Movie Review: The Hunger Games, Mockingjay – Part 1

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It's clear from the very beginning of the movie, this "Hunger Games" is going to be different than the previous two.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 is the 3rd movie in the series from best-selling author Suzanne Collins.

Right from the beginning frame the movie has a very dark feel to it.

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) finds herself in the supposedly destroyed District 13 after her home in District 12 has been reduced to rubble.

Katniss learns about a secret rebellion spreading throughout Panem, and she is to be the face and voice of that revolution.

More so than any movie in the series, this movie centers on one character's struggles, and that is Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss.

The movie is actually centered more around her feelings, and not much action. That leads it to be bogged down at times, and it drags somewhat.

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Gone are the actual "Hunger Games" from the first two movies, the only game being played in Mockingjay is between Katniss and President Snow, played by the great Donald Sutherland.

It's actually quite the mind game being played between Katniss, President Snow, and newcomer President of District 13, President Coin, played by Julianne Moore.
Moore is a welcome addition to the cast, and you can't tell if you like her or, or she's up to something.

The late Philip Seymour Hoffman reprises his role as "Plutarch" and along with Elizabeth Banks, and Woody Harrelson help to add a little comedic aspect to the film.

Peeta, played by Josh Hutcherson, was left behind in the previous movie, and is now being brainwashed by President Snow.

As mentioned, the action is really what is lacking in this movie. We've become accustomed to a fast paced, killing, blowing things up type movie with the previous Hunger Games.

If you're looking for that style of movie, I think you're going to be sorely disappointed. In fact, Katniss only really shoots one arrow in the movie, and that was in the trailer.

There are parts to the movie where you think there is going to be a lot of action, but instead it's over as quickly as it started.

You can definitely tell the film is setting up the final in the series to be an epic showdown.

I think lifelong fans of the movie are going to like it, and most have probably read the books, so they know where it's headed.

Mockingjay ends on quite the cliffhanger, and leaves you wanting more.

Can't wait to see what they have in store for the final movie of the series.

Overall I give The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 a solid "B". It's probably the least exciting of the three movies made in the series, and it's lack of action really leaves you wanting more.

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