By Jamil Oakford/ managing editor
The Hunger Games film franchise comes to a close, and while the film hits snags in pacing, the payoff for the audience’s patience is worth it.
Photo courtesy Lionsgate
After Katniss’ violent reunion with Peeta, Mockingjay Part 2 picks up right where the last one left off. As the doctors try rehabbing Katniss’ swollen vocal chords, a rebellion is closing in on the Capitol. When she sees how far gone Peeta is, she asks to be put into the field and meets almost no opposition to the request.
The good thing about splitting the final book into two movies is filmmakers could slow down. Things about the Capitol were explained in previous books but never acknowledged in the previous films.
With the extra space created in breaking up the final book, the filmmakers give a little more insight and expand on a few things.
For example, Capitol mutts aren’t fully explained (or audiences haven’t realized they’ve seen versions of these in every film), but they are crafted into a scene to show their volatility.
The bad thing about splitting into two movies is that sometimes the filmmaker’s fatigue can be felt. Mockingjay Part 2 doesn’t obviously convey they’ve spent the last four years on this franchise, but at certain points it seems they’re rushing to get to the finish line or they’re too tired to keep moving.
Some of the strongest scenes happen between Katniss and Peeta. As District 13 doctors try to rehabilitate Peeta, he and Katniss share a moment just before she decides what her ultimate goal will be in this fight. The emotional intensity brought by both of the actors makes for a scene that’s hard to look away from. The pain from Katniss can be felt, and the fear from Peeta is tangible.
Probably the weakest part of this movie is pacing. It starts off wonderfully with enough build up to the first clash. But areas of the movie have a lull. Thankfully, they weren’t frequent.
This is a good ending to the franchise. Like the previous films, it has heart, is socially relevant and uses inspiring language. Moving speeches about freedom and resisting tyranny make for a relatable film, one that will keep the Girl on Fire alive long after this movie has left theaters.
