The final chapter of Katniss Everdeen’s saga, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, is true to form with the earlier installments of this series - it is action-packed, thoughtful, and emotionally poignant.
The stakes are high for the young heroine, her friends and family and for the rebel forces that view her as the “mockingjay (symbol of hope)” as they engage in total war with the Capitol (District 1), which is ruled by the ruthless but sophisticated President Snow (Donald Sutherland).
The “girl on fire” makes it her own personal mission to fire the arrow shot that ends Snow’s life, and in turn Snow is equally hell-bent to destroy Everdeen as he views her death as being key to quelling the uprising in the nation of Panem.
There are some tremendous action pieces in the film as Everdeen and her military unit encounter many booby traps throughout District 1 as they make the perilous trek toward Snow’s mansion. I appreciate the people that made this film did not give a romanticized and sugarcoated version of war. It carries more weight because of the decision to present the grim and brutal reality of total conflict and how war can test your most sacred moral ideals.
There was criticism when it was first announced that there would be two Mockingjay films. Those critics that say a great two-and-a-half or three hour film could have been made instead of making two films do have a compelling argument. However, I am glad this story received more room to breathe. It allows for some powerful dialogue scenes, monologues and character moments that raise thoughtful questions about the tragic cyclical nature of war.
These “talky scenes” and character interactions would not make an impression if not for strong acting performances.
Jennifer Lawrence once again hits it out of the park in the central role. She is riveting whether she is emotionally breaking down, kicking some serious butt, or just reacting in horror to the bloodshed before her.
While I thought the love triangle arc was a bit cringeworthy at times in this film (my major criticism of the film), I give credit to Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth for giving their best performances of the saga as Peeta and Gale.
Donald Sutherland’s performance through this whole series has been chilling, human and invaluable. He nails the big scenes he is given.
Julianne Moore also shines as Alma Coin, the leader of the rebel forces that embodies moral duplicity and cold, calculating intellect.
The late Philip Seymour Hoffman, in his final screen performance, provides warmth and gravitas as the game maker Plutarch Heavensbee.
I would have liked to have seen more screen time for Stanley Tucci’s Caesar Flickerman, Woody Harrelson’s Haymitch Abernathy, and Jena Malone’s Johanna Mason. They are great but they are only seen fleetingly.
In addition to the acting, I have to give kudos to director Francis Lawrence. He has crafted a finale that flies in the face of Hollywood conventions. He didn’t give into the temptation of making this film a soaring and uplifting ending. Yes there is some closure to the story, but overall the final moments of this film is compatible with the saga’s grim and contemplative soul.
Four popcorn buckets out of five.
