A long journey...indeed

Ervell E Menezes

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) recovers after being nearly murdered by a brainwashed Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutherson), while Peeta is recovering separately, for this is “Hunger Games : Mockingjay Part II” 3D and the old characters like President Corialanus Snow (Donald Sutherland) and President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) are still alive and kicking.

Katniss is seen as a rebel bent on eliminating Snow but Coin does not fall in line and may have a double role to play. In the meantime Peeta has to be nursed back after his trauma and Snow keeps himself well ensconced from the rebels as well as his own men. There are red herrings that help but as it often happens, credibility takes a beating.

Katniss a.k.a. Mockingjay then leads a gang (one blonde, two blacks) of eight on a hunt which takes them to deserted cities, underground tunnels, wading through waist-deep water and what not but modern technology keeps them on the radar. Through all these adventures it is Jo Willems caressing camera that pleases the eye.

The enemy is almost unseen and explosions take place at regular intervals. And director Francis Lawrence does well to imbue the narrative with ample doses of suspense. But it is the second half that loses out --- too much happens too soon.

Jennifer Lawrence is her usual competent self and hogs the limelight. Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson are scarce while Julianne Moore is not much better. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is there only in name.

It is sad to see Donald Sutherland hamming his way about like most former stars but this reviewer still relishes him and Elliott Gould (a regular pair) in “M.A.S.H.”