The Hunger Games hasn’t given birth to twins. Instead, it has stretched out the limbs of its concluding chapter to the point of cracking dislocation.

The bite of the adaptation’s first instalments has been replaced this time with the sting of blunted gums. Mockingjay’s maiden entry produces moments of tremendous spirit, but each stands as a lonely station in what should have been a singular, romping finale.

This smarter-than-the-average franchise has one last chance to howl above the clickity-clack of the Hollywood bean counters. Phoenixes rise from ashes. Let’s hope Mockingjays can, too.

The serving of intellectual nibbles to a young adult demographics is still admirable, but pouring The Hunger Games into the bifurcated moulding trays forged by the Deathly Hallows/Breaking Dawn produces more jelly than ice.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Jeffrey Wright, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci

DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence

WRITERS: Peter Craig, Danny Strong 

SYNOPSIS: When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol.