Since 2012, the “The Hunger Games” films, based on the best-selling book series by Suzanne Collins, have been massive hits. Taking advantage of the absence of the “Harry Potter” series, which ended in 2011, “The Hunger Games” came at a time when movie goers and young adult enthusiasts were craving a new fantasy-themed franchise to look forward to once a year.
What this franchise quickly proved though is that its themes reach farther than a young adult story. The affects of war, government abuse of power and revolution all play key roles in the story of Katniss Everdeen, who would rise from the poor District 12 and become the savior of her world and its people. It’s a classic Hero’s Journey.
The final installment in the franchise, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2,” closes that journey in (mostly) satisfying ways. If “The Hunger Games” and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” exemplified the abuse of government over its people, by pitting children against each other in a battle royale to the death, then the final two installments of “Mockingjay” bring the revolutionary aspects to a riveting head.
This shift in the story was noticeable in “Mockingjay-Part 1.” Coming off the impressive and action packed “Catching Fire” and shifting gears into the slower, more solemn “Mockingjay” was jarring, especially considering it was hard to swallow the fact that the book was riding on the success of “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” before it and being split into two movies. “Part 1” was a slow burn, a film that feels incomplete and teases at a raging climax that never comes.
With “Part 2” now in theaters, it’s easier to see why the split was necessary. Where the first part may have faltered from it, part two only benefits. There is definitely a sense of urgency throughout; these characters know the end is near and so do we. It’s an intense two hours because of this compared to the two hours of what felt like set-up that was the first part.
“Mockingjay-Part 2” has the pressure of ending a beloved series in a meaningful and satisfying way which is never an easy feat. In hindsight, “The Hunger Games” franchise seems to have come and gone in a blur and it remains to be seen whether its impact, if any at all, on pop culture will cement a lasting legacy. No matter the outcome, it can be said that the series ends on a high note, despite some missteps along the way.
“Part 2” features some of the most edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting sequences of any of the films, especially a certain scene taking place in underground tunnels. Jennifer Lawrence wraps up her role of Katniss respectfully. Katniss as a character is tough to interpret, sometimes even to like, let alone portray. But Lawrence, despite all of Katniss’ poor choices, still makes the character someone to root for (we are after all, supposed to root for her, right?…right?)
Where “Mockingjay-Part 2” really stumbles, though, is in its final moments. Whatever problems the film may have had leading up to its ending, which are few and far between, could be forgiven. Its positives outweigh its negatives. But the very final scene, a sweet, peaceful moment, nearly ruins the entire thing. For such a depressing storyline, it’s good to see some good come out of it…but not in the way its presented.
Fortunately, as mentioned, the film’s positives outweigh its negatives. For every eye-rolling moment between the under-developed love triangle that is Katniss, Peeta and Gale there is a moment that makes up for it. “Mockingjay-Part 2” has a lot on its shoulders but manages to carry it all with ease. The fire is extinguished, but it burned bright.
