The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015), PG-13, ★★★

Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) in her final stand against President Snow.

Another end of an era for another YA series but this series, as a total package, somehow, has been inconsistent and bringing different pieces of the Hunger Games puzzle from a technical and narrative angle. The first movie brought a very good concept with a relevant theme of a society being in the pitfalls of a post-apocalyptic era that has borders and rules of engagement. To bring some cheer from every district, another competition of the Hunger Games would emerge. However, the vision and camerawork was an interference from being great instead of being a solid movie. The sequel is fantastic with a thrilling cliffhanger and a good balance between the media and politics. The first part of this Mockingjay movie was just a huge political build-up with some thrilling moments that was unsatisfying.

However, Mockingjay - Part 2 has enough substance to balance the politics, the performances, the action and emotion in the second half to satisfy the fans of the franchise to wrap this series on a good note despite a slow and somewhat mawkish 30-minute continuation from its predecessor. Still, it's another solid YA movie.

Previously on The Hunger Games, jk, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is getting some vocal therapy after nearly being choked to death by Peeta (Josh Hutchinson). Once she can properly speak, Katniss witnesses her sister, Prim (Willow Shields) being warned by Peeta to kill her because nightmares from the Capitol are still haunting him. There's still so much build-up and recapping to the action to remind us, the audience, about what's going on and who's involved in whatever conspiracy to make things right for all the Districts. Still, there's some horrible propaganda is going on and Kale (Liam Hemsworth) still tells Katniss that "this is war".

Meanwhile, in the Capitol, President Snow (Donald Sutherland) celebrates with his delegates with a toast and somehow he poisons one of his delegates by him replying and disagreeing to his interpretation of the celebration of Katniss failing, it is "the end of an era". Katniss wakes up from her injuries and is insulted by a bald Johanna (Jena Malone) saying that it was all her fault. And, Peeta concurs in a separate scene. Katniss is visibly upset and visits Coin (Julianne Moore) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and wants to fight.

After being said no, Katniss is sulking at Finnick's and Annie's wedding (Sam Claflin and Stef Dawson) and Johanna suggests to Katniss to go on a hovercraft at midnight to rebel agains Snow. When she lands, Katniss sees Gale and a group of onlookers. She is integrated to a group called Squad 451 to interweave through all the traps that are set by the Capitol to make their way to Snow's mansion and capture the Capitol. The 76th Hunger Games is underway.

It's time to rebel against the Capitol.

This movie is a tale of two cities, putting in a Charles Dickens reference in this review to become more intellectual, in placing the combination of politics and entertainment in the conclusion to become more engaged in the characters. The first 30 minutes I was a little bored thinking if this was the tone of the movie, this is going to be the most disappointing conclusion to a solid series. However, the action takes place as Katniss and the squad goes into dark territory to go to President Snow's mansion. It is kinetic and exciting to see who will survive in a grand Hunger Games stage. Trust me, not all of them survive. And, not to give spoilers, just read the book.

All of the performances are compelling and are at the core of the finale. Jennifer Lawrence has proven to portray Katniss as one of the ultimate female bad-asses in movie history with some complex emotion and depth to support her. She is intelligent to make a decision of what has unfolded, however, her motive in the climax is not really a surprise. So, it's not as exciting as I thought. Josh Hutchinson, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore, the late and great Philip Seymour Hoffman, Donald Sutherland are all great. Unfortunately, Stanley Tucci and Elizabeth Banks are underused because they are the sole entertainers of the franchise.

With a grim and dark tone, the movie explores the dark territory of propaganda that is relevant to today's society of what would happen if a ruthless and not-so-smart leader would run the world. It's a "what if" scenario that could teach us a lesson. Again, there are pacing issues in not only the beginning but in a few moments where the action lacks to give some of the characters their moments. But, it's an emotional ride to the finish line. As a whole movie, Mockingjay could have been one movie instead of two separate movies because there was too much build-up and fluff. Even though Catching Fire remains my favorite, this solidifies as a worthy conclusion that is poignant and appreciative to wrap up your emotions. It's a better movie than Part 1. However, the ending was a bit weirder than I pictured, but it is not as hollow as Twilight's last scene. But, it's fine.

***