Mockingjay marks a distinct change in tone for the Hunger Games franchise. In fact, the very name of the series no longer applies to the films.

 

Where the other two films focused on the actual Hunger Games, an insane institution pitting young adults against each other in a fight to the death, Mockingjay has abandoned this format for a more personal, politically driven story.

 

The change in focus is an inevitable course for the franchise. It just makes sense, but I can’t help but feel that Mockingjay felt quite jarring in comparison. The film is slower in pace and more claustrophobic. Gone are the wide open arenas and the fast paced action scenes from the first two films. Instead, Mockingjay takes place either in a dark underground headquarters or blown-out cities.

 

Also gone is the imaginative special effects. What we get instead is round table discussions about war and how to sell it to the public. Katniss is a hero, but to the powers that be, she’s more of a propaganda piece. She’s essentially a puppet that gets propped up in front of a camera and forced to emote in hopes that she can inspire the population to stand up and revolt.  Katniss is understandably reluctant at first, but complies rather easily and never really questions or opposes it after.

 

If it wasn’t for Hollywood’s desire to split books into two films in order to maximize profits, I think Mockingjay Part 1 & 2 would probably flow pretty nicely.  Then again, we won’t truly know until a year from now.

 

In the meantime, what we have is a film that feels unfinished.  Mockingjay is easily the slowest Blockbuster action film you will ever see.  Especially one geared towards a young audience. If it didn’t have The Hunger Games name attached to it, most young adults would steer clear.