The
Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh
Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Phillip Seymour
Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Stanley
Tucci, Jeffrey Wright, and Paula Malcolmson
PG-13
123
Minutes
In
chess you are always thinking about the next move, good chess players think
even farther ahead. “Mockingjay”, the third book in the enormously popular
young adult series by Suzanne Collins, splits the book into two films, leaving
an introduction poised for action but mostly mapping out the strategy of the
far-reaching revolution, one that hinges on the participation of the symbolic Katniss
Everdeen. Director Francis Lawrence, returning for the remainder of the films,
paints a ravaged and abused land but also an interesting pseudo political
influenced propaganda technique for harboring support. For a film that doesn’t
boast the action of the first two films, it’s still quite comparatively thought
provoking and continually remains engaging, even though the audience will have
to wait a little while longer for the full story to complete.
Katniss
Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is scarred by her narrow rescue from her second
Hunger Games. Saved by a group looking to rise up against the Capitol, Katniss
is beside herself because of the capture of Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), who is now
the leading propaganda spokesperson for the Capitol. Katniss, not wanting any
part of the upcoming rebellion, is coaxed into joining in order to help save
Peeta and the other Tributes. Held up in an underground compound in District
13, the group is lead by President Coin (Julianne Moore) and assisted by
trusted allies from the Games. Their goal is to start a revolution by combining
the forces of the other Districts in order to overthrow President Snow (Donald
Sutherland) and the Capital. However, this can’t happen without Katniss who is
the weapon for the revolution, the symbol that will unite the Districts.
Director
Francis Lawrence effortlessly transitions into “Mockingjay”, starting the film
moments after Katniss’ rescue and continues to move with an easy appeal. Where
the two first films felt like complete events, especially the satisfactory
“Catching Fire”, this first part feels like a prolonged introduction at times.
Albeit in moments an ingeniously self-reflecting introduction that seems to
resemble the methods of propaganda utilized in today’s media driven machine.
Technology has played a key role in how we receive our news. Whether the images
of revolt, the heinous acts of terror, or the far too seldom musings of
inspiration, the world is inundated with digital influence twenty-four hours a
day. The same is true here; Katniss’ fame started with an act of honor but soon
became a symbol of defiance. Technology assists both the Capitol and the
District, whether it’s the interviews with Peeta from the pristine Capitol
pleading for obedience or the hand-held militant perspective of Katniss in a
fashioned suit amidst a war torn backdrop, these are elements reflective of our
society. Lawrence utilizes these subtle relationships throughout,
bringing out some rather unexpected emotional aspects and creating an even
darker atmosphere.

“Hunger
Games: Mockingjay Part 1” may feel like an unneeded split at times, however it
utilizes the slowed pacing to incorporate some interesting setups and craft a
bleak tone that is more reflective of the emotional state of an uprising.
The performances are again accomplished, though a few of the better actors seem
underwhelmed by some stilted dialogue. “Mockingjay” is preparing the audience
for the beginning of the end, an event any fan of the films or books should be
excited to see come next year. In the meantime, let this film get you readily
anticipated.
Monte’s Rating
3.50 out of 5.00
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