Fans of the dystopian, sci-fi Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins and/or the movie franchise itself certainly had both doubts and expectations regarding the final instalment – Mockingjay - Part 2. Let's start on a positive note: the aforementioned fans will be relieved to know that this film manages to remain truthful to the novel without significantly deviating from the original plot.

The storyline picks up from where Part 1 left off: Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is trying to come to terms with the fact that fellow victor, 'fiancé' and trusted friend Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) just attacked and tried to kill her as a result of President Snow's brainwashing. Katniss now has one more thing to add to the long list of why she wants to bring an end to Snow's tyrannical rule over Panem. Backed by District 13, and their leader, President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore), Katniss sets out on a mission with the 'Star Squad', as the Mockingjay and the face of the rebellion.

The film digs deeper into Katniss' character and her struggles to make her way to the frontlines of every battle in the rebellion. Jennifer's performance can be described as both powerful and vulnerable. She and the remainder of the squad, especially Cressida (Natalie Dormer), Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin) and Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) are nothing short of determined and fierce. (Attention GoT fans!) Natalie deserves kudos for successfully portraying Cressida's undying dedication to the propos (short propaganda films) which are meant to ignite the rebellion. On a related note, 'Brienne of Tarth' (Gwendoline Christie) also makes an appearance, as the rebellious Commander Lyme. Similar short appearances are made by Jena Malone (her character Johanna Mason's blunt dialogue providing some humour to balance out all the gloom) and Stanley Tucci (who plays the eccentric Caesar Flickerman) – both characters mange to add depth to the storyline.  

Most of the action scenes are facilitated by the Star Squad and are well executed with CGI and sound effects, making this an ideal movie to watch in 3D. Unlike Part 1, this doesn't lack thrilling content, and the eventual action makes up for the rather slow 'dialogue-intensive' beginning of the movie (the 137-minute duration is a tad unnecessarily lengthy). Then there are certain parts that give you rather unrealistic horror movie feels like when Katniss and the others come face to face with the genetically engineered mutts sent by the Capitol. The mutts' appearance doesn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the sci-fi elements and is awfully similar to the creatures in The Descent (2006).

If you're familiar with the trilogy, you'll know which deaths to expect (I won't spoil it for those who've skipped the books). Luckily these deaths have the intended effect: momentarily crippling the audience with a sense of sorrow without forcing or overdoing the scenes. Mockingjay - Part 2 paints an accurate picture of war, rebellion and not always knowing who the real enemy is, all the while providing a thrilling, final ride to its viewers.

Salma Mohammad Ali fears she is becoming a crazy cat lady and uses writing as a means to grasp on to sanity. Send her your views/hate/love at https://www.facebook.com/salma.ali209