 |
| Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss |
Wes's Grade: C+
Sluggishly entertaining "Mockingjay" the weakest of the "HG" movie series
The third time isn't always the charm. I had heard that the third entry in the "Hunger Games" literary trilogy, "Mockingjay," was the weakest of the three, which befalls the film series in a form similar to "Return of the Jedi" or "Star Trek III." More like "The Hunger Rebellion," this entry is slower, less action-packed and with an entirely different tone and scope than the previous chapters. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) wakes up to find herself in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of District 13 President Coin (Julianne Moore, well-cast here) and the advice of her trusted mentor Plutarch (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. Directed by Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer and director of "Catching Fire"), "Mockingjay - Part 1" is a modestly entertaining but disappointing chapter in the "Hunger Games" film saga, though Lawrence (who also briefly sings in the film and has a decent voice) still grounds the film well with Katniss' vulnerability and toughness. The first two films, especially the second film, were action-packed, with the games sequences the chief highlight; this film has little of that excitement or romance: rebellion never seemed so dull and unsatisfying, seemingly a lackluster attempt to stretch out this series even further. This one is a totally different landscape and one that fans of the book series will most appreciate, though "Mockingjay" has some good points too. It's peppered with some entertaining, memorable moments, mostly provided by an underused supporting cast, including a sly Hoffman (who the film is dedicated to) and some holdovers from previous films, including Elizabeth Banks, sans most of her outrageous costumes and makeup yet still stealing scenes as Effie, along with Woody Harrelson and Donald Sutherland as Haymitch and President Snow, respectively. I also enjoyed the warm addition of Moore as District 13's President, who helps empower Katniss to new heights in the rebellion as well as some the insights the film has into using media to get the masses to buy into the rebellion (such as filming integral parts of it). As for the romance angle, there isn't much: Hutcherson's Peeta gets minimal screen time in this installment, so fans expecting some intimate action, I will say (without providing any spoilers), that it doesn't happen here, and even the other romantic interest, Gale (Hemsworth), doesn't do much either. After two solid outings, "Mockingjay" loses its footing a little and while it's not terrible, it's certainly a weaker effort, with less heart and excitement of the first two. Fans will enjoy it most, the rest of us will wait until the final installment next year at this time.
No comments:
Post a Comment