I’d say 6.5 out of ten stars 🙂
I have this theory, admittedly personal, that how you see a movie effects your reaction to it. Maybe. I saw Catching Fire last year opening night with the diehards, stood in line for two hours, sold out theatre and I absolutely loved it couldn’t believe it was over. Cried. I saw Mockingjay Part 1 yesterday afternoon walked right in to a half empty theatre and the guy in the center of the theatre checking you’re text messages and then taking a call during the film… You’re old enough to know better. I grant you that you stepped away from you’re seat during you’re call but they want you to go outside not stand off to the side and talk.
The movie was fine but it all felt like set up for Part 2. The performances are excellent. Elizabeth Banks especially brought some levity as Effie. It was nice to see Gale (Liam Hemsworth) have something to do. Julianne Moore was both believable and progressively creepy as President Coin. Prim is adorable. There were a couple of people who I didn’t think had that much to do like Natalie Dormer, Woody Harrelson and Sam Claflin but saving it for Part 2 I suppose. Phillip Seymour Hoffman was great as usual but so sad to watch.
Without the games it’s a lot of Katniss whining about Peeta but there are some enjoyable moments. Scenes from the revolution in the districts are well-done and had me crying in the second case. People rushing to their deaths while singing always get’s me. I also really enjoyed the “propos” the videos Katniss does and attempts to do as the Mockingjay. They went from funny to downright heartbreaking as it’s obvious that in order to be the symbol the revolution so desperately needs they are knowingly pushing her to the point of no return emotionally. Equally matched by the Capital videos of Peeta. Josh Hutcherson didn’t have a lot to do in this movie but you could see during the videos what it was costing him physically and emotionally and he was frightening at the end as well.
Jennifer Lawrence- she is Katniss at this point and personally despite the ending she’ll always be my favorite of the dystopian genre heroines. I guess what it comes down to for me is the split in the movie. By the time the movie finally ended I felt like it was both too long and just getting started and now we wait until next year for the fireworks. I should tell you that my friend had none of my reservations about the movie but freely admits she’s not emotionally ready for Part 2. I can’t wait but until that one I think Mockingjay Part 1 falls into my third favorite of the released movies.
Part 2 I’m going opening night and no one better be texting!