The Hunger Games continues with this third installment and it makes the same decision that worked for both Harry Potter and Twilight: Splitting the final chapter into two parts in order to milk the proverbial cash cow. The first two were highly enjoyable films that surpassed my expectations. So, does this third effort rank up with the first two? Not quite.
Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are back again as Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. At the end of Catching Fire, Peeta was captured by the Capital and Mockingjay begins off with him being brainwashed by the Capital in order to control him.
In the meantime, Katniss is in serious trouble for her actions at the end of the second movie and those actions have inspired all of Panem to form a revolution against the corrupt forces. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman reprises his role as one of Katniss’ allies and Julianne Moore costars as President Coin, the leader of District 13.
Most of this movie is very much heavy on dialogue and the action and special effects are just scattered throughout. However, there are some impressive moments including one scene where once the revolution begins, it causes a gigantic flood that destroys some of the Capital. Sadly this is the most exciting scene.
As for the rest of the film, I do like how it does manage to continue to have a great undercurrent of political subtext and social commentary that has parallels of the real world of right now.
Like the previous films, Mockingjay does feature solid performances from its amazing cast and it also does contain some highly thoughtful dialogue, but it tries to rely too much on dialogue in order to carry it through. It’s adequately paced, but there’s no real sense of excitement.
Nevertheless, I’m sure the filmmakers are trying their best to show some restraint until the final chapter hits theaters one year from now. In the meantime, the intelligence and imagination is its biggest strong point. I do hope that the odds will be more in favor with the last film.
Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images, and thematic material.)
Until next time, White County, this is Justin Hall saying I’ll see you AT THE MOVIES!
This review is dedicated to the memories of Judy Groover and Eric Howard.
Movie Review The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 1.
