The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 1

I will start the same way I ended my comments on "Catching Fire": why a Part 1 and 2? Where have we seen this before? I don't like trends that are illogical in terms of a story being told. Whatever happened to trilogies like "The Lord of the Rings"? That franchise came from three books and the extended versions allowed for quite a faithful adaptation. The Harry Potter franchise could get away with adapting the last book into two films because the story demanded such an action. Chances are that "The Hobbit" will also work as three films. The only reason I can see as to why the filmmakers are doing this for "The Hunger Games" is to make money. The good news is that "Mockingjay-Part 1" did not feel as prolonged as I was expecting it to be. There was genuine drama but unfortunately there was also some cheesy romance.

The last shot in "Catching Fire" it seems has been forgotten. The change in Katniss' that we saw was a realistic transition from victor to rebel. The opening scenes in "Part 1" do not acknowledge that powerful moment. She instead is reluctant to become the Mockingjay. That isn't a bad story choice because the best heroes are the unwilling ones. Katniss has always been disinclined in much of what she has done because it is against her nature. The problem is that there is a lack on continuity in the story being told. A few of the lines between Gale and Katniss also felt tasteless. I appreciated the introduction of new characters such as Boggs. I almost thought he was Michael Jordan when he first shows up. I like to humor myself as I watch a new movie. I also couldn't help but think that when Katniss wakes up from her dream of Peeta comforting her after having a nightmare, Plutarch and Coin were thanking Leonardo DiCaprio in the next room for planting an idea in her mind. I enjoyed Beetee's role in the revolution. He has become a lot like Q from the James Bond films, especially in the scene when he gives Katniss her new bow. This movie allows us to see the real Plutarch as well. Effie's personality is constant in all the movies but her motifs change and that entertains me. The same thing happened to Tony Stark. Effie was pretty despicable in the first show but I have grown to like her more as she gradually changes. If the books had been followed to the letter, Effie would not have appeared in "Part 1". Even the author of the books knew that this wouldn't do and Effie was written in anyways. I was quite impressed with "The Hanging Tree" by James Newton Howard. I have enjoyed his music for some time. The filmmakers did a great job in the scene between Peeta and Katniss towards the end of the show.

While the movie has its drawbacks, the acting is always noteworthy. Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence is able to portray Katniss' inner feelings very well. I loved Woody Harrelson's first few scenes. Julianne Moore has been a long-time fan of the books and it seemed like the only part left for her was Coin. You won't hear Moore complain of course. I am happy that "Part 1" was dedicated to another Oscar-winning actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman. Most of his remaining scenes in the franchise were completed before his sudden passing. It is always bittersweet to watch an actor in a new movie who passed away months before like Heath Ledger and the same will be the case for Robin Williams in the upcoming "Night at the Museum" installment. Finally, Donald Sutherland's work can never be left unmentioned. President Snow is such a great character thanks to him. I am glad that director Francis Lawrence stayed on to finish the movies because Alfonso Cuaron (who was considered to conclude the franchise) probably would have made these last two movies all about the visual experience like "The Prisoner of Azbakan". It fascinates me that protesters in Thailand and the mid-west US have been making references to this show. It is evidence of the lasting impact this franchise will have. As for me, I am always entertained by these movies but not enough to buy them. Some elements feel too cliché. I do not know the ending of this story and I hope that having to wait a year will not be in vain.

3.5 Stars