Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2

Possible spoilers ahead!

Everyone’s favorite girl on fire, (Katniss Everdeen), is supposed to be around 17 years old as the Hunger Games saga reaches its finale, but in the hands of director Francis Lawrence (who took the reins from Gary Ross after the first film), the Hunger Games series has transformed from traditional young-adult entertainment, to what is for all intents and purposes, a war drama.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” picks up right after the end of Part 1, where we find Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) trying to recuperate from the near-fatal attack by her one-time ally, and love, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson).

Even though her physical wounds are still healing, Katniss finds that the many mental and emotional scars inflicted upon her, and those close to her, by President Snow (Donald Sutherland) have reached a boiling point. With a little help from Gale, Katniss sneaks out of District 13 headed for the frontline of The Rebellion’s push into The Capitol, hoping to assassinate Snow once and for all.

However, when Katniss arrives in The Capitol, she finds that Snow has rigged the entire city with “pods,” arena-style traps designed by the game makers, with the intent of making the rebels pay for their impending victory in blood. With all of Panem on the line, Katniss and her closest allies head into the pod-ridden streets, intent on completing their mission – even if none of them make it out alive.

The third and Hunger Games movie by director Francis Lawrence, Mockingjay – Part 2 is everything its predecessor wasn’t: fast-paced, action packed, thrilling, and dramatic. This is a worthy end to the Hunger Games saga.

With the narrative device of The Hunger Games fully behind us, Lawrence, and his team were free to create a full-fledged dystopian war film – and they succeed in that effort. Part 1 was about posturing and setup. It was the appetizer before the main course.

Part 2 is where the audience finally gets to explore the true experience of war and rebellion – not just on the battlefield, as we also get to see how both sides use propaganda, and how they  treat their armies as disposable toys. We even got to experience the war from the civilians perspective.

And what’s left to say about the cast at this point? The lead ensemble – Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks – pull off the intimacy of longtime friends/enemies effortlessly. Although the film could have used a little mofe of Woody Harrelson .

Jennifer Lawrence, I felt. delivered her best performance as Katniss. One thing I appreciate about Lawrence is that she always took this career-making role seriously. And as usual, she brougjt gave the character an accessible mix of bravery and vulnerability—espeially as Katniss prepares for the ultimate showdown with Sutherland’s diabolical President Snow.

But if you follow this blog then you know I love me some J.Law, so I’m a little biased when it comes to her.

Other, more recent cast additions like Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Julianne Moore, Jeffrey Wright and the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman all bolster the series’ supporting roles with great performances. But it is sad knowing this is the last time we’ll see the great Seymour Hoffman on the big screen.

My only complaint about the movie would be the climactic showdown at The Capitol. Not that’s bad, but I thought it all happened somewhat quick. Considering everything leading up to it, the final battle felt abrupt, and arguably a bit anti-climatic. Even the moment that sets Katniss off (a death she witnesses), was so quick, that many people probably missed it.

Although I’m not completely surprised, since the filmmakers didn’t do much to establish their relationship in the previous movies. It’s a shame really, because that was one of my favorite relationships in the novels.

I read the novels in early 2012, but it been so long that don’t how much changed from the page to the screen. Even if a lot of things changed, I don’t care, because in the end, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” is an exciting, thrilling and powerful ending to the Hunger Games saga.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” final score: 8.5

Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Possible spoilers ahead!

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” is not only the third installment in the “Hunger Games” saga, but it’s also the darkest chapter yet.  The games as you know them are done, this time it’s all out war between the districts and the Capitol.

With this film the series makes 180-degree change, because unlike the action driven first two films, “Mockingjay, Part 1”, is a story about politics, war propaganda, and consequences. Some will love the change while others will hate it. Either way, Mockingjay, Part 1 will have you talking.

Mockingjay begins where Catching Fire left off, with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), rescued from Quarter Quell, living in a compound under the rubble of what used to be District 13. Her mom and sister are with her, as well as Gale, and the survivors from District 12.

Also back are her once-drunk and now sober mentor, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson); propagandist Plutarch (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman); the tech genius Betee (Jeffrey Wright), and the image guru (and comic relief) Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks).

The leader of District 13 district is president Coin (Julianne Moore), looking very much like an older version or the X-Men’s Rogue.

 

“Mockingjay Part 1” centers on Katniss being groomed by District 13 to become the face of rebellion against the Capitol. But it’s also about her goal to save Peeta with the help of her new and old friends.

It takes time, but Katniss eventually agrees to become the “Mockingjay” but she soon discovers that her choices are not without consequence, as President Snow (Donald Sutherland) will use any means necessary to maintain control of the government.

As usual, Jennifer Lawrence gives it her all as Katniss. This is the third time Lawrence has played Katniss Everdeen, but she always manages to bring something new to the part. It’s the little things that I like best. Like the way she crumples up a piece of paper when she’s making her demands. Or her reaction upon seeing her sister’s cat survived the destructions of District 12.

Returning stars Woody Harrelson, Josh Hutcherson, and Elizabeth Banks bring something completely new to their characters. Probably because they’re placed in drastically different circumstances than in the first two movies.

As for the newcomers, my personal favorite was Natalie Dormer as Cressida. Her character is tough, but she really did seem to care for Katniss. I hope we get to see more of her in the sequel next year.

With last year’s Catching Fire, director Francis Lawrence elevated the series from something only young adults liked, to a film series anyone could enjoy. The filmmaker approaches Mockingjay with the same sharp execution as his previous chapter, and in some ways he even improved.

For instance, the story telling here is much better than in the previous two movies. This is the first Hunger Games film that is completely driven by drama and not action. However, I also thought the few action sequences in Mockingjay were actually better than in Catching Fire.

In the end, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1″an excellent entry in the series, and it lays a solid foundation for Part 2 next year. But on its own Mockingjay – Part 1 is not as entertaining as the first two films. But you know what? It didn’t need to be.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” final score: 8

TNU Box Office Preview: Hungry like the wolf

It’s safe to say the odds are definitely in Mockingjay’s favor. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” will own the box office this weekend, crushing everything its path.

The third entry in the mega successful Hunger Games saga opens at 4,151 theaters this weekend, and it should easily win the top spot at the box office. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland.

The first two Hunger Games films had massive opening weekends with the first film making $152.5 million, and the second film, Catching Fire, grossing $158 million. Mockingjay could have a hard time matching Catching Fire, but it should still open well over $130 million.

Hell,  even if the movie opens far below the previous two installments, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” should still score the biggest opening weekend of 2014.

While first two Hunger Games movies were well received by critics and audiences, critics are nor falling in love with the third film. As of friday morning, Mockingjay – Part 1 has 70 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, well below “The Hunger Games” (84 percent) and “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (89 percent).

Lionsgate shouldn’t worry too much about the critics though, as Mockingjay should easily surpass its $140 million budget in a few days thanks to its built-in hardcore audience. Not to mention that the film stars Jennifer Lawrence, easily one of today’s biggest movie stars.

TNU Box Office Preview: The odds are in J.Law’s favor

This weekend Jennifer Lawrence steps back in to the arena with the sequel to 2012 smash hit The Hunger Games. Everyone knows “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” will easily open at No. 1. The real question is: Can Catching Fire break The Dark Knight Rises‘ $160.9 million record as the best 2-D opening of all time?  Or better yet, can Catching Fire surpass Iron Man 3‘s $174 million opening?

In 2012, “The Hunger Games” exceeded all expectations when it opened to $152.5 million. With strong reviews and good word-of-mouth, the movie held well from there, and ended its run with $691,247,768 million worldwide. Catching Fire brings a more aggressive marketing campaign and an expanded fanbase. These new fans include people who enjoyed the first movie, some who read the books since then, and others who are only there to see Jennifer Lawrence.

All of this leads me to belive Catching Fire will top the original’s $152 million opening, speed past “The Dark Knight Rises” and crush “Iron Man 3” for the best opening of the year. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”  is opening in 4,163 theatres, and should earn around $180 million this weekend.

Francis Lawrence takes over as director, and from what I’ve heard, he was the right man for the job. Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen along with Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland. they’re joined by new cast members Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Lynn Cohen, Meta Golding, Amanda Plummer, and Jeffrey Wright.

Vince Vaughn’s “Delivery Man” is opening at 3,036 locations, not that it matters. For one thing, most people are going to see Hunger games this weekend. Plus, a movie about a sperm donor having 533 children isn’t going to appeal to many people. And let’s not forget Vince Vaughn has been struggling at the box office lately. “The Internship” and “The Dilemma” opened to $17.3 million and $17.8 million, respectively, However, I don’t expect “Delivery Man” will get to that level. “Delivery Man” will serve as counterprogramming for Catching Fire, but it won’t get past $12 million.