Taking a cue from NBC’s tried-and-true “make it 1997 again through science or magic” business model, studio Lionsgate has decided that its best bet would be to return to the safe bosom of 2012. That was a simpler, kinder time for the production and distribution house; they were riding high, with one major franchise wrapping up and another colossal cash cow on the horizon. But in the years since The Hunger Games series reached its conclusion, Lionsgate hasn’t had a real hit. And in their search for the next big payday, they’ve gone the safest route by just giving the people more of what they want. Or rather wanted in 2012.
The final installment in The Hunger Games franchise had barely hit theaters before Lionsgate started talking up plans for a potential series of prequels, as if dessert had just arrived at the table and there’s ol’ eager Lionsgate, already talking about picking up some snacks on the way home. Let’s not get greedy here, okay? Take it from Jennifer Lawrence, who has some opinions about this whole Hunger Games prequel thing.
The good news is The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 contains less scenes of people sitting around and waiting for things to happen than The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.
We’re all a bit relieved to have the absurdity of Donald Trump’s SNL hosting gig behind us, and the odds are ever in our favor with Elizabeth Banks’ hosting debut. The Hunger Games star forms an alliance with Kenan Thompson for her first SNL promo, and only one of them leaves alive.