​FILMS

the hunger games: mockingjay part 1

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1: (Drama/Action): 73 out of 100: If you haven't seen the previous two installments of "The Hunger Games" then you'd better see them before seeing the third film in the franchise, otherwise you'll just be lost in the proceedings. However there's a fair bit of exposition and reminiscing by the characters to help even those who have seen the movies, remember what has already happened in the first two stories.

Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as Katniss Everdeen, the heroine who shattered the essence of the games in the previous story. In this sequel, she meets President Coin (Julianne Moore) who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion while trying to save her boyfriend Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from the clutches of President Snow (Donald Sutherland). This is definitely an all-star cast revisiting their characters from the previous two films with Julianne Moore the only new addition to the main cast. All the actors perform with distinction with Jennifer Lawrence showing great depth as the troubled heroine.

The main problem with this film is the length of time setting up the whole story. It's not until around the 50th minute mark where there's any action scenes of note. Before that there's a fair bit of dialogue which is exposition heavy and might turn off those who are expecting many action scenes. There's little tension during these scenes of dialogue and it's only until after the halfway mark when there's more dramatic and action tension. It is here where the full value of propaganda videos and political subtext can be appreciated and is so relevant in the world we live today filled with political struggles and terrorism.

Credit must go to the set decoration which captures this futuristic world brilliantly. It helps create the atmosphere of the piece. The music score by James Newton Howard also adds weight to the film with its symphonic interludes. The sound effects also provide some oomph during the action scenes. However, more could have been done with the lighting especially during some night scenes as it's very difficult to see what's happening.

As expected, everything is left unresolved as this is Part 1 with Part 2 being released next year. As a result, the ending is a bit of an anti-climax and it's not really a cliffhanger moment but it still makes the viewer interested to know what will happen in the next installment. You can find out what happens in November, 2015.

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland
(123 minutes)
Parental advice: Violence and adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, after the credits there is a scene of the mockingjay symbol on fire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PkkHsuMrho (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 20th November, 2014)