there's the countless moments in the Games during which she distinguishes herself as a classic movie heroine.

And wow that ending!

Truth is, the film is all one big fat killer scene.

I was moved to tears, yo.

As far as sequels go, the second part is always a tough act to get right.

Catching Fire is a brilliant second-parter. Darker, more complex and serious, this instalment offers enough depth and drama on its own yet sets a good foundation for parts three and four.

Some may find that there isn't enough "arena death-match" action. Yes, Catching Fire takes its time before sending Katniss and gang into their certain death.

But it's all worth it.

Taking time to expand on the Hunger Games universe, such as Katniss' hometown of District 12, the Victors' Tours, and the plights of the other Districts, allowing greater development of the characters - all of whom will have a big part to play in the subsequent sequels.

Again, Lawrence is the beating heart of this franchise's success.

She is indeed one fine, talented young lady. She makes Katniss an even more empathetic, frustrated and tortured heroine.

Her all-star cast mates also deliver confident performances, particularly Hutcherson, who has more to do this time.

But this is The Jennifer Show. The final scene when the camera zooms in on her face is an Oscar-worthy moment. You feel Katniss' despair, desperation, and determination all in one minute. Simply priceless.

STARRING: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman

DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence

THE SKINNY: Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) has survived the Hunger Games - a fight to the death against fellow children - but now she and her friend Peeta (Hutcherson) are being used to spread propaganda. When she chafes against her new role, she's forced to fight again.

RATING: PG13

THE CONSENSUS: Whether you're a guy or a gal, you'll LOVE this movie which features great action as well as a smart and relevant story line.

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