The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

By: Jamie Steinberg

Finally coming to an end, the movie The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 brings the trilogy to a close. The continuation of the battle to take down President Snow adds depth to the characters, ties up loose ends and shows the future in a surprising finale. Well-acted as usual, the cast has their roles down pat as they begin the final battle for Penem and stake their claim on the Capitol. Ardent followers, mostly female, will be lining up in droves to see this final episode. So if you want to be the first, seek out tickets early.

The movie opens with Peta (Josh Hutcherson) harnessed to a medical table still wanting to kill Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) as he’s been conditioned to do by President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Bewildered, Katniss has only one thing on her mind, kill President Snow and bring an end to the tyranny he has subjected the people in the 13 Districts. Leading the charge at the behest of the rebel President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore), the “Mockingjay” heroine sets out with a squad of best fighters for a last stand against the powerful Capitol’s military.

Returning to finish the series, Director Francis Lawrence does all he can to wrap up the mega franchise in a good way. Leading his actors through some very tricky scenes that include a very scary attack under the city, Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer) works them into a fighting machine using his camera to capture it all. He uses the full quota in CGI and green screen showing the destruction and mayhem brought on by the fighting. His creativity of sets and CGI puts his production in the same league as sci-fi films like Jurassic World and San Andreas.

On the downside, being the kind of director that wants his audience to get inside the head of his characters, Lawrence focuses his camera on several characters in long drawn out shots that slow the film making it lethargic at times. It’s almost as if he’s trying to treat his audience to a last homage of his brilliant characters, especially Katniss, Peta and President Snow (Donald Sutherland). But, it may also backfire on him leaving his younger followers questioning this tactic, especially those that just want to get on with the final show.

In her final debut as Katniss on the screen, Jennifer Lawrence nails the much idolized girl who started the rebellion that opened the door to peace for Panem. Every scene she’s in Lawrence shows a bit more of her amazing talent. Whether it’s a soft moment between her and her two suitors (played by Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth) or a harrowing face to face fight, she’s Katniss as the film series began in 2012 to the very end. Tough, sweet, charming, angry, belligerent as Katniss, Jennifer Lawrence is the whole ball of wax. For millions of young ladies she will be missed as their champion and symbol of the teenage masses. But, Lawrence can finally move on from the teenage wonder child she created and continue making award winning films like Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle.

The production crew did a fine job bringing the film to the screen with magnificent sets, excellent computer graphics, amazing special effects and exciting action sequences. The costuming is up to par with the other episodes and due to the addition of the sewer scenes of the ravenous creatures the make-up department excelled beyond what they have done in the past. The superb camera work combined with computer graphics and green screen techniques makes the film exciting and captivating. Scenes of the black water rushing into the city, mountains caving in, buildings collapsing and explosions are sci-fi harrowing at its best. The Capitol has a look of disaster that transforms into an arena of sorts for the final Hunger Game and it works well for the squad who has the assignment to win the city over for the rebels.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 has been rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material. Perfect for teens and mature tweens, the film has an ending that brings closure to the war for freedom and peace.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A fitting ending to a very profitable franchise. (B+)

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Be sure you watch the Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson. As this is the final film of the series, you gain such great insight as to the actors, characters and cinematography that went into creating this incredible world!
• “Pawns No More: Making The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” 8-Part Documentary is exclusive to the Blu-Ray/Digital HD copy of the film. This offers a powerful look into the visual design, make-up, hair, stunt work and production that also includes a reflective walk through the world of The Hunger Games.
• “The Hunger Games: A Photographic Journey” is worth a skim. It features photos of the cast, crew and creation of this epic episodic franchise that will surely bring you a bit of peace as it comes to a close.
• “Cinna’s Sketchbook: Secrets of the Mockingjay Armor” pays tribute to a fallen fashion icon. Here we get a glimpse at the eyes of the futuristic fashion that the tributes wore as they are paraded through the arena. Plus, we get to bid fond farewell to this talent who left our lives too soon.
• “Panem On Display: The Hunger Games: The Exhibition” opens our eyes to the lives of those from District 13. We look at the homes and horrors of those that suffer oppression thanks to the stink of Snow.
• “Jet to the Set” is a must see! Here we get to join the cast on set in Atlanta as we get a last look into the lives of those who worked tirelessly to bring us this fantastic film. Sometimes funny, but all too bittersweet we salute Katniss and Company for blessing us with this startling series.