Hunger Games Mockingjay 2 * * *

Normally I don’t like sequential franchise films and stay away from them - especially those which are  designed to milk every last dollar out of their long suffering fan base. The other thing I don’t like about them is most of them seem to be…..well…. a bit dumb.

But I have to admit I have seen all of the Hunger Games films, so I do have some sympathy with franchise addicts - and the need to occasionally simply chill out and go for the ride. Never mind the probability, just enjoy the energy.

I saw the first Hunger Games film in 2012. Long before I started this blog. I knew nothing about it, or what to expect; absolutely nothing;  and I quite enjoyed it.  I later learnt that it was adapted from a very popular series of books and the films had been much anticipated by the readers.  So my ignorance of the best selling Hunger Games was rather like not being aware of Harry Potter or The Da Vinci Code - or what date New Years Day falls on.  Ah well, some things just slip through the net I guess.

After the first Hunger Games  it was pretty obvious that they would continue with the “franchise”, so I never bothered with the books and just went to see each sequential film as it came along.

There have been four films based on three books. Yes, I know that doesn’t add up, but milking the final book to maximize returns does. Which is why we have Mockingjay part 1 and Mockingjay part 2.

For those not aware of the story, Hunger Games is set in a place called Panem in what might be the future or a parallel reality. Panem is presented as a potpourri of politics and imagery drawn from The Hundred Year War in which Joan of Arc fought, Nazi Germany, the Roman Empire, the French and Soviet revolutions, Modern Warfare and High Technology.

The Capital has all the wealth whilst  the workers in The Districts are bereft. To add to their pain, every year each District has to give up two young people who must fight to the death with young people from other Districts for the amusement of those in The Capital. Naturally, treating the masses like this leads to a revolution and the reluctant figurehead is a young girl, Katniss Everdeen,

In Mockingjay the revolution is well underway and in Part 2 the invasion of The Capital commences.

What appeals to me about the Hunger Games fantasy is that (unlike many other fantasy films) the characters have no super-human strength and they cannot resort to magic or any other paranormal resources to get themselves out of trouble. They get hit, they get hurt, they get tired, they get hungry, they get despondent, they get frightened. So when they show bravery and sacrifice it appears genuine and we can empathise, as they are human and vulnerable.

As a franchise film, Mockingjay 2 is good, and if you’re into this franchise you will probably be appeased. Especially if, like me, you haven't read the books and you don’t know the ending, which is quite satisfactory incidentally. Though I can’t imagine this film bringing much satisfaction to anyone who hasn’t seen the prequels.

You do sense that one film rather than two would have done the job of the last novel. Especially as you sit through a subterranean scene that just seems to go on and on.

Visually it is spectacular - especially with the recreation of the Capital; but it doesn’t dish up any more than what you have already come to expect from the other Hunger Games films.  Indeed, this was shot at the same time as Mockingjay 1 and has been sitting in the can for a couple of years now.  It’ll probably be the last unreleased performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman.  Jennifer Lawrence continues her excellent portrayal of Katniss Everdeen (not having read the books she is the only Katniss I can imagine) whilst Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson play both goodies and baddies with elan.  

It’s a good film for those who are into it.   For those who aren’t, although I’m no fan of continuous franchise films, I would make an exception for this outstanding narrative and recommend you watch all the Hunger Games Films if you want to spend a night doing catch-up beforehand. They are worth it.