Rating of
3/4
Somber Send-Off
Unknown - wrote on 12/10/15
'The Hunger Games' series has come to a somber finale with 'Mockingly Part 2'. While I don't agree that this last novel needed to be adapted into two films, the result is still a couple of well made films. Given that fact, we dived into more character development and political themes in the slow burn build up of 'Part 1'. Most expected this to be the big action heavy payoff, and it is, but only in specific scenes. When action is happening it's well shot and exciting. Substantial consequences arise from the battles and you do feel the impact. The rest of the story is more concerned about the emotional repercussions of this war and the political agendas from both sides. Our heroine's journey through all these films is the most satisfying aspect here. She has no real side. She was reluctantly cast as this rebellion icon, a title she doesn't fit but plays out for the ones in power to save others. The choices she makes in regards to her authority figures are the best parts of the 'Hunger Games' stories, and her crucial last minute decision in this film's finale encompasses it perfectly. The overall message of individuality makes a strong statement. That's what has separated this series from all the other imitators. There's an actual positive lesson to be learned. As I stated before, the majority of the film is somber in tone. Lots of effective emotional scenes are handled great. But they become overbearing, setting off an uneven pace with the action beats. Everything present happens exactly the same as in the novel. That's the benefit, and also negative, of having it adapted into two films. Maybe if the novel was twice as long it'd be understandable. What we have though is a very well made and entertaining closure to the series that will most likely satisfy fans more than the rest.
