Movie Mondays: Hunger Games – Mockingjay Part 2

Movie Mondays: On the occasional Monday, I will review a book series or novel that has been made into a movie. I will then answer the question that everyone asks: which is better, the movie or the book? Here is this week’s offering:

Book: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins | Movie: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)

Which did I read/see first? the BOOK

Book Cover | Movie Poster

Warning: For those who have not read the final book of the Hunger Games Trilogy, Mockingjay, while I tried my best, there may unintentionally be spoilers!

Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Competition, Romance, Action
Point of View: First Person, Single

It’s a toss-up between Catching Fire and Mockingjay for my 2nd favourite novel in the series. I honestly only really remember the start and end to Mockingjay–it’s all one big blur. But I do really remember liking it and how it shifted more to the politics of everything. There were also some great plot twists that kept me on the edge of my toes.

It was a solid way to end the series and ties up all the lose ends that you possibly want tied.

Rating: 5/5
Series Review: Full series review here!

• Divergent by Veronica Roth (Divergent Trilogy, #1)
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver (Delirium Trilogy, #1)

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Were My Expectations Met?

Considering I was against the idea of splitting up Mockingjay into two parts, I suppose yes, my expectations were met. The first movie is such a dud to me and this one was definitely more thrilling. We get all the action I wanted to happen in the first one even if I did feel like some parts went on too long in this one.

How Close is it to the Book?

It’s been 5 years since I read Mockingjay but given the Wikipedia synopsis, I would say pretty close. I actually get the impression that most of the important stuff actually happens in this movie and not the previous one in terms of plot points. Not entirely shocking…

There is one scene in particular that really seemed subdued compared to the novel and I was a little disappointed in that. The movie didn’t have as much as an impact as I would have wanted.

Did I Like the Cast?

Yes! Like I said in all my other reviews of the movie, the casting for this series is phenomenal!

Donald Sutherland as President Snow was by-far the highlight for me in this movie. He is a fantastic villain from start to end. Of course, Haymitch and Effie stole the show for me whenever they were on screen. I also thought Josh Hutcherson did a fantastic job with Peeta.

I think I still like the book the best. It was really hard for me to move away from seeing this movie as nothing more than a cash grab for fans. However, I think this was a much better movie than Part 1 and I wish this was the only Mockingjay movie we had for the Trilogy.

Do you agree? Leave a comment below!

Synopsis for Mockingjay (from Goodreads):

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games.  She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive.  Katniss should be relieved, happy even.  After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale.  Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be.  Gale holds her at an icy distance.  Peeta has turned his back on her completely.  And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol – a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop.  And what scares her even more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try.  As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever.  If they can’t prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

Trailer: