137 Minutes, Action-Adventure/Drama, M

The wait is over. After four years, four films (from three books) and 548 minutes of movie watching, the saga following the plight of Katniss Everdeen, loved by many all around the world, comes to an end with this highly anticipated final instalment – MOCKINGJAY – PART 2. After a cliffhanger ending in PART 1, the war on Panem hits new destructive heights as each District is devastated by actions of the Capitol. It is up to Katniss, leader of the rebellion against the Capitol, to form an alliance that can finally put an end to the oppressive power of its leader – President Snow.

This is what is certain about MOCKINGJAY – PART 2; The quality of not only this film, but the entire franchise production, is always high. Even during its less potent moments, MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 is still a cut above all other blockbuster releases aimed at the same demographic. Although it’s not consistently at the fore in this final release, the entire series key theme grounds this film to easily be a hugely compelling watch. Jennifer Lawrence hasn’t even heard of the term “out of character” let alone being caught in that moment – she is enthralling to watch and makes Katniss a character to not only care about but be completely inspired by. Something else is certain about MOCKINGJAY – PART 2; there didn’t need to be a part 2!

Despite this final film in the HUNGER GAMES franchise still being a very good film, it isn’t epic. And it should have been. Visibly stretched to reach 260 minutes in two-parts, the understandable yet obvious decision to earn more than double the dollars one film would bring in has resulted in an inconsistent final chapter that loses its stranglehold over the audience too often, taking too much time getting us to the climax we’re all waiting for. Is the wait worthwhile at least? Absolutely! The thrills and chills generated not only during that climax, but throughout, courtesy of the reintroduction of some “Hunger Games”, bring you to the edge of your seat, but the tension and engrossing drama just cannot be sustained or as impacting as what one two and a half to three hour epic closing chapter surely would have been.

3.5 out of 5

THE HUNGER GAMES – MOCKINGJAY PART 2 Film Trailer

Moviedoc wishes to thank Alex, Roadshow Films and Village Cinemas – Crown for the invitation to the Melbourne Premiere of THE HUNGER GAMES – MOCKINGJAY PART 2

Review by Moviedoc
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