”Mockingjay – Part 2” concludes movie franchise with zeal
Photo courtesy of MOVIEMONSTER.GR
by MATTHEW BAHK
Capturing its audience in a blur of action and emotion, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part Two” concludes the movie franchise in a satisfying manner.
“Mockingjay – Part 2” is a dystopian (imaginary undesired society) action film based on the idea of a restructured America, retitled Panem, where the Capital governs the 12 districts, which each specialize in production of a certain product. District 13 was destroyed by the Capital, leading to a rebellion against the Capital, eventually uniting the other districts.
Beginning from the cliffhanger ending of part one, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) continues her fight alongside District 13 against the Capital of Panem. Everdeen struggles to work with a lovestruck Gale (Laim Hemsworth), a confused and brainwashed Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a collective group of former Hunger Games victors as they film war propaganda in the Capital, behind the front lines, away from the war. Although Everdeen appears to be working alongside her rag-tag assembly, she assigns herself to assassinate the leader of the Capital, President Snow (Donald Sutherland).
While the film does serve its purpose of concluding the series, as a singular unit, “Mockingjay – Part 2” is also enjoyable and entertaining. The movie is paced with the more lackluster scenes placed deliberately between long and interesting action scenes, which are alluring and exciting. The various traps set by the Capital bring a feeling of unpredictability to moviegoers that do not remember or did not read the novel on which it is based.
The film maintains a brooding atmosphere through its use of melancholy colors and a subtle soundtrack. These two elements are essential to bringing out the heavy emotions of war and death.
Hutcherson and Lawrence both show exuberant acting skills through communicative body language and precise facial expressions. Hutcherson’s confusion and emotion throughout the movie was almost as raw and revealing as Lawrence’s depth in playing her character.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” is currently in theatres. It is rated PG-13, and earned a 71% rating on rottentomatoes.com and 7.2 on imdb.com.