WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Righting wrongs. Even with the best of intentions, the path to doing so can be one fraught with hasty choices or ones whose actions will lead to further isolation from those following, perhaps, a given individual on their quest for revenge, even as they are seeking redemption or freedom themselves. Yet, knowing the perilous road ahead and the potential scrutiny of others, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is determined to take on the Capital and the ruthless President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in order to re-establish a Panem governed by peace. But to date, the war against Snow has already claimed precious friends in the aftermath of the Hunger Games and the Quarter Quell. Still a somewhat hesitant leader, Katniss chooses to move forward.
With her love, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), still recovering from the severe mental programming suffered while incarcerated by Snow, rebellion leader President Coin (Julianne Moore) and Game Master Plutarch (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) convince Katniss to take up with a new army consisting of fighters from the now unified Districts and march on the Capital to stop Snow once and for all. Along with allies Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), Finnick (Sam Claflin), Johanna (Jena Malone), Boggs (Mahershala Ali) and others, the push to the Capital becomes Katniss’ sole focus, wanting to end Snow’s corruption once and for all. But, at what price does retribution come, when those whom Katniss’ trusted begin to waver, and ones who were allies might be enemies?
Next, my Mind:
Third time series director Francis Lawrence successfully guides this final chapter of the “Hunger Games” franchise to a fast-paced, emotionally-charged, and even darker toned finale, of which it would seem many might be somewhat torn about satisfaction-wise. This reviewer has never read the full novel series, so how events are portrayed vs. the book is not able to be compared here. The action is intense, the motives behind decisions often questioned, and it is made extremely clear that if there is to be any solace found for Panem, it will be gained only in conflict, loss, and with the willingness to move forward in spite of it all. Visually potent, the sequences through the Capital and it’s villainous traps alone put the viewer on edge.
Jennifer Lawrence continues to impress as Katniss, so fluidly able to transition from being the cold, vengeance-seeking warrior to the soft-hearted woman she still is underneath it all. Lawrence just embodies the character so deeply, one simply believes this IS Katniss, bow skills and bravado in tow, yet emoting such a raw sense of the horror she experiences at Snow’s ongoing cruelty. Such a large ensemble cast all deserve recognition, as they each effectively bring life to our favorite foes and allies, with Elizabeth Bank’s Effie, Jeffrey Wright’s Beetee, Stanley Tucci’s Caesar, and Willow Shield’s Primrose all having their specific moments to add. The film’s final act is a forceful, weighty exposé on consequence and sacrifice that is unsettling, but puts the exclamation point on what has been one definitively powerful visualization of the dystopian society the narrative represents.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
