Mockingjay Part 2 Does Not Disappoint [REVIEW]

I spent five and a half hours in a movie theater on Wednesday night to get an advanced screening of the final installment in The Hunger Games franchise, and it was worth every minute. 

Our friends at Regal Cinemas 14 Hamilton Commons allowed me to attend a double feature engagement of Mockingjay Parts 1 and 2. Even though it had been only a year since the first, it was the perfect opportunity to get caught up and fully immersed again in the world of Katniss Everdeen.

Having not read any of The Hunger Games novels, I had no idea how the story would ultimately end, so I resigned myself to enjoy the ride. In Mockingjay Part 2 Katniss is hell bent on revenge and finally ending President Snow as the war in Panem escalates. Along the way she faces more betrayal than ever before, and by those closest to to her. She also suffers great loss.

I really enjoyed how action packed this chapter played out on screen. One particular scene in the subways of the Capitol had me on the edge of my seat as Katniss and her squad have to fight for their lives against the 'mutts' trained to kill them. The alien-like creatures were white and slimy, with a nasty mouth of teeth.

I found the ending to be slightly predictable regarding President Coin (played by Julianne Moore), but it was fitting. I'm also pleased with the way director Francis Lawrence was able to keep Philip Seymour Hoffman's Heavensbee in the movie quite a bit given the fact he died during filming.

All in all, I'm going to miss Jennifer Lawrence playing Katniss Everdeen. She's so convincing as a character I've come to adore over the years. My mission now? To go back and read the books. I hope you enjoy your Mockingjay Part 2 experience as much as I did, and special thanks again to Regal Cinemas for giving me a preview.

The Verdict: Mockingjay Part 2 is a must-see.