How sad it is to see Katniss Everdeen bid this power franchise adieu…
Maybe that’s overstating matters a bit as MOCKINGJAY-PART 2 brings the highly successful ‘Hunger Games’ storyline to a worthy conclusion.
The good news is that its millions of young fans will be pleased as director Francis Lawrence pretty well sticks to the printed pages in winding things up.
But make no mistake, this final outing takes on a deviously darker tone. Gone are many of the previous and ever so popular futuristic action sequences. They’ve been replaced by darker underground scenes and more philosophical story aspects leading to the ultimate confrontation and showdown between Katniss and evil president Snow.
Because Katniss now realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival—they’re for the future!
A future to be faced beyond sadistic dictator Snow.
A future accentuated by rival Alma Coin—possibly back at District 13?
And what of a future with Peeta who had been done in by Capitol goons?
Mortal traps and choices now bring Suzanne Collins‘ hugely popular trilogy to a worthy conclusion.
But hold it right there!
THIS is the fourth movie?
Well MOCKINGJAY-PART 1 and PART 2 were obviously filmed back to back a couple of years ago. One book–TWO movies.
Consider it a financial move by the studio which now reaps a double dose of benefits out of Collins’ final book.
Therein also lies the problem with MOCKINGJAY-PART 2’s first half having been overly stretched. For me it took almost the entire first half of the film’s 2 hours and 15 minute running time to really get going.
Of course seeing Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final performance as Plutarch Heavensbee evoked its own emotions.
Hoffman passed away just prior to completing the role.
And it’s been suggested that a final scene of Hoffman in the film was possibly CGI enhanced.
Of course only the filmmakers know for sure……for now.
So just like HARRY POTTER, LORD OF THE RINGS and THE TWILIGHT SAGA another billion dollar movie franchise comes to a close.
Yes, the fire will burn forever. But the rebellion against the oppressive Capitol concludes.
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY-PART 2 opens in ‘wide’ release.
My score: B-
(Reviewed at AMC Town Center)
JACK GOES TO THE MOVIES Friday mornings during Kansas City’s Morning News with EJ & Ellen on 98.1 FM, KMBZ.
