The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 begins right where Mockingjay Part 1 left off, adding to the feeling that these two movies could have been one really strong 2 ½ hour film rather than two clunky, overwritten films. Part 2 has all the action and adventure with some amazing set pieces, but it is brought down by a meandering plot and not so great script.
The Mockingjay films follow the books closely, which means some of the issues with the books remain, such as the abrupt and anti-climatic ending to the war that happens pretty much off-screen. They do clear up one of the major issues with the final book by avoiding telling the story only from Katniss’ POV – showing some of the behind-the-scenes politicking from President Coin (Julianne Moore) and Plutarch (Philip Seymour Hoffman) on the District 13 side, as well as that of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the Capitol. This gives the audience a more rounded view of the story, especially since Katniss is often not in-the-know as to what is going on.
Since this is the last film in a series with a large and amazing ensemble cast there were times when it felt as if scenes were thrown in just to give a character one last chance to be seen. This is especially true with fan favorite Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) who seemed to have no purpose in this film but to stand there and bat her crazily decorated eyelashes. On the other hand, there were scenes where Philip Seymour Hoffman’s absence was distinctly felt.
The movie has as many endings as The Lord of the Rings, with each one giving diminishing returns of the one before. The Mockingjay films could have been stronger and this last installment is not perfect, but fans of the books will be happy.
