by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
ATTENTION CITIZENS OF THE CAPITOL!
The final battle has arrived. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II is about to hit theaters, and audiences will finally see the outcome of Katniss Everdeen’s war against the oppressive Capitol and President Snow. Can the newly united 13 Districts prevail against the superior military forces? The Mockingjay has brought the battle to the outer reaches of Snow’s domain, and now the games can truly begin.
Coming from someone who hasn’t read the books, I found The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II to be a satisfying conclusion to the film series. The movie starts out very strong, but ultimately does encounter pacing issues in the third act (The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King type issues…). While the story did falter at times, the special effects remained a consistent highlight from beginning to end. At one point in the story, Katniss literally becomes “the girl on fire,” and it is handled in a very impressive visual manner. The “Mutts” of the Capitol are creepy as hell, and prove to be some of the best character designs of the series. In regards to performances, Jennifer Lawrence gives us the most intense iteration of Katniss in this final installment, and I would be shocked if we didn’t see her in larger (and darker) roles after this release.
The tragic passing of Phillip Seymour Hoffman left fans of the series wondering how his final performance as Plutarch would be handled, as he had not completed filming prior to his death. I can say that audiences will be very pleased with how his character was handled, and while there are a few moments that are clearly CGI, the creative team behind the film found the perfect way to include him and honor him at the same time.
Overall
After viewing The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II, I can understand why the creative minds behind the film decided to split the final story into two parts. There is a lot of darkness and intensity in the final battle for Panem, and some of the most important character moments might have been lost if story was sacrificed for time. All of the characters get a chance to shine, and I am glad to see that the character development gained in Part I directly carried over into the final acts of The Hunger Games story. Will Katniss ever find peace and happiness? You will have to find out for yourself.
ComicsOnline gives The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II – 3.5 out of 5 bird calls.
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