The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 finds Katniss Everdeen struggling to become the face of the revolution that Panem desperately needs due to the consequences of what went down in the Quarter Quell. Peeta Mellark and Johanna Mason have been taken prisoner by the Capitol and as a result are in constant danger.
This is the first movie in the trilogy to find itself being split into two parts. Readers of the book are aware that although it is a good book, nothing much really happens in the first half. So is that the case for the film? No. Throughout the majority of the movie, the audience finds themselves on the edge of their seats – especially in the last 45 minutes. There is plenty of action, comedy and story to keep viewers interested. Screenwriter Danny Strong has done a miraculous job bringing the story from page to screen.
Once again the biggest standout in the film is Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss Everdeen. After the Quarter Quell, Katniss is broken. Jennifer has bought all of that emotion and fierceness to the surface. Is there anything that this woman can not do? I demand another Oscar nod for her now. I’d also like to get her a recording contract. The biggest highlight from her this time around was her rendition of the popular song ‘The Hanging Tree’. She just blurted out all of the feelings that the book gave in a spectacular way. You WILL walk out of the cinema singing the song.
Speaking of cast, Mockingjay Part 1 introduces us to some new characters. The main ones include Julianne Moore as President Coin – District 13’s leader, Mahershala Ali as Boggs – The head of District 13’s security and Natalie Dormer as Cressida – The leader of Katniss’s camera crew. Julianne Moore was perfectly cast. Before seeing the film I had always imagined Meryl Streep in the roll but Julianne kicked it out of the water. I can not wait to see more of her in Part 2, which the final moments of Part 1 leave you craving. And don’t forget to stay until the very end of the credits for an added surprise which has to do with it!!!
Whilst I am very impressed with the film, I do feel like the pacing was a little off. Some parts did feel rushed. Some things in the first half hour could have been taken out or chopped to allow more time for the later sequences. I also feel as if they could have made a little bit more of an effort to show the other victors in the Capitol – Particularly Johanna. Jena Malone received 2 seconds (blink and you miss it) of screen time which I found to be slightly disappointing especially given that she quickly became a fan favourite during The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Overall, Mockingjay is spectacular in every sense of the word. If you have nothing to do after November 21st I suggest that you spread your wings and fly to your nearest cinema and see Mockingjay Part 1!
4/5.
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