The Hunger Games : Mockingjay Part 2

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The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2 is like its predecessor in many ways. Clearly, it is the second half of the story that premiered a year ago, and like Mockingjay Part 1, it inherits the problems of its source material, but overall it manages to improve on many issues. The final film in the blockbuster series sees Katniss and co.’s final face off against the villainous Capitol- a common plot for the final film in a major franchise, but an exciting one nonetheless.

A core problem with the book was simply that the plot dragged, with battles against various foes across the Capitol growing tiring after a while. It lacked focus and the lack of structure then led to the series ending on a low note. This is felt slightly in the screen adaptation, but on the whole there is something about seeing the action on screen as opposed to on the page that just makes it miles more thrilling, meaning the 2 hour 17 minute runtime is not really felt. Something about this story just snaps into place when it is shown in cinematic form- it feels more focussed, more organized and most significantly more meaningful than the book on which it is based. Speaking of meaning, the books anti-War themes are also carried over brilliantly through well-written dialogue.

The action is also helped by some fantastic cinematography, as the film is a masterclass in how to invoke both emotion and tension through use of shots. The shaky cam that plagued the first film does start to rear its ugly head, but the majority of the shots remain steady enough that it does not become a major problem.

But the entire film is carried by the wonderful performances of its main cast. Practically everyone on screen does an exceptional job, with special mention to Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Donald Sutherland.  

On the other hand, the previously mentioned increased focus within the plot does not mean that the adaptation is perfect- indeed, it is rather frustrating that such a good film falls flat a little at the end- only a little, but still enough to be annoying. The emotional scars felt by the protagonists at the end of the books are glossed over, meaning that (without spoiling too much) the ending feels quite jarring.

Overall, whilst it still has the plot and pacing problems of the book and the ending does feel tacked on, it is filmed and acted so effectively that these problems are (mostly) patched up.