The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 (2015) Review

By Allison Rose   X Formly Known as Twitter
2 Min Read

For the last in a series, it could have been better but it could have been worse too.  Of the four films, it wasn’t my favorite but it certainly was better than Mocking jay Part I.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 (2015) Review
Purchase   Physical Media
Suzanne Collins' journey, which began with the publication of The Hunger Games in 2010, is coming to its glorious conclusion this week with the release of the fourth movie, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II.  Our love affair with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence; American Hustle) is about to come to a close, and I'm sure many fans are disappointed to see it all end.  Luckily, this ending will make all those fans proud and probably live up to the expectations generated from the beginning.

With the survival of District 13 and the successful retrieval of Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson; The Kids Are All Right), the rebels are now setting their sights on destroying the capital and President Snow.  Katniss, angry with all she and Peeta have endured at Snow's hands, is willing to be the face of the rebellion and fight alongside the others.  She is, however, suspicious of President Coin (Julianne Moore, Still Alice) and her intention for the liberated districts.  Likewise, Coin uses Katniss to spark the flames of rebellion but feels Katniss is too volatile to have around long term.

As the rebels use inhumane means to overpower district two and eventually move into the Capitol, Katniss struggles with her own beliefs and her emotions towards Gale (Liam Hemsworth; Love and Honor) and a brainwashed Peeta.  Navigating the booby-trapped streets of the Capitol, Katniss loses members of her team and must examine her own thoughts regarding Coin, the rebellion, Gale and Peeta.  Ultimately (for those who haven't read the books), the Rebels win and Katniss gets exactly what she wants but with great loss of innocent lives.

Lawrence, once again, does a very good job portraying the determined, strong-willed, Katniss.  Casting her was a smart move on the part of the production team, as she embodies exactly how I envisioned the lead character when I read the books.  Hutcherson is decent as Peeta but I never really felt the chemistry between him and Lawrence, and I'm not sure if a different actor might not have been a better choice.  Hemsworth, Moore, Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect) as Effie, Woody Harrelson (Zombieland) as Haymitch, and Donald Sutherland (The Italian Job) as President Snow all reprise their roles from the previous films and there is a reason these actors were chosen.   There were several bittersweet moments when Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) was on screen – a reminder of a young talent lost too soon.

Overall, the film was entertaining and moved faster than Mockingjay Part I, but there were times it seemed a little disjointed and frantic and got a little "preachy" more than once.  Monologues by Katniss, Snow and Coin were cheesy.  It did, however, stay mostly true to the book, which will leave purists happy.

Teens and young adults will surely flock to the film in droves, as it has massive box office appeal and they will get their money's worth.  For the last in a series, it could have been better, but it could have been worse too.  Of the four films, it wasn't my favorite, but it certainly was better than Mockingjay Part I.  If you have been following the saga, you need to see the end. If you haven't watched the movies or read the books you would be lost so don't bother.

Grade: B-


Stream from Amazon Prime
Watch
Watch on Apple TV
Watch
Stream on Vudu / Fandango
Watch

For more information about The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 visit the FlickDirect Movie Database. For more reviews by Allison Rose please click here.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 images are courtesy of Lionsgate. All Rights Reserved.


Allison Rose, a Senior Correspondent and Critic at FlickDirect, is a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry with a communications degree from Hofstra University. She brings her film expertise to KRMS News/Talk 97.5 FM and broadcast television, and is recognized as a Tomatometer-Approved Critic. Her role as an adept event moderator in various entertainment industry forums underscores her versatility. Her affiliations with SEFCA, the Florida Film Critics Circle, and the Online Film Critics Society highlight her as an influential figure in film criticism and media.


Read More The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 Reviews

The Hunger Games: Complete 4 Film Collection Physical Media: Blu-ray Review
With over 14 hours of extras, Lionsgate spared no expense on the extra in this set. There is something new for everyone, even for the most knowledgeable fan.
Full Review | Grade: C


SPONSORED LINKS

Today's Digital HD DealsView All

Cool World
Cool World
WAS: $12.99
NOW: $9.99
True Lies
True Lies
WAS: $19.99
NOW: $9.99
Jingle All The Way
Jingle All The Way
WAS: $14.99
NOW: $9.99


Latest ReviewsView All

AfrAId
Physical Media: Blu-ray Review
Nov 07, 2024 EST
North by Northwest 4K Anniversary Edition Review:...
Physical Media: 4K UHD Review
Nov 22, 2024 EST
Heretic
Movie / Film Review
Nov 08, 2024 EST