The last two films in the successful Hunger Games sci-fi series starring Jennifer Lawrence are much worse than the first two. This is annoying. Even more so because it could have been easily prevented.
I love the Hunger Games movies. But if I’m being completely honest, it gnaws at me to this day how much Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) story falls flat at the end. After two fantastic films, the series stumbles and squanders the chance for a successful ending at the end. And that, although it was within reach.
Why Mockingjay crashes in Hunger Games finale
In the first ribute of Panem film, we join Katniss in her dystopian world and learn about the cruel Hunger Games. Thrilling! In second film, Catching Fire, she has to return to the arena and also deal with the political consequences of her victory. Even more exciting!
Then comes the big double ending: In Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2, Katniss faces the task of bringing down an entire regime … but instead of logically mutating into the pinnacle of suspense here, the result is often tedious and plodding.
Hunger Games: Mockingjay 2
In fairness, I have to say that even in the book trilogy * by Suzanne Collins, the last novel was the worst for me. But all the more true: Stretching the weakest book over two films was the stupidest decision the Hunger Games series could have made. Sure, successful franchises like Harry Potter and Twilight had shown how to milk box-office receipts by splitting the finale in two.
Instead, with Mockingjay 1, we got a Hunger Games finale that was treading water. Part 3 took place for most of its time in a grey bunker underground and showed us repeatedly how Katniss was exploited – by the rebellious District 13 as well as the powerful Capitol. Of all things, when the narrative should have tightened its suspense screw one last time, it slackened.
The Tribute to Panem conclusion could have easily picked up the strength of the first films
How little Mockingjay 1 in particular has to say, I always note in the final scene: Peeta’s (Josh Hutcherson) revealed brainwashing is a brilliant shock cliffhanger. At the same time, it’s the first moment where the film really triggers something in me. And that’s saying a lot after two hours of running time. A single, streamlined final film could have focused on the emotional core of the series from the start (with less Gale banter): Katniss and Peeta’s complicated (purpose) relationship that slowly evolves into something more.
Hunger Games heart: Peeta and Katniss in Mockingjay 2
Because even though The Tributes of Panem tells of the all-out rebellion against a future regime, it was ultimately primarily about main character Katniss. But she often becomes a mere projection screen for a revolution in parts 3 and 4. Not only do the rebels exploit her as a symbol for their own purposes, but the films themselves repeatedly turn her into a boring plot device who dutifully leads us through the war. In these moments, Mockingjay gets lost in petty battles and drawn-out plots.
Only when Katniss enters the heart of the Capitol with Peeta in Part 4 for the planned assassination of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and thus virtually climbs into an arena of the Hunger Games for a third time amid new traps does the finale find its old strengths again. We see again a variation of the arena battle with devastating twists at the end.
