When I went online to pre-order tickets for Mockingjay Part 1, the theaters were selling out before my eyes. It quickly became this year’s biggest opening movie. Was all of this hype well deserved?
The answer is a bit complicated. The main problem has been Lionsgate’s decision to split Mockingjay into two movies. Harry Potter and Twilight both did this successfully, as the Divergent series plans to do in the next few years, but movie-goers are saying enough is enough.
To many readers, it did not make sense to divide Mockingjay, the novel by Suzanne Collins, in half. It is largely viewed as the weakest in the Hunger Games trilogy, and the division for the motion picture came off as nothing more than a ploy to get as much money from audiences as possible. As a result, its reputation was tainted even before it premiered.
The split resulted in the movie not being as action-packed as its predecessors. At times, it felt more like setting up for the finale. It only really started to get interesting near the end when it abruptly cut off.
Another problem is the dark turn taken by this latest installment. There are no Games this time. Instead, Katniss is stuck deep underground in a gloomy bunker-type hideout that was once District 13. She is clearly suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, and is used by the District’s leaders as a propaganda symbol to rally the people.
However, it was not all bad. Effie Trinket stole the show with her melodrama, and Haymitch was as witty as ever. Despite being a little over two hours, the film did not feel long; its good pacing and excellent acting made the time fly.
Overall, while it was not the best in the series, Mockingjay Part 1 is a solid addition to the Hunger Games franchise. I eagerly await the final installment.