Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 Review - 2½ Stars

“The Hunger Games” series turned Jennifer Lawrence into a superstar.  The first two were thrilling to watch, as children compete in a match to the death and Jennifer as Katniss Everdeen outwits the system.  The second installment leads to a surprise revolt and that brings us to “Mockingjay Part 1.”  This installment lacks the games and without them lacks the passion and energy of the first two films.  Katniss’ drab new world takes places in shades of black and gray.  The revolution president played by a chilly Julianne Moore hopes to use Katniss as the mass media face of revolt.  The filmmaker chose to divide the last installment into two movies–the better to up the profits of course–and unfortunately this installment suffers.  Not much happens.  Many of the familiar character talk at too much length.  The revolution takes place mostly without Katniss.  And the surprise twist comes as not much of a surprise.  It feels to me that fans of the series could skip this installment and still enjoy the grand finale, which can only improve on this tease.  Does it deliver what it promises?  Advance on the story of Katniss Everdeen of “The Hunger Games.”  Is it entertaining?  lacks the energy of the first two.  Is it worth the price of admission?  For those most ardent.