The Final Game – Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

People always say it would be cool to live in the world of their favorite book. “Oh, I want to go to Hogwarts…”, “Wouldn’t it be awesome to live in Middle-Earth…”, etc. However, after watching The Hunger Games franchise, especially this last movie, everyone can come to a consent that this is one world no one will want to ever live in.

Mockingjay Part 2 is probably the most brutal of all the Hunger Games trilogy (yes, it’s still a trilogy) mainly because it evolves from just “games” to full-on war. No longer are just children in danger, but the entire nation of Panem is too. Not even the Capitol, the home of the wealthy and depraved are safe from the conflict anymore. Katniss, Gale, Peeta, along with Squad 451 must venture through the center of the conflict in order to assassinate President Snow and finish the war.

The great thing about this movie is that it shows the brutality of war. There is no victor, there is no pleasure, it’s just all-out destruction with no morals. This is made more distinct by the Capitol’s destruction. Originally, viewers had seen the Capitol as this gleaming city full of rich, fancy, oddly dressed people and splendor. In this movie, the war has turned the Capitol into a wasteland of broken building and even more broken people (though still oddly dressed).

The movie goes deeper into the characters than the book ever did. Katniss’ relationships are fleshed out more and you actually feel for her and others when they get hurt.

Finally, Mockingjay makes every scene tense and heart-pounding. From simple weddings foreshadowing horror to actual horror as you see your favorite characters die (spoiler if you haven’t read the book), the movie doesn’t give the audience a moment to rest.

I left the theater in shock and awe by the terrifying, amazing spectacle that had unfolded before me. Even though I’d read the book, the movie put everything into a much clearer, startling view. Whether you’re a fan of the novels or just want to see it because of the hype, Mockingjay Part 2 is a must see film (just be sure not to bring small children).