A Very Good Film

Rating: 8/10 (2 December 2014)

After reading the critics reception of this film I was really fearful that I would get robbed by another filler movie. I was, however, pleasantly surprised with how well the movie treated its source material, and in particular the complexities of the characters.
There are a few things people need to understand, in order to enjoy this movie. This trilogy (3rd and 4th films are technically one film) is not Battle Royale. That film was good, and there is a similar core concept. But the Hunger Games never was Battle Royale.
This is an important distinction because The hunger Games has always concentrated much more on subtle character developments, and this becomes the Mockingjay's primary focus.
The film has never been merely about survival in the arena, this was only ever part of a much wider picture. I you have not appreciated the politics and power play going on, I assume you are unlikely to appreciate this film.
Mockingjay focuses on the reality of what the characters go through in times of war and accurately brakes the characters down to their core. before rebuilding (some of) them.
Other reviewers have criticised Katniss, for he perpetual focus on Peeta. However Katniss is a very selfish character, she always has been. She is focused on the people that she loves as her primary motivation.
The other side of her personality is her natural reaction to things. This movie is as much about that (emotional) battle, as it is about the conflict with the Capital. If you don't like how this can pull one way or the other, then this will likely bug you.
Others suffer in their own unique ways. I feel if subtleties are lost on you, then you won't enjoy this movie.
Finally, I feel people might not warm to the movie as it is just a continuation. There is not traditional beginning, middle and end. Some people need this structure in the movie to feel like it is moving in a direction, and not just repeating itself. (note:this point was originally brought up by CBG19 on youtube)
I like this movie because I enjoy the politics, I enjoy the accurate representation of how war can breakdown people, I do not think this trilogy has been all about the arena, I enjoy the subtle character developments, and I don't need a traditional story structure.
I hope you see this movie and enjoy it as much as I did.