Director: Francis Lawrence
Based on the books by: Suzanne Collins
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman
When The Hunger Games series started on screen I was unexpectedly dragged into proceedings and truly appreciated the first two films. Jennifer Lawrence was not only a rising star deserving of our attention but the combination of the books and these movies shook the Young Adult genre into life and offered up an insightful, original outcome. When we got to the beginning of the big showdown, I hoped that Mockingjay Part 1 would be a stunner but, in truth, I still think the choice to split this climax in two slowed down the pace of what could have had a much stronger, affective conclusion.
Don’t get me wrong, the tetralogy has been impressive in both style and substance, especially with the world-class cast that’s attached. I was underwhelmed by Part 1 that felt stretched and, with it, overdramatised. The early stages of Part 2 somewhat continues that theme in the same way The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey did, whereas we’re still waiting around for the explosive nature of the narrative to kick in and move on from predictability because, let’s face it, the overall story arc deserves better. Although there’s a huge sequence that involves an oil-like pool of death, it’s not until the tunnels that it grabs your attention intensely and doesn’t let go until the end.
As our remaining group hit the sewers of the city, we get wonderful echoes of Aliens as they creep around tight, dark corners with only a fire-thrower and their wits but then, we get hit by the horrific nature of the ‘mutts’. These pale lizard-zombie monsters take down the group en masse, ripping people away to be munched upon in the water with their Venom-like teeth – they’re not something you’d take home to meet the parents. Obviously, our main team escape but not without more loss and even more desperation. After another breath respite, Katniss and Gale sneak into President Snow’s call to ‘help’ all his citizens but what occurs is a eventually a real, shocking scene of explosions, death, people being burned alive and… fade to black as Katniss is knocked unconscious by an event that will change her life, even more, forever. Once she awakes, the conclusion plays out in unanticipated ways but just in case you’ve not seen it yet, no spoilers this time.
To its credit, The Hunger Games never hides from the truth of war and the script suggests we all endeavour to find a better way. This poignant, honest side is what makes the franchise particularly unique and the reason why it merits more credit than similar work being thrown out there by movie studios… as we speak. Jennifer Lawrence is sublime as our lead Katniss Everdeen and brings gravitas and connectivity to every scene she’s in. Throughout the series, the other stand out is Josh Hutcherson who gets stronger and more believable with every progression of narrative. I do wonder if working alongside Lawrence has helped him push his performances as it really shows from beginning to end with impressive work.
It’s also our final look at Philip Seymour Hoffman and although I’m still saddened that his final bow was something so major, I was first introduced to his work on a smaller scale, it’s testament to his career curve and talent that he hit every level brilliantly; a true modern film star.
Mockingjay Part 2 takes a little while to get going but once on its way excels. I’m glad that it has paved the way for the young adult market because of how it highlights all the wrong reasons for war but also all the good you can find when people work together for something superior. It’s an eventual intense and exciting finale that gives Lawrence time to shine and successfully, intelligently, concludes the impressive franchise.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is available on DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray Steelbook, Digital Download and – for the very first time – a complete 4-Film Collection on 21st March 2016.
