After some record-setting success, The Hunger Games franchise closes-out with Mockingjay, Part 2. Despite the promise of a dramatic finish, we get a few surprises in this finale which is equal parts emotional as it is action-packed.
Picking-up where Mockingjay, Part 1 leaves off, we see Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) on a mission to kill President Snow (Donald Sutherland) after countless lives are destroyed and lost under his rule. It won’t be an easy task though as she and her allies are under his ruthless attack, with several fatal traps at every corner as they edge their way closer to him. A captured Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) also resurfaces after receiving cruel punishment at the hands of President Snow and we aren’t quite sure whether he now can be trusted. Despite her love and devotion to Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss finds herself compelled to protect and trust him in his vulnerable state. Will Katniss make it out alive to kill President Snow? If so, at what costs and how many more lives will be lost in the process?
Although we hope for a big, flashy close to this beloved Young Adult series, The Hunger Games ultimately and fittingly closes on a cathartic, remorseful note that respects the original motivation behind Katniss‘ ill-fated journey – protection of the ones she loves and also rebellion in the name of truth and justice.
Make no mistake though – Mockingjay, Part 2 does not fall short on the thrill of the action, its first half is paced quickly with elements thrown at all directions at Katniss and her allies. This certainly fares as the scariest chapter in the series, so be warned. And despite this, the greatest dangers towards the people of Panem ultimately are ill-intentioned leaders.
Lawrence shows great constraint, saving the emotional impact of her tragic losses till late and we will remember her legacy in this franchise as one of the greatest on-screen heroines of our time and we only wish she were around when we were growing up, forever impacting a generation of kids and young adults.
eOne Films release THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 Friday, November 20, 2015.
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