I’m going to miss THE HUNGER GAMES franchise. Don’t get me wrong, this is the perfect time to wrap this up for everyone, including the audience, but this is one of those rare series that actually got better with each new film. But MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 comes at just the right time, when films about vague dystopian futures populated by teens or 20-somethings seem to be on the way out. THE HUNGER GAMES did it best, and while I’ll certainly miss most of these characters, hopefully they can exit the game with another win.
I’m especially excited to see Philip Seymour Hoffman on screen for the last time, but I’m also thrilled about folks like Gwendoline Christie joining the cast, just as the franchise ends its run. But mostly I’m excited because I never read these books and have no idea how this is all going to end, no clue who gets to live and who perishes. Will we find out what exactly lives in President Snow’s beard? I just don’t know.
And as I have for all of the other HUNGER GAMES films to date, I’ve got a limited number of seats for an early Chicago screening of THE HUNTER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 for Ain’t It Cool News readers and one guest on Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to the winners). Here’s how to win (and read carefully, because I need a little something extra from you for this contest)…
To win, send me an email at MockingjayChicago@aintitcoolmail.com (please note the new email address) with the subject line “Turn Your Weapons to the Capitol” (exactly like that). In the body of the email, I need your full Name, if you are bringing a guest or not (each winner may bring ONE, confirmed guest--if I think you gave your extra ticket to someone trolling for free tickets at the theater, you won't get in), and the answer to the following question: “Aside from Katniss, who is your favorite HUNGER GAMES character, and why?” Keep your responses BRIEF--no more than 75 words (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit).
IN ADDITION, I need a photo of you flashing your most dramatic District 12 three-finger salute—easy as that. Please be aware that your photos may be posted as part of the official THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 Twitter account. Best answers and photos (as judged by me) win, and you'll hear from me very soon if you won, so check your email over the weekend. If you don’t include a photo, your entry will not be considered.
Although this is not an exclusive Ain't It Cool News event, winners’ seats will be reserved until 15 minutes before showtime (meaning 6:45pm). The venue is deliberately overbooked to guarantee a full house. If you can't arrive by 6:45pm, don't enter this contest. If you show up at the last minute, there is no guarantee that your seats will be good or together. If there's even the slightest chance you or your guests will have to back out of attending or arrive late if you do win, don't enter. If you have a job that might make you late or unable to attend, or an ill/pregnant relative, or a temperamental significant other, or a scratchy throat, do not enter. And the 24-hour-notice-to-cancel rule is done. If you win and don't show up, the Black List is your new best friend.
Good luck, everyone! And thanks to Lionsgate for giving us this very cool screening in Chicago.
