Slow-burningly thrilling in that almost sort of old-fashioned cinematic appeal, director Francis Lawrence’s “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” sets up the finale with a penultimate chapter loaded with solid performances and smart political subtext, though it comes up short on the action front. Whereas it may perhaps be a bit inaccessible to those who have not followed the series up to this point (in terms of either the books or the films) – and it feels more like an extended chapter of a longer saga than a self-contained plot – at the same time “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” somehow finds its success in meaningful themes, character-driven story, and smart execution, and ultimately creates some impressive depth for the phenomenon franchise. It’s very likely that “Mockingjay – Part 1” is not quite the movie that you’re expecting. Moving beyond the structure that helped make the first two films in the series so successful – seeing our uniquely charismatic hero Katniss Everdeen forced to compete in a deadly competition that pits her against her peers in an arena setting – this new sequel instead takes the franchise themes of revolution and resistance to the next and more matured level, taking its characters to all-out war. Rather than struggling with this massive shift, however, “Mockingjay” simply makes the dystopian world that much more fascinating and exciting, thus establishing itself to be yet another very successful chapter in the blockbuster film series. “Mockingjay – Part 1” can be best categorized as a war film, but what impressively sets it apart from its more genre-noteworthy brethren is the surprisingly little dependence that it has on action sequences, explosions and on-screen violence. Instead, it opts for a much more fascinating political and personal approach, as we see through Katniss’ eyes what it takes to motivate revolution and its extreme cost. The teenage archer is certainly brave and heroic in the face of danger, but a bold military leader she is not, and the film fully dives into her human struggle while she tries accepting her role and becoming the symbol everyone needs her to be – all the while, a man she loves is being held prisoner and tortured. Propaganda videos are explored as being just as important as the new explosive-tipped arrows that the heroine is provided with, and it works because the drama is just as satisfying as the mission and battle sequences. Being so driven by internal conflicts, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” provides itself with an opportunity for great character work – and while it’s obviously Katniss who gets the most development (backed by yet another brilliant performance from actress Jennifer Lawrence), it’s fantastic to see the rest of the ensemble get their shining moments as well. After being stranded on the outskirts of the story in the first two films, Gale finally gets some material that he can really sink his teeth into – torn apart by his feelings for Katniss, her close bond with Peeta (who continues to remain useless), and his own personal revolutionary spirit. Woody Harrelson’s Haymitch (who is forced to ‘dry out’ a bit) continues to be the more comedic but compassionate relief, and Philip Seymour Hoffman (may he rest in peace) shines as Plutarch, who has a very influential position within the rebellion. There’s even room for some great new characters, such as Julianne Moore’s President Coin, the leader of the revolt, a complex and purposefully incoherent figure who becomes both an ally and am antagonist for Katniss. Of course, you can’t sell revolution to an audience if they don’t have a complete understanding of what’s being revolted against, and the good news is that director Francis Lawrence and the screenwriters don’t short sell it. From public executions to firebombed cities to threatening speeches, there is no shortage of evil being displayed by the Capitol, and it’s all presented in affecting and shocking ways. As the central antagonist, legendary actor Donald Sutherland continues to play President Snow with a creepy confidence that sells the idea that he has seen revolutions come and go and feels little threat to his power – which, when combined with Katniss’ uncertainty, creates a threatening David-and-Goliath-esque atmosphere. As “Part 1” in the film’s title suggests, this first half of “Mockingjay” doesn’t really provide any big conclusions or complete any arcs, but this lacking only slightly undercuts what the film adds to the franchise as a whole. There’s a great deal of smart thematic and character work that adds to the world of ‘The Hunger Games’, and it will only serve to get fans more excited for the story’s conclusion. https://youtube/watch?v=3PkkHsuMrho
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 21:18:50 +0000
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