The fourth and final addition of the Hunger Games was a huge success, winning a third straight office box title.  What started originally as a bloodthirsty game in the first Hunger Games, becomes a serious all-out overthrow of the entire Panem system in Mockingjay, Part 2. Readers and movie-viewers alike will not be disappointed with the quality and acting presented in the movie.

The movie’s theme as a whole can be summed up in the three words said by unit leader, Boggs, “Trust no one”. Of course, there is the obvious mistrust in President Snow and the Capitol, but new, unexpected alliances and conflicts present themselves and drive the movie forward. Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence, never fails to satisfy. Her independent nature and impulsive actions fully allow the movie to unfold perfectly.  Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, would undoubtedly win the best actor award in my book.  Playing a crazed character that had just been rescued by District 13 after being tortured and injected with tracker-jacker venom, Hutcherson displayed the internal struggle with ease.  His superb acting kept viewers on the edge of their seats wondering if he would save, or kill Katniss. The special effects were also exceptional, consisting of explosive pods, an alarming oil attack, and best of all, the scary “mutts” that could easily have their own horror movie.

Mockingjay, Part 2 had many exciting elements that were present in the other three movies.  It had the glamourous Capitol clothing, confusing love triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta, mentoring by Haymitch, clothing tips by Effie, hatred for President Snow, viewer love for Prim and her filthy cat, and, of course, the Hanging Tree Song.

Overall, the movie was depressing because of the deaths of many major characters and civilians, but, it managed to have a happy ending for Katniss and her romantic interest(I’m not going to tell which guy she chose!) as they have two kids together. Mockingjay, Part 2 had great music and sound effects and was the perfect length. It followed a great plot and had no unnecessary action and dialog.

SPOILER ALERTS INCLUDED PAST THIS POINT!

Despite the quality of the movie, for those of us who actually read the books, we need some clarification! First of all, Katniss is supposed to be suffering from PTSD and be completely deaf in her left ear! What happens to Gale? Does he find happiness?? Wasn’t Katniss supposed to kill a Capitol citizen? Didn’t Katniss and Johanna go through intense training beforehand instead of just sneaking away to continue the mission? Perhaps most importantly, WHAT HAPPENED TO PEETA’S AMPUTATED LEG?? While looking online, I also found a hilarious question (from MTV) I felt was totally worthy of being added: Did Brienne go back to Tarth??  Over all, the differences between the book and the movie are troubling to readers of the book everywhere.

Media Office Rating: 4.5/5 Stars