As everyone knows I have a love-hate relationship with Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. But as it’s well documented, I won’t get into that. When it came about that I would review Mockingjay, Part 2 for Silver Petticoat, I thought it a perfect excuse to finally see one of these films in the theater. No matter my gripes I have really enjoyed the movies. So seeing one on the big screen seemed like an excellent outing. So… that prompted me to crazily (crazy because I was already reading 2-3 books) pick up the book and attempt to race through it in time to see the final film in addition to sneaking in a viewing of “part one” since I’d not yet seen it.
Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it), we had a snowstorm that delayed my original plans to see this by two days. But this past Sunday I finally saw the epic conclusion that is Katniss Everdeen’s journey.
FILM REVIEW | Mockingjay, Part 1 (2014)
In short, I really (really) liked the movie. I thought it was brilliant (as an adaptation, the cast, the sets) and am far more satisfied by the film’s ending than the book. Odd since they are virtually the same, only difference is Movie Katniss (who is awesome) vs. Book Katniss.
(Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate links; if you buy anything through these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you to anyone who makes a purchase through these links. Read the disclosure page for details.)
You can find The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 digitally on Amazon Video
‘THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY,’ PART 2 (2015) – Romantic and Epic Conclusion to Collins Best-Selling Series #FWarchives Click To Tweet
If you’d like to read more of my thoughts or fangirl gushes on the film, you can find review links down below. Otherwise, let’s hear your thoughts on Mockingjay, Part 2. The comments are wide open down below.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2
The worldwide phenomenon that first burst into our world as a YA dystopian trilogy (some seven years gone) followed by its subsequent films has finally drawn to its close with Mockingjay Part 2. Since nearly all young adult adaptations make a trilogy more complicated (not to mention drawing the saga out) by splitting the final book into two parts, this franchise figured it best do the same. We saw part one released back in 2014 and now, in 2015, we’re seeing how Katniss Everdeen’s story concludes…
“Stay with me.” “Always.”
Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is shattered following the Hunger Games and her second brush with death in the Quarter Quell. Her psyche has just been dealt another crushing blow, a trauma that might just be her undoing. District 13’s team of soldiers rescued the remaining victors, including Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from the Capital. He’s been returned to Katniss but trained as an assassin with one target: Katniss. Continue Reading on Silver Petticoat ➔
11 Comments
I'm planning on seeing it again this weekend with friends :)
Ahhh! Yay! What'd you think, Jamie!? Hope you like it okay. :) :) :)
I loved the movie! I definitely like movie Katniss over book Katniss in Mockingjay. Nice review! :)
As did I, Gennifer. Jennifer Lawrence gives the character "life" in a sense and I love how she portrays her. :)
Thank you so much for reading. :)
I thought this was the most beautiful movie–the ending was perfection. I was afraid they'd cut it off and make Katniss and Peeta's eventual marriage about their physical attraction; I loved that it was about their friendship and understanding and comfort for one another after the things they'd been through. I certainly didn't expect to like the movie so much, but it has to be one of the best (blockbusters) I've seen all year if not the best. And you're right; the book Katniss just seems so detached. She needed a three-dimensional movie to bring her to life. It's understandable that she would seem detached after all she went through (though I can't remember if the books are written in present or past tense?).
Also, I've never loved Peeta so much before until this movie :D Collins was brilliant in giving him a while where he actually became what he feared–mean and a killer. It was essential for his character development and his relationship with Katniss.
Dance A Real
Ditto, ditto and ditto! What more can be said but how you summed this one up in that first paragraph!? Nothing, I say. :) I loved this conclusion so very much! The one minor flaw is the two parts really. I mean, it wound up being fine, but I do think an effective and well made conclusion could have been done in the same length as this film. But I'm not going to complain because this one was amazing! So well done and complimentary to the book while still being stronger.
I'm so glad you liked this one too, Hannah.
As for the characters, yes! Book Katniss just doesn't come across as interesting to me. I mean, like you, I get why she's detached but her flat characterization is so… boring. Jennifer Lawrence adds more and I love that. I think the book is first person… but don't quote me! I did just read it, but it was a rush job.
I've always like Peeta fine, but then I did know how the book series ended. The movie end was so much more moving for me. Weird, I know since it's virtually the same, but there you have it! :)
Thank so much for sharing YOUR thoughts, Hannah. Glad to chat with you! :)
Glad you enjoyed this Rissi!
I really liked this film too. A part of me is sad that the series has ended. However, the ending did wrap up things pretty nicely.
I did indeed, Ella and I'm pleased to know you did as well. If a series has to end, I think the depiction and place the writer's left Katniss in was as good as it gets. So much joy after too much turmoil… or at least, I felt there was. :)
It has been quite awhile (2012???) since I have read The Hunger Games. But when I saw the first movie I learned a valuable lesson. I must enjoy the books for the books, and the movie adaptions for the movie. That being said, I have adored the movies and am completely thrilled with how they concluded the series in film. It never fails, I cry during every movie and MJ Part 2 was no exception. This is one story that will never grow old for me. Excellent review!
What a great way to look at these, Rachel. The books never "worked" for me in the way that the film adaptations do. There's something fabulous about the films including the cast. And while it's the same, I do respect HOW the films end more than the books – Jennifer somehow "softens" Katniss' thoughts whereas in the book we only have her narrative, which to me reads too depressing.
I'll definitely re-watch the movies and who knows, perhaps I'll someday have more interest in the books. Thank you for reading, Rachel. :)
[…] REVIEW | The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 […]