Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is a place
setting movie. Ever since Hollywood figured out there were big bucks to be made
from splitting finales into two parts, the game is on, and it works. They
get my money. I’ve read the series by Suzanne Collins, and I do recommend the
books. It’s not too late. You get more of the descriptions of despair and
fuller characterizations. But if you are only watching the films, then be sure
to watch this Part 1. The first Hunger Games gave us Katniss and Peta as
wily competitors from District 12. Catching Fire had the two playing the
game better with heightened stakes. By the end, District 12 has been destroyed
and Katniss is the model for the growing revolution.
Now, Katniss has been pulled out from under President Snow’s
nose. Hiding in the once rumored ruined District 13, Katniss worries about
Peta’s status captured in the Capitol. He’s transmitting a message of
forgiveness under duress. Katniss does not believe he turned into one of
“them”. She’s torn between Gael and Peta. She misses Cinna. She’s unsure of her
message as the mockingjay. The district president, played by Julianne Moore, is
wise and wants Katniss to recognize her potential as a leader. As Katniss (Jennifer
Lawrence) ventures out on missions, sees the destruction and poverty, her stoic
demeanor cracks and she vows to do what she can.
There are a lot of quiet moments in Mockingjay,
but the tense undercurrent heightens the urgency of the situation. As the
propaganda machines heat up and Katniss is showered in white tulips, she knows
her battle with President Snow is for the sake of the world. Jennifer Lawrence
just keeps getting better as an actress – she can look so sad and forlorn, and
then kick butt. Donald Sutherland is suitably sinister. Liam Hemsworth, as
Gael, is loyal to the revolution and fights hard for Katniss’s heart. Josh
Hutcherson, as Peta, is soulful and tortured. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman,
as Plutarch, is plucky (his performance makes us sad to know he’s gone).
And Woody Harrelson is a hoot as a regrettably sober Hammish.
Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 makes us
hungry for the true finale. It’s well filmed, has plenty of action, and gives
us fear, sorrow, worry, and some humor. Raise your three fingers, and give the
soulful mockingjay whistle. Katniss needs rebels on her side.
I had a hard time watching the first of these movies, and I haven't read the books. I just couldn't get into the whole idea of children killing each other as a competition. My sons love these though. To each his own, I suppose. :)
ReplyDeleteI always insist on reading the books of things before I see the movie.
ReplyDeleteI liked the first Hunger Games movie. Since I hadn't read the books, I had no idea what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. Connie raises a valid point about "children killing each other." It's sad that many of us have become immune to violence in movies, and in television. Thanks for the wonderful review, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteJulie