Film review: The Hunger Games Mockingjay, Part 2

Image: Mocking Jay Part 2 Facebook page

PG- 13   Stars:  ★★★★☆   Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi

One of this Christmas’ most anticipated movies, The Hunger Games Mockinjay Part 2, begins where it left off. Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), is trying to recover from the brainwashing he suffered in the hands of the Capitol and Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), is more set than ever on bringing down the Capitol.

The thirteen districts of Panem unite together to try and destroy the Capitol and bring its leader President Snow to justice. The action is back in Mockingjay- Part 2 after a reasonably calmer yet more politically driven Part 1. Katniss is a member of the Star Squad, a propagandistic tool for the rebels consisting of both new and old allies including, Captain Boggs (Mahershala Ali), Gale Hawthorn (Liam Hemsworth), Peeta, Finnick Odair (Sam Claflin), Pollux (Elden Hensen), Castor (Wes Chatham)  and Cressida (Natalie Dormer).

The Star Squad are ordered to follow behind the rebel fighters so they aren’t put into immediate danger but can still film the carnage of the war to try and get people to join their cause. However, Katniss has other ideas. Pods (traps all uniquely designed by the gamemakers to kill anyone who walks in their path), peacekeepers and Snow’s mutts constantly get in the squads way as they try to make their way towards President Snow’s mansion in the inner circle of the Capitol.

Once again academy award winner Jennifer Lawrence does an outstanding job of playing Katniss. She plays her so effortlessly it is really hard to picture anyone else that would be suited to the role of the girl on fire. Josh Hutcherson does not disappoint either; his opening scene in particular leaves the audience feeling disturbed and emotional. Overall Liam Hemsworth played Gale very well but sometimes his lines came out a bit rehearsed and that stood out. It was also amazing to see the late Philip Seymour Hoffman on screen one last time. Although not the biggest part, he played the role of Plutarch to the highest standards.

Francis Lawrence, who directed I am Legend, came back one last time to direct the last movie in the series after directing Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Part 1. Lawrence did a superb job of directing and the audience was holding their breath, on the edge of their seats throughout the movie. The scene with the mutts in the underground was done particularly well, and the suspension in the cinema was enormous.

Overall this film was a brilliant ending to a brilliant dystopian future franchise. The Hunger Games movies show us the better side to blockbuster films. They are filled with real life political messages and some of the hard truths of war.

By Kieva Mc Laughlin