Score: ***1/2 out of ***** (B-)
Long Story Short: Since it worked twice before (financially), Hollywood decided to do it again - splitting the final book of a popular YA series into two films. The Hunger Games filmmakers had their work cut out for them with this book, and it didn't help that their star Jennifer Lawrence isn't any better as Katniss this time. Obviously, avoid if you haven't seen the first two films - but if you have, this is a watchable set up for the finale, thanks to a good supporting cast and a decent war atmosphere.
Although I'm a bit late with this one, today's film review marks the start of the holiday blockbuster season. Rest assured, there are more to come in December! As I've noted in my review of the other Hunger Games films, I read the trilogy of books about a year or so before the first film came out. I enjoy the stories, although I wouldn't put it among my favorites. Still, I'm certainly interested in seeing through the conclusion of the film adaptations. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 was directed by Francis Lawrence (also did Catching Fire) and stars Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, et. al.
Picking up where the story left off in Catching Fire, Katniss (Lawrence) has been retrieved from the arena of her second Hunger Games' event. She is now with the rebels, located in the hidden, underground, supposedly destroyed District 13, along with the survivors of District 12 (her home area). While Katniss is relieved to be reunited with her mother, sister, and childhood friend, Gale (Hemsworth), she is tormented by the horrific experiences of two different Hunger Games and the loss of friends from the Games, including Peeta (Hutcherson). She is given little time to recuperate, though: the leader of District 13, Alma Coin (Moore) insists that Katniss be used as a propaganda tool in the fight against the government and its seat of power, the Capitol.
With help from friends both old and new, Katniss is persuaded to join the cause, though it puts her right back in the thick of the danger. And she discovers that Peeta is not dead, but rather put to horrifying use by the Capitol. With a symbol to rally around, rebels across the country push harder and harder against their oppressors - but the fight has only just begun.
As with the other films in the series, Mockingjay Part 1 has a tremendous cast. Despite this, I'm still not happy with Jennifer Lawrence in the lead as Katniss. In fact, I think she might be worse than before (partly due to her different role in this film). Ironically, the film intentionally pokes fun at Katniss' early attempts to film propaganda pieces - she simply comes off as inauthentic. But this is increased by the fact that Lawrence herself seems hard-pressed to fit this role, as well as other aspects of her character. As I've mentioned before, she has done really well in other roles - but this one just doesn't work for her. Three films in, I have to say this is the biggest (and it's a doozy) problem for the film series.
Fortunately, Lawrence is surrounded by a (mostly) tremendous supporting cast. Highlights are Philip Seymour Hoffman in one of his final roles; even if the part is pretty cliche, he is still so fun to watch and delivers a few great lines. And the best one-two punch, as it has been since the start, is Woody Harrelson as grumpy veteran Haymitch and Elizabeth Banks as air headed yet layered Effie. Both are tremendous fits and seem to really relish their roles. I only wish they had more screen time. Newcomer Julianne Moore is leader Alma Coin; she effectively makes her vaguely off-putting yet difficult to read (a little bland so far). Hutcherson as Peeta just gets a few brief parts, unfortunately, after his breakout in Catching Fire. In his place, the incredibly dull (as character and actor) Liam Hemsworth gets the spotlight as Gale. Finally, there are other familiar faces that get fleeting but appreciated appearances (Stanley Tucci as Caesar, Jeffrey Wright as Beetee, etc.).
Hunger Games is now at least the third major YA franchise (following Harry Potter and Twilight's lead) to break up its final book into two films. It's tricky enough to create a compelling film from a book in the middle of a series, but with an abrupt start and no clear break in the story, the task is even harder for these films. Fortunately, Mockingjay Part 1 pulls it off about as well as can be expected. It all takes place either in the cramped underground spaces of District 13, or the devastated rubble of former cities, which makes for a rather sobering experience. While Lawrence is unable to generate much personal connection by herself, there is a fascinating propaganda war between her and Peeta. Scenes of her with Gale are wastes of time, but once things get going there is a neat little bond that develops among Heavensbee (Hoffman's character), Haymitch, Effie, Beetee and so on.
Part 2 is where the real fireworks will surely be set off, but Part 1 also squeezes in some action, too. With no more actual Hunger Games to show, the film pivots to some fairly genuine war scenes that avoid gore but still create a realistic setting. The film does have a few high points, and even a climax, but it really should have been shorter for all the story is advanced (cutting Gale's part way down would have been a great start). Finally, the film does still a retain a modest sense of humor like the others, driven almost entirely by Haymitch, Effie, Heavensbee and company.
***
In sum, the experience of Mockingjay Part 1 is pretty much, "eh." This should be obvious by now, but if you haven't seen the other two Hunger Games films yet, don't even think about watching this one yet. If you have, this is a perfectly watchable movie but not what one would expect from a blockbuster franchise. Again, the filmmakers had quite a challenge splitting Mockingjay into two different films - add in the fact that their lead really just doesn't cut it, and it's kind of amazing that it's as good as it is. Credit that to a good script which, after a bit of a rocky first few minutes, finds a good narrative flow apart from the useless Gale scenes - as well as to an entertaining supporting cast and some pretty good war scenarios. Next year, of course, is the conclusion to this series which should be more satisfying. But that's OK, since this year we get to finish the (underrated) Hobbit series!
*3rd teaser poster for the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hunger_Games:_Mockingjay_–_Part_1#mediaviewer/File:MockingjayPart1Poster3.jpg
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