The Hunger Games Franchise started out promising and continued to be thrilling, intellectual and poignant for a time; until it reached the first half of its dramatic conclusion. Then it tried to grasp ideas that were far beyond its reach for what is primarily a thriller aimed at teenagers. The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 was a film comprised solely of hefty narrative exposition, scenes with a depressed to tears Katniss and filler. Luckily Mockingjay Part 2 is not the aggravating affair that Part 1 was. Yes, it still cannot hold a candle to The Hunger Games or Catching Fire. But it is a solid end for the franchise and is far more memorable and engaging than Part 1 ever was.
Mockingjay Part 2 picks up right after the events of Part 1. Katniss is recovering from her wounds that were caused by a brainwashed Peeta recently rescued from the Capitol. Meanwhile President Coin suggests an assault on the Capitol with Katniss acting as the Mockingjay at the forefront of the action.
Let's be clear. Mockingjay should never have been split into two films. There is not enough story and weight to fill over four hours' worth of screen time. But with this instalment scenes are not dragged out infinitely and Mockingjay Part 2 has a natural flow to the events and proceedings. It is better paced for sure, with the right amount of political intrigue so that it never becomes over bearing or bland. There is not a noticeable lack of action and unlike Part 1 at times it is genuinely thrilling. I was far more entertained than I thought was possible with Mockingjay Part 2; particularly after the fact that Part 1 had let me down so much.
The characters with this film have matured and as a result Katniss is a stronger protagonist and natural leader. Jennifer Lawrence has far more material to work with here and never stumbles like she did in Part 1. Although the blame for which rested solely on the screenplay's shoulders. The only trouble is that supporting characters are lost within the mix and this time the scenes devoted to character development are abrupt and almost always cut short when they should have been given more room to breathe. Finnick, Haymitch and Gale deserved more screen time considering they are the most interesting characters outside of Katniss.
A problem carried over from the book is the all too sudden ending. Without spoiling anything, the final confrontation between Katniss and President Snow falls rather flat. It's never as nail-biting as the directors and writers want you to believe it is. Undeniably a let- down then, when the film makers have been building up to this moment since the original film. But blame it on the writers they should have crafted their own ending; one that had power and respected its ever so faithful audience and fan base.
The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 is not, as all the promotional material would want you to believe, the must see film of the winter. But it is a solid enough addition to the saga that remains flawed nonetheless. However, if you are aching to see this film and maintain any love for this series, it is on its own terms worth watching if just to see how the events play out and the endless internal and external power shifts change the dynamic between the complex characters and the overall arch of the story.
Mockingjay Part 2 picks up right after the events of Part 1. Katniss is recovering from her wounds that were caused by a brainwashed Peeta recently rescued from the Capitol. Meanwhile President Coin suggests an assault on the Capitol with Katniss acting as the Mockingjay at the forefront of the action.
Let's be clear. Mockingjay should never have been split into two films. There is not enough story and weight to fill over four hours' worth of screen time. But with this instalment scenes are not dragged out infinitely and Mockingjay Part 2 has a natural flow to the events and proceedings. It is better paced for sure, with the right amount of political intrigue so that it never becomes over bearing or bland. There is not a noticeable lack of action and unlike Part 1 at times it is genuinely thrilling. I was far more entertained than I thought was possible with Mockingjay Part 2; particularly after the fact that Part 1 had let me down so much.
The characters with this film have matured and as a result Katniss is a stronger protagonist and natural leader. Jennifer Lawrence has far more material to work with here and never stumbles like she did in Part 1. Although the blame for which rested solely on the screenplay's shoulders. The only trouble is that supporting characters are lost within the mix and this time the scenes devoted to character development are abrupt and almost always cut short when they should have been given more room to breathe. Finnick, Haymitch and Gale deserved more screen time considering they are the most interesting characters outside of Katniss.
A problem carried over from the book is the all too sudden ending. Without spoiling anything, the final confrontation between Katniss and President Snow falls rather flat. It's never as nail-biting as the directors and writers want you to believe it is. Undeniably a let- down then, when the film makers have been building up to this moment since the original film. But blame it on the writers they should have crafted their own ending; one that had power and respected its ever so faithful audience and fan base.
The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 is not, as all the promotional material would want you to believe, the must see film of the winter. But it is a solid enough addition to the saga that remains flawed nonetheless. However, if you are aching to see this film and maintain any love for this series, it is on its own terms worth watching if just to see how the events play out and the endless internal and external power shifts change the dynamic between the complex characters and the overall arch of the story.