The Hunger Games series continued its conquest of the world’s movie screens with Mockingjay Part 1 this weekend. But although the movie answers some of the audience’s basic questions, it’s still devoid of any tension, thrill, or passion. In the absence of part two, it’s just slow and a bit of a disappointment.
The movie mostly takes place underground and consists of a lot sitting around and watching Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) make propaganda films. But they’re probably just slowing it down to have an even more enjoyable grand finale. Still, the movie does succeed in making fans want to see the rest, which will be released next November.
Mockingjay continues where Catching Fire left off: Katniss has been airlifted to District 13 after having destroyed the Quarter Qwell arena, and her family and Gale (Liam Hemsworth) escaped to District 13 before District 12 was annihilated. Once again, she’s an emotional wreck because Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), her so-called “boyfriend”, friend, and teammate in the Games, always seems to get himself into life-threatening problems which Katniss then has to resolve. And once again, the entire enslaved nation is depending on this teenage girl to save mankind.
At first, Katniss was reluctant to continue being their Mockingjay, but after seeing what kind of leader President Snow (Donald Sutherland) actually is, she assumes the role. With the help of District 13’s President Coin (Julianne Moore), Gale, her advisor Haymitch (Woody Harrelson), the intelligent Beetee (Jeffrey Wright), and her family, Katniss sets off to rescue Peeta and some other tributes.
This movie is also not as glamorous as the previous films, since there aren’t any trips to the Capitol and there is heavy focus on the love triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta. Even the most colourful character, Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), is seen sobbing (and in a dull grey jumpsuit).
Overall, the movie is decent with some humour here and there but mostly just sets the stage.
Rating: MMM ½
