100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 135: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Director: Frances Lawrence

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 123 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, Jeffrey Wright, Natalie Dormer, Sam Claflin, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland

Description: When Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin (Julianne Moore) who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from the Capitol.

Review: In this franchise they choose to split up the last book into two movies. Mostly for financial reasons, but for fans one extra movie to enjoy the adventures of Katniss Everdeen. For people who read the books, it’s great to see the buildup, for neutral viewers it might by a bit unsatisfying.

Katniss Everdeen has survived her second time in the games and sees that her previous enemies turn out to be her allies. They wanted to free her so they could rebel against the capitol. District 12, Katniss’ home front, has been destroyed and Peeta has been heald captive by the enemy. Because the movie is in two parts, everything has been stretched a bit.

They take the time to show the audience what the impact of the events in the previous film is. Katniss is heavily traumatized, an underground defiance wants her as the face of the revolution. She doesn’t want it at first, but after her visit to Distruct 12 she wants to find a way to protect her loved ones. Katniss’ personal development is very interesting to see in this film.

Jennifer Lawrence is again great as Katniss. You feel her pain and agony. A great new addition is Julianne Moore as Alma Coin. A perfect choice for the role. Elizabeth Banks portrayed Effie Trinkett again, this time in a different way. Maybe my favorite version of Effie.

The movie doesn’t contain any actual Hunger Games. It isn’t as action packed as the other two movies and the pace is a lot slower. That never means it’s dull, because time still flies while watching it. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” is a fantastic film, that will especially please the fans and the people that know the books very well. I think this movie will eventually be more appreciated when part two comes out.

Rating: 4/ 5