The only reason I'm reviewing this is because in a lot of things I am a completist. I reviewed the book trilogy and the three previous films (see links below). As I said on at least a couple of those pages, I am not in the target demographic of the books, and was only impressed by the initial premise, but not by the execution, and was disappointed with the lack of background information. This film is better than Part 1, but not by much, and I still think Mockingjay would have worked better as one film. Even for viewers who haven't read the books or seen the other movies, I don't think there are many surprises. Most of the key plot points are telegraphed well before the action. Case in point, my brother foresaw what was going to happen in the climax; he wasn't really interested, he only went because I had invited his grandson.

Most all of the acting is flat, with little or no subtlety, the most egregious examples coming from two of the most experienced actors, Julianne Moore and Donald Sutherland. The only exceptions come in two minor roles, Jena Malone and Elizabeth Banks, but only because their characters are the most flamboyant or volatile. Philip Seymour Hoffman died before Part 1 completed post production, but there are a few scenes in this one that were already filmed, maybe cut from Part 1 and saved for the conclusion. Then he is CGIed into some later scenes, but with no dialogue, and he looks just as bored there as when he was delivering his lines earlier. I've heard rumors that Lawrence and Hemsworth might be in a relationship, and if so I wish them well, but they have no chemistry onscreen in these movies. I don't know whether to blame the screenplay or the director or the actors.

Taken as a whole, these movies are just adequate, just like the books. Not great, not terrible, but so many missed opportunities. I'm not sure why, but I re-watched the other films over the past couple of weeks, and I have a better appreciation for the first two than my original reviews would indicate. I may combine all of them onto one page one of these days, but that will have to wait for now. Even if I leave them separate I might revise my comments. In either case, it's not a priority. Your mileage may vary.

Related Links:
My review of the book trilogy.
Eliza DoLot's review of the first movie.
My reviews of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, Part 1.

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