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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 - Review - The games end in style


The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 - Review - The games end in style
8 out of 10

There were a lot of shocked double-taking faces when they announced, with many Star Wars fans keeling over backwards in confusion, but a few weeks back a consumer survey decreed that Mockingjay Part 2 as the most anticipated film of the remaining year. Now, you could argue all you like that maybe the average survey age was 14-17½ but maybe, just maybe, they might have a point here (okay above Star Wars is insane, but still). Across its 3 films to date, the average box office figure is roughly $770 million per film. Now, that’s more than two-thirds of the MCU films, including some of its most acclaimed titles. It’s leading actress Jennifer “could we possibly love her anymore?” Lawrence is one of the hottest properties on the planet, holding an entire cultural generation wrapped around her little finger or latest tweet. But above all of that, unlike the new beginning of Star Wars or the continuation of Bond, Mockingjay Part 2 promises to be a triumphant ending to a popular series. That makes it more of an event than just a film for many as they bid a fond farewell to many a beloved face just as every fan base must do eventually. Last year’s Part 1 may have been unfulfilling, but all will be forgiven if The Hunger Games ends on a rich and satisfying dessert.... which they have. This is the reward you’ve been waiting a year for. Whether it’s the most anticipated film is still up for debate but we can be sure it’s a good one.

With all 13 districts in the Panem nation united in rebellion against The Capitol, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook, X-Men series) sets out on her own mission to end the hostilities once and for all by killing President Snow (Donald Sutherland – Dirty sexy Money, Crossing Lines).

Don’t be fooled by its slow and still intro that picks up the pieces at the cost of feeling like its Part 1 again. These final games are much more akin to the first two films. They start off on a slower note, building up different characters and relations before entering a section encompassing more action-based content with reflective moments in between. The biggest point worthy of an honourable cannon blast is the action. Its predominant absence was the biggest weak spot of Part 1, plugged full of more critical arrows anyone thought possible. The action isn’t just back, it is the best the franchise has ever produced. Director Francis Lawrence (no relation) has nicely resisted the temptation to go for broke with a Battle of Hogwarts, Twilight “final showdown” etc. 20-30 nonstop set piece despite plenty of opportunities to do so. Instead, what we get comes in shorter, more intense bursts like a well aiming soldier rather than a trigger-happy gunman. This allows for plenty of good tension, creating setup around them, vastly enhancing their impact. There’s some great creativity with surprise “POD” warzone booby traps devised by tournament game-makers (some of which are shockingly sadistic!). However, this best example comes in the sewers ambush sequence which combines superb low light conditions, a heart-stopping stillness before one of the most thrilling sequences of desperate survival in 2015 cinema. Their ravenous monster-like opponents come in out of nowhere story-wise, but merely 30 seconds later, things get too good to care, as for the first time we get to see Katniss and many of the characters in full mass combat mode rather than the typical one-on-one or two’s of  the Games' tournaments. Garnish that with the final film principle that anyone can (and probably will) die for genuine character peril, and The Hunger Games reminds us why it became this successful, why it wasn’t branded as just another Twilight fade for the underlying quality it impressed with.

Mockingjay Part 2 has another very surprising trick up its sleeve. For all its teen target audience accusations and PG13 rating, it’s actually a serious and frequently downright solemn war movie. For much of its duration, it puts laughs and other lighter aspects on hold for a very blunt assault of atrocities and the damaging effects even living through these events have on the characters, being crippling and traumatic when required. The Part 1 elements of propaganda film making still feature but in a much more active capacity as both sides start broadcasting their actions in quick “instant replay” or even live streamed broadcasts. Things even get much more interesting as the balance of power shifts towards the rebellion and some of their actions become less flattering. Such as the suggestion that their leader, President Coin (Julianne Moore – Children of Men, Still Alice) actively wants Katniss to die within the battle, less she become an alternative people's choice in the promised free elections. It almost gives the ladies a Sith -ike relationship as the lesser becomes an enemy when viewed as a rival.

Like any good game, Mockingjay still has some faults to be addressed in any revised editions. The first half gets far to McGuffin-focused, without much clear direction beyond “we need to get thingy!”. While some of the expected character “bow outs” are very well-handled, others feel much to throw away. In fact, the single biggest comes so out of nowhere, it loses much of its impact despite resonating in several future scenes. The standard issue series long love triangle builds itself up again only for a questionable collapse and the Lord of the Rings style multiple endings may not suit all.

Katniss was the role that launched Lawrence into the entity known as “J-Law” so it’s appropriate she bids it farewell by giving everything she’s got. She’s every bit the tribute we’ve come to love: stern, fierce, but more fragile than realises. Lawrence effortlessly keeps this going even when some dialogue makes that harder than it should be. Her bachelor no. 1, “Peeeeeeeta” (Josh Hutcherson – Journey 2, Red Dawn) is much more interesting than expected in fighting through his Capitol-brainwashing. Suitor no. 2, the ever manly named Gale (Liam Hemsworth – Knowing, Expendables 2) doesn’t fair as well as his character becomes colder and more self-confined, Hemsworth struggles to keep him a likeable enough protagonist. The bloated supporting cast boasts no shortage of talent and some great performances. Most notable is the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman in his final film; the rumored scene he was unable to complete is obvious but well-worked around. The likes of Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland are the same glowing delights they’ve been through the entire franchise. Jena Malone (Sucker Punch) returns with a few scene-stealing moments as Johanna. Then on top of that, you’ve still got Sam Clafflin, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci, Elden Hensen, and even a blink, and you’ll somehow miss her appearance by Gwendoline “Brienne” Christie.

So the Hunger Games completes its final turn without the odd miss-roll but it does more than redeem itself for the previous round and earn itself a retirement dwelling. It ends with purpose and much deeper than some more causal viewers would have expected despite the odds not ever being in its favor.  Serious fans will be satisfied and newcomers will have enough satisfying action to balance out the story confusion as this archer raises her fingers for one last salute.

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