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    The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

    It’s in the title, but worth pointing out: “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1” is a “part 1”. You’re not going to get a complete story of out this film alone, and not only because it’s the third in the series. The right way to see this picture - particularly now that it’s available on home video - is back-to-back with the sequel. If you do this, then this is a steady buildup that will pay off.

    At the end of the last film, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and her new allies escaped from the Hunger Games. Unfortunately, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) has been left behind and captured by President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Learning that her home District has been completely annihilated by military forces as punishment for her rebellion, Katniss prepares herself to become the symbol of the uprising against the Capitol.

    If you found Katniss and Peeta being thrown into a battle to the death once again in “Catching Fire” a little repetitive, don’t worry. This film is about a whole other kind of game our young heroine isn’t ready for. Katniss meets the leader of the rebellion: President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore). She asks our heroine to become the woman everyone thinks she is. While attempting to win the people's hearts through propaganda videos, it becomes obvious Katniss is just a pawn being moved to further other people’s ends. At least in the arena she knew the other contestants were out to kill her. She knew no one could be trusted. This time, who knows? Who is really on her side? When do the games begin, and end? The tension comes not from physical traps but mental ones as the tribute must navigate between the legs of much bigger, more powerful opponents fighting above her.

    While the lack of action makes this a slower film, it recuperates points through its characters. Elizabeth Banks's Effie Trinket is a standout. Despite being stripped of her opulent dresses and wigs, she remains determined to be a fashionista with the meager instruments she has at her disposal. Katniss’ younger sister, Primrose (Willow Shields) was a shivering leaf two films ago. Now she’s growing up and making herself useful by becoming a nurse. All of these individual, realistic people make you realize that there’s no way a teenaged girl, popular as she may be, could topple an entire fascist regime on her own. By learning this, Katniss becomes a more active protagonist and it leads to a turning point which just happens to land right before the end credits begin. Talk about a cliffhanger!

    The performances in the series continue to be a notch above those found in the imitators. When Lawrence cries, it isn’t merely a few drops gently sliding down her cheeks, it’s agonizing, heartfelt stuff. Those emotional moments make you understand why the teenage-aimed love triangle is always present in this series. If you are a teen, it’ll wrench your heart dry.

    On its own, “Mockingjay Part 1” is the weakest entry in the “Hunger Games” series. In its defense, there’s no reason to watch it on its own - not anymore. What it lacks in action it makes up in political intrigue, careful chess-like moves and countermoves. I assure you it’s all building up to a solid conclusion. (On Blu-ray, December 7, 2018)

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    adamwatchesmovies@  10.12.2014 age: 26-35 2,867 reviews

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