MOVIE REVIEW - Hunger Games:Mockingjay Part 1

It's time to check in again on Katniss Everdeen and the rest of The Hunger Games Bunch in, The Hunger Games:Mockingjay Part 1. 

This is the third in the Hunger Games series, and for some this will be the best one yet. And for others it will leave them wondering what happened?   This is far less action based than the first two, and that's a risk.  But the book stories are what they are, and when you bust the final book down into two parts, this can be the by-product.  But for me, this series seems to be getting better as the movies pile up.  But many will wonder where all the violence and killing is.

MJP1, is much more political and actually far smarter than the first two.  I like this series.  This is far more than an action series.  In this installment , there are no acutal "hunger games" like we had in the first two. Instead, we catch up with Katniss at the end of the second acutal hunger games.  And since her last victory was so stellar, now the Districts are rising up to face the Capital and challenge its authority, and restore freedom.  The "rebels" need a face, a leader, so it's Katniss as the Mockingjay.  Can she rally a nation, and give the repressed hope?

This whole storyline of course takes place in the way far future.  Although it's never revealed in the movies themselves, it seems to be about 500 or so years in the future.  And it takes place in North America which is now called Panem, that has risen after an also never disclosed apocalyptic event. 

This story focuses on the propaganda of war that seems to have survived the centuries.  It shows the medias place in the future, and actually makes a loud commentary on today's media as well.  This movie is far more of a story, and far less action.  This is becoming far more cerebral, and imaginative.  It also continues to successfully develop Katniss' character, as a leader, a fighter, now a soldier, and actress, and most importantly a woman. 

Yeah, there's a bit of Twilight in this.  A young women seemingly playing two men against one another, and toying with young studs' emotions but that's part of the allure for some.  Jennifer Lawrence again is great at Katniss, and although she as a critical actress has far outgrown this, this will end just in time for her to get on with her real career of great projects far richer and with the pressure off.  She also leads a all star supporting cast here, with way too many to mention.

Overall, this is good, entertaining and stays remarkably fresh as compared to other ongoing teen and young adult dramas.  Even with the seemingly eternal  and endless backdrop of gloom and doom as we look to the future.

The Hunger Games:Mockinjay Part 1.  This is good.