CREDIT: LIONSGATE (2015)
Struggling to save the world when she can barely save herself, Katniss proves once again why she is the Mockingjay.

With Katniss Everdeen once again waking up in a hospital bed, the final chapter of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2, begins with healing and a slow recovery. Little time is given to Katniss, however, as Snow still reigns in the Capitol while the Districts face down in the last days of the Rebellion.

Most of the characters remain unchanged from the previous movie. Prim is still the supportive and compassionate sister. Katniss is still the reluctant hero. Gale is still the most incredibly selfish character ever put to screen; seriously, who whines about a girl not liking them enough while in the middle of a battlefield?

The one major exception is, of course, Peeta. Played by Josh Hutcherson, who is by far the best actor in a series overflowing with talent, Peeta’s slow recovery from Capitol brainwashing is a fascinating undercurrent throughout the film. His progress mirrors the slow changes of the society he is in, including the uncomfortable and sudden relapses.

The rest of the acting is, naturally, up to the high standards set by the series. Even Liam Hemsworth, playing the worst possible character, does a great job with the terrible role given to him. Yes, Gale is even more hateable than Snow. No, it doesn’t matter how pretty he is.

For those who complained about the lack of action in Mockingjay Part 1, this movie more than makes up for the previous lack. The action is almost constant for large sections of the film, and the use of tension gives certain scenes a legitimate horror-film vibe, done with a perfection of timing that is rarely seen. This is a movie full of incredibly emotional scenes, but also explosions, firefights and genuinely surprising actions.

With such amazing writing, acting and action, the details in a movie like this can easily go unnoticed. These details, however, are incredibly important. More and more, the subtleties hidden in the costumes, designed by Kurt and Bart, are fascinating. The importance of appearance in the culture of Panem makes the care and attention put into these designs all the more important.

This attention to the smaller details isn’t just in the costumes, but in every aspect of the film. From sets to make-up to monsters, there is never a moment that takes you out of the realism of the film, allowing the audience to walk with Katniss in a very real way.

There are some moments where it almost feels like someone has pressed ‘skip’ on a DVD copy of the film. While these moments are usually when Katniss has been knocked unconscious, the missing plot leaves a number of questions that are only kind of filled in by the other characters.

Another complaint with the film is the ending. Without giving anything away, it should be said that the film could have ended one scene earlier and have been much better for it. While this would have deviated from the books, the film series as a whole would have had the perfect ending.

Overall, Mockingjay, Part 2 is an incredibly well done movie and the perfect end to a series that has redefined how we make movies of this kind. With incredible acting, thrilling action and intensely emotional moments, The Hunger Games have ended on a high note.