Film Review: Mockingjay Part 2

Film Review: Mockingjay Part 2

Joaquin Matamis '18 & Joseph Trombecky '18, Staff Writers

Film: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Genre: Action/Drama

Director: Francis Lawrence

Rating: ★★★★

On November 20th, the movie The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 was released to theaters. Based off of Suzanne Collins’ New York Times best-selling novel and series, Mockingjay Part 2 is the final installment to the ever so popular Hunger Games trilogy. Within the opening weekend alone, the movie earned $102,665,981, making it the number one film in the box office. Now, domestically, the movie has effectively doubled its initial profits, having accumulated $201,091,347. Combined with foreign sales of $243,771,330, the film has made a whopping total of $444,802,677 USD.

The story picks up exactly where the the viewers were left off in Mockingjay Part 1. District 13 has made its final preparations for war on the Capitol and is ready to strike. Using Katniss as the symbol for their struggle, the rebels begin their assault to free Panem from their oppressors. Yet the Capitol is ready and armed with traps, Peacekeepers, and deadly defenses that will test Katniss and her crew one last time. Katniss is finally facing reality instead of the staged performances that were the Hunger Games. She also struggles with individualism and independence. Her chemistry with the other characters allows for thrilling drama as she is once again trapped in a love triangle between Gale and Peeta. The trials of war also wear other major characters down, showing their true colors. It becomes not only an excellent action movie, but a compelling drama as well.

Following her epic journey, viewers get entertained by the enticing action sequences and engaging plot of the film. Jennifer Lawrence’s performance is once again stunning and truly captures the character of Katniss Everdeen; her convincing emotions and portrayal of a hopeless romantic caught in a stressful time truly prove she is an outstanding actress. In resonance with Jennifer, Josh Hutcherson also does an excellent job acting as the newly-broken Peeta Mellark. Struggling with his own emotions and perception of reality, Peeta creates a unique and interesting atmosphere for the Mockingjay crew to work with.

The story is complex and thrilling. While there are many action scenes, the movie is definitely strong with its drama. Noticeable character development allows viewers to enjoy the film even more. However, some moments of the movie feel either rushed or excessively slow-paced. Also, many scenes within the Capitol seem very unrealistic or surreal. Nonetheless, it is a solid movie overall, deserving a 4 out of 5 star rating.