Some films are made by craftsmen while others are made by committee. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 falls into the latter. Following from the previous instalment, Catching Fire, it is less captivating and more calculating. Based on Suzanne Collins’ popular book series, the movie franchise has generally done it justice. Mockingjay – Part 1 sees this goodwill stretched as the final chapter is extended to enable the further ringing of box office registers.
After her rescue from the Hunger Games tournament, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) becomes a hero. A symbol of hope for her hometown of District 12, ruled over by evil President Snow (Donald Sutherland), Katniss is full of resolve. One of her aims is to rescue Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), her Games partner. Helped by District 13’s President Coin (Julianne Moore), Katniss is determined to free her people from under the crushing weight of tyranny.
After Catching Fire’s dynamic energy, much was expected for the follow-up. Unfortunately Mockingjay – Part 1 takes the foot off the accelerator to deliver a somewhat plodding entry. There isn’t anything inherently bad, just the story moves at a glacial pace. This lessens the urgency our heroes face, diluting much of its impact. Mockingjay – Part 1 is akin to an amiable stroll rather than a furious race to a climax for which we have to wait for another film.
Francis Lawrence directs with a steady hand and utilises his actors well. Jennifer Lawrence provides a solid performance even if her character is reduced to endless crying scenes. Sutherland has the most fun as the waspish villain and adds colour to an otherwise drab movie. The series’ themes still provide interest with the media manipulation to win wars fascinatingly conveyed. The few action sequences enliven events and serve as an appetiser to a hopefully grand finale.
Sure to rake in big bucks, Mockingjay – Part 1 should achieve what it was created for. Whether splitting the story into two is an artistic achievement is debatable. Hopefully Part 2 will provide a satisfying climax even if the temptation to continue will always be too hard for Hollywood to resist.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 6
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