When I read the Hunger Games trilogy two years ago, I remember being disappointed with the last book. So I was not surprised that I found the third movie installment lacking.
Part of it is the nature of the plot line. Since they split the final book into two movies, we’ve only got half a story to watch. District 13 spends the entire movie preparing for battle, which means there isn’t the action that there is in the first two films.
If you haven’t read the books, Mockingjay picks up after Katniss was removed from the Quarter Quell after destroying the arena. District 12 has been demolished and she’s been taken to District 13 where an army is forming to eliminate President Snow. Katniss has been asked to be the face of the rebellion and in return, she demands Peeta’s rescue.
We see more of Katniss’s emotions in Mockingjay. In fact, much of the movie focuses on her face, showcasing tears and utter dismay at the her current situation. We see more of Gale and less of Peeta, as he’s being held captive in the Capital. We’re introduced to President Coin, head of District 13 (played quite well by Julianne Moore, who I feel has been missing from the silver screen as of late). We get little glimpses into Prim, Katniss’s sister, in moments that I wished were longer.
The film itself is a bit slow, but not painfully so. There are several scenes that remind us why we love Katniss so much. Her spirit shines through as Coin and Plutarch (the very missed Philip Seymour Hoffman) request her assistance in filming propaganda videos and we remember the girl from the first film who won’t be told what to do.
What I did love was the soundtrack. It was wonderful to hear Jennifer Lawrence sing “Hanging Tree” (an original score by Suzanne Collins redone by The Lumineers) It was one of my favorite scenes in the movie and I will be downloading it for sure.
Should you see it? Absolutely.
Should you expect a lot? No.
Part 1 is setting the stage for the final battle. It is my hope that Part 2 (set for next November) puts it all out there and lets the series go out with a bang. My fingers are crossed.
Mockingjay is rated PG-13 and has a run time of 123 minutes.
[…] were also several scenes that dragged a bit, much like in Part 1 (read my thoughts on that one here). But there were moments of greatness; don’t you worry. The dialogue between Katniss and […]