Directed by Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend, Water for Elephants, The Hunger Games...) and starring Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, Winter's Bone, Serena, The Hunger Games...), Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia, Escobar: Paradise Lost, The Kids Are All Right, The Hunger Games...), Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song, Empire State, The Hunger Games...), Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job, Deception, Space Cowboys, The Hunger Games...), Philip Seymour Hoffman (The Master, Capote, Charlie Wilson's War, The Hunger Games...) and Julianne Moore (Still Alice, Map to the Stars, What Maisie Knew, Children of Men, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, The Hunger Games...).
Action adventure, 137 mins, 12+
District 12 has been destroyed and the rebellion is now headquartered at District 13. They work out that the only way to the Capitol is by first taking District 2 and combining forces under Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) to overtake President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has one mission - to kill President Snow herself; however, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) has been brainwashed by President Snow and his feelings for Katniss are all negative, blaming him for the terrible loss of life.
A substantial improvement from Part 1 of the last instalment on the book's triology by author Suzanne Collins. Here, the audience knows there will be a conclusion, but not necessarily what format that will take or how it will be achieved. The musical score adds to the dramatic suspense, particularly in the riveting scenes in the underground tunnels, and there are other scenes that invoke memories of the original Hunger Games novel. As a result, this last film in the series manages to amalgamate the best of the series, including new scenes with the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, as well as challenges the insurgents must overcome to achieve their goal.
Most satisfactory, in every way. Now audiences will be watching out for what Jennifer Lawrence does next, not what Katniss Everdeen does next...
