THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY-PART 2 (C+)

Hobbled by a Hobbit movie-like penchant for copious amounts of laborious walking, this finale – while definitely a semi-ambitious step above its perfunctory Part 1 predecessor (not a hard task, mind you) – is a glumly-toned blockbuster that sporadically excites… When it does deliver, it’s the inherent dramatic nature of the journey – we’re at the end, where the wrapping up of people, places and secrets discovered is explored.  The flip side of splitting one book in to two movies, however, is that the story gets needlessly drawn out and all momentum is essentially lost…or at least that’s what’s happened here.  We’re forced to exist in a relatively tension-free district where the thrills and surprises are few and far between.  For me, it basically boiled down to no longer caring about the plight of these Panem-ian people.  Aside from a few tight action sequences and some occasionally decent acting, this is a movie that rambles instead of rouses, that’s fleeting instead of focused.  I did find myself occasionally engaged but never fully enthralled or entertained. There’s easily enough here to satisfy the loyal masses – this is a splendid looking yet virtually emotionless soon-to-be blockbuster – however, it ultimately seem likes these final two movies exist for the sole benefit of box office coffers…and not the actual people coughing up the cash to see ‘em.

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland

Directed by: Francis Lawrence (THG: MOCKINGJAY-PART 1, THG: CATCHING FIRE, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and I AM LEGEND)

Rated: PG-13

Running time: 2hr. 16min.

Story: With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale, Finnick and Peeta – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games. [Lionsgate]

Website: www.thehungergames.movie