Yes, fellow Hunger Games enthusiasts, it is all over. We finally see Katniss Everdeen embark and complete her journey as Panem’s savior in "The Hunger Games: Mockingly, Part 2." Based on Suzanne Collins’ dystopian book "Mockingly," the film follows Katniss (played by Jennifer Lawrence) and the Rebels of the dilapidated District 13 fighting and ending a war with Capitol President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Like other two-part movie adaptations, "Part 2" left off right after the ending of the first part, which I wasn’t in any way surprised of. Each scene, particularly the battles in the Districts, packs so much intensity and emotions, you can totally sense sheer pain the Rebels are feeling while dodging the Capitol traps. Arriving just a couple of minutes before the movie began, I had to sit at the front—which I think are the worst seats in the theatre. But at the same time, I clearly heard and jumped at every explosion, fire, and gun shots from the film, so I guess I’m changing my opinion. Kinda.
The events in "Mockingjay, Part 2" move at a steady, yet rather quick pace, contrary to some critics lashing against its slow-moving plot. A dramatic scene between Katniss and her team immediately follows their battle, then next thing we know, it’s back to shooting those damn Capitol’s Army again. I know I’ve definitely missed an important part when I had to get up in the middle of the movie to use the restroom; thankfully I read the book, though. If I had to choose among the three, "Mockingjay" is my least favorite of the trilogy just because some parts feel a little confusing—and that so many likeable characters die when we least want them to! At the same time, it’s interesting how the story complicates the characters’ motivations, particularly with Katniss and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Neither is dead-shot of being on either the Rebel’s side (which they should) or the Capitol’s side (which they’re trapped of). Peeta, being brainwashed by the Capitol, constantly (and annoyingly) criticizes Katniss for killing innocent people, while Katniss is dishonest about killing President Snow when she promised she would. They basically want to save humanity, that’s all—I like that a lot.
I also like that "Part 2" closely ties with the novel; almost every scene in the movie is just like how I’ve imagined it in the book. Some adaptations loosely follow the original texts and still come out amazing, but in stories like “The Hunger Games,” the films become more clear and understandable if they’re similar to the book. I’m always down to write a fan fiction about the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale (Liam “Hunk” Hemsworth), but in "Part 2" I feel as if that conflict isn’t developed enough, or rather gets in the way of the more serious, life-threatening events happening in Panem. If Katniss and Peeta really do stay together in the future, then there should’ve been more tension shown between Gale and Peeta. In my opinion, the closure with Katniss and Gale’s relationship also happens too suddenly, as if the story is trying so hard to kick Gale out of the picture.
This scene gave me so much feels.
Johanna Mason (Jena Malone), one of the Hunger Games survivors, is definitely one of the best characters of the movie, and it’s a shame she’s only a supporting character. She’s sassy, funny, and seems to be the only one to knock some sense into Katniss’ head (Haymitch isn’t really present, from what I remember). Johanna should seriously talk on “Ellen”; it’d be the best things I’d see in a long time. Shaky, fast cuts are employed just like the previous movies, giving the story an introspective vibe--as if we’re actually seeing each character’s point of view. But I’ll admit that I got a little dizzy from the fast cuts. Surprisingly, I didn’t cry when some of Rebels were killed during the attacks, but those depressing scenes brilliantly evoke pain and agony; I can’t help but feel my heart break anyway. And don’t even get me started with Finnick a.k.a. Aquaman’s and Prim’s deaths; they hurt Katniss so much, I got a little pissed off when I was already sad. Even now, the last scene with Katniss and Prim gives me chills, for we can sense the terrible event that follows after.
Out of all "The Hunger Games" films, "Mockingjay, Part 2" is where Jennifer Lawrence performs her best acting yet. She delivers fewer poker faces, and cries honest tears whenever Katniss endures loss. The supporting cast also has brilliant acting chops, and I’m glad to see that Philip Seymour Hoffman (R.I.P.) still portrays Hunger Games Gamemaker, Plutarch Heavensbee. "Mockingjay, Part 2" does not compare to the finale to the Harry Potter films, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," but overall, I’m pleased with it. "Part 2" definitely makes up for slower, flatter events from "Mockingjay, Part 1," because, in all honesty, the good stuff almost always happens in the second part. I recommend this film to everyone, but they should read the books first to gain some context. It feels a little sad now that "The Hunger Games" films are finally over, and I commend director Francis Lawrence for making them as epic as the books. But Katniss is now freed from torture—that’s all that matters.
