Review of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014) by Wayne I — 05 Jul 2015

After literally shattering the games forever, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) finds herself under the forceful control of rigid President Coin (Julianne Moore) in a stern new reality that is District 13.

Artfully manipulated by Coin and ex-game maker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philp Seymour Hoffman), Katniss aggress to become the face of the revolution and 'the best dressed rebel in history' as the Mockingjay.

Supported by friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), ex-chaperone Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and a motley filmmaking crew, Katniss fronts the high profile propaganda campaign in an attempt to unite the districts in the fight against the Capitol.

Returning to the devastation of the districts, totalitarian President Snow's oppressive control of Panem with public executions, mass slaughters and air strikes is unbearable. But capturing and broadcasting Katniss' defiant indignation only brings about further devastation.

The retaliation adds fuel to her mushrooming anger, making a formidable leader of the rebels and creating an interesting juxtaposition with love interest Peeta exploited as the poster-child for the opposing Capitol.

Not just capitalising on the Lawrence factor, powerhouse performances abound. As the action lacking, somewhat slow, politics based instalment, the sets, costuming and script is suitably bland.

The verdict: Much like its source material, it is designed to absorb viewers by burrowing deeper into the concept of revolution, but leaves a slight feeling of padded dullness. In saying that, this penultimate chapter nimbly sets up the 'to be continued' franchise finale to the sound of box office's cash-registers ring out.

Published : Canberra Weekly Magazine.

Date of Publication : 27/11/2015.