It’s the weekend again, and that means Film Focus. Here’s Mike Laidman with what’s new in local theaters.

Escape the repetitiveness of everyday life. Escape that which drags you down, makes you sluggish, makes you slow, and head out to a night at the movies.

This week, what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest films of the year opens. A giant to do battle with Bond, and the last film in a franchise. Here we have a look at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.

Second, we’ll step into a bit of a time warp as we travel back to 2004 to take a look at a great drama that is seeing a return to Korean cinemas.

But first, the conclusion to The Hunger Games series.

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Mike Laidman

Welcome to another edition of Film Focus. I’m Mike Laidman.

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015, Francis Lawrence)
The war of Panem escalates and Katniss brings together an army.

Much like what has happened to a number of books lately, this final chapter in The Hunger Games Series, Mockingjay, was split into two.

As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts by the Capitol, Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army against President Snow, while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.

Some say they’ve saved the best for last. Mockingjay - Part 2 is a dark film, unflinchingly grim, but in a dramatically satisfying way. Here we have an exciting, poignant, and overall satisfying conclusion to a series that has been storming cinemas since 2012.

The Games might be over, but let's keep bringing on more franchises anchored around a strong female action hero with the acting caliber of Jennifer Lawrence.

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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004, Michel Gondry)
A couple undergoes a procedure to have their memories erased.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was a solid hit back in 2004, with high praise for the smart, imaginative script and the daring directorial touch.

After a painful breakup, Clementine undergoes a procedure to erase memories of her former boyfriend Joel. When Joel discovers this, he undergoes the same procedure and slowly begins to forget the woman he loved.

Eternal Sunshine is a twisty, yet heartfelt look at relationships and heartache, anchored by strong performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. This is a romantic drama, even a comedy of sorts, that, without its quirky direction and wonderful script, would be just another love story.