This week at the movies, it’s all about Katniss, Katniss, Katniss.
Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
You’d have to be a fool to release a movie this weekend that goes up against a surefire blockbuster hit like The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. And what do you know? Nobody dares to do so, because it would be a certain death at the quiver of Katniss’ arrow. The Hunger Games trilogy has topped the box office with each installment and as we head in to the final third (helpfully split up by the studio into two separate parts, to better milk the profits from the willing public), it’s clear that this installment will be no different.
Having survived two rounds of Hunger Games, cruel American Idol-like warrior competitions where child and teen competitors fight to the literal death, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is a national heroine in Panem, the dystopian, fascist war-torn country, where Alma Coin is in charge (Julianne Moore) and President Snow (Donald Sutherland) pulls the public’s puppet strings. The big twist is that her love interest and BFF, Peeta has been found, and he’s joined the government, being used to manipulate the public. Of course, Katniss must save him.
Perfect For: Fans of the trilogy; people who love Jennifer Lawrence (and really, who doesn’t?); and teens (the violence of the Games might startle the younger ones).
What the Critics Say: Once again, mostly positive. For a blockbuster, and even for a non-blockbuster, this series is pretty well made, with some of the best actors money can buy sprinkled throughout (including the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks.) Writes the A.V. Club: “The stealth highlight of this franchise has always been the flavorful cultural satire, which takes center stage throughout much of Mockingjay's fleet runtime.” And says USA Today: “As an adaptation of part of the third book by Suzanne Collins, it's easily the most political of the three films. It's also the most absorbing and best in the series.”
Our Take: As Roger Ebert would say, thumbs up!
Watch the Trailer:
