Transcript:
The Hunger Games is
the series of movies based off Suzanne Collins’ wildly popular written trilogy
of the same name. Part one of the film adaptation of the final book, titled
“Mockingjay” was just released recently, but does it live up to its predecessors?
The main problem of the whole movie is that it lacks a resolution to the problems that we encounter. Mockingjay Part 1 really takes its time to establish key scenes for the audience. The symbolism aside, the film could have done with a little less talking and a little more doing. It seems that the entire plot is solely about making a corporate video for Katniss’ allies.
Mockingjay doesn’t quite live up to such high expectations set by its fans. The movie was incredibly hyped up and for what it was, but I just wasn’t impressed.
I felt that the movie had taken a step back in terms of directing. It seems that nearly every book-to-movie adaptation follows the trend of breaking the last book into two parts. Mockingjay follows this trend and it completely breaks the pace of the movie. There are some instances when the action had me on the edge of my seat, but at other points the movie felt drawn out and far too long. And there were other parts of the movie that I felt could’ve used more explanation. There were jumps in the movie from one scene to the next that left me confused.
But what the movie is lacking in directing, it makes up for with acting. The acting throughout the movie was great, as with past movies in the series. Cast members like Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return to reprise their roles while there are even a few newcomers like Julianne Moore, who plays President Coin. I felt everyone worked great in their roles and the dialogue rarely felt cheesy or unneeded.
Mockingjay accurately follows the book for the most part, however there are some small discrepancies found throughout the movie. The movie is full of suspense and romance just like the book, but takes comedic turns from time to time.
Something surprising and entertaining was definitely the inclusion of Effie. Her cattiness towards her situation is incredibly entertaining. Although Effie did not appear in the Mockingjay book, her sly comments and wittiness break the seriousness and stiffness in this film for the better.
The music throughout the movie always felt appropriate. Suspenseful moments cued stress inducing music and serious, emotional moments brought on mellow more quiet music.
The music fits into the movie well by essentially becoming a symbol of rebellion. “The Hanging Tree” written by James Newton Howard has become so popular lately due to its single appearance in the film.
Mockingjay is in no way, shape or form a bad movie, but it’s definitely the worst of the three. It simply feels like a giant set up for a conflict we won’t get to see until next year in Part 2. Despite it’s shortcomings, I really do believe that Mockingjay hasn’t reached its full potential and it’s setting up for an amazing part two.
Sources:
The Hunger Games:
Mockingjay Trailer –
“The Mockingjay Lives”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Tsj_wTJkQ
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Final Trailer – “Burn”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXshQ5mv1K8
The main problem of the whole movie is that it lacks a resolution to the problems that we encounter. Mockingjay Part 1 really takes its time to establish key scenes for the audience. The symbolism aside, the film could have done with a little less talking and a little more doing. It seems that the entire plot is solely about making a corporate video for Katniss’ allies.
Mockingjay doesn’t quite live up to such high expectations set by its fans. The movie was incredibly hyped up and for what it was, but I just wasn’t impressed.
I felt that the movie had taken a step back in terms of directing. It seems that nearly every book-to-movie adaptation follows the trend of breaking the last book into two parts. Mockingjay follows this trend and it completely breaks the pace of the movie. There are some instances when the action had me on the edge of my seat, but at other points the movie felt drawn out and far too long. And there were other parts of the movie that I felt could’ve used more explanation. There were jumps in the movie from one scene to the next that left me confused.
But what the movie is lacking in directing, it makes up for with acting. The acting throughout the movie was great, as with past movies in the series. Cast members like Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson return to reprise their roles while there are even a few newcomers like Julianne Moore, who plays President Coin. I felt everyone worked great in their roles and the dialogue rarely felt cheesy or unneeded.
Mockingjay accurately follows the book for the most part, however there are some small discrepancies found throughout the movie. The movie is full of suspense and romance just like the book, but takes comedic turns from time to time.
Something surprising and entertaining was definitely the inclusion of Effie. Her cattiness towards her situation is incredibly entertaining. Although Effie did not appear in the Mockingjay book, her sly comments and wittiness break the seriousness and stiffness in this film for the better.
The music throughout the movie always felt appropriate. Suspenseful moments cued stress inducing music and serious, emotional moments brought on mellow more quiet music.
The music fits into the movie well by essentially becoming a symbol of rebellion. “The Hanging Tree” written by James Newton Howard has become so popular lately due to its single appearance in the film.
Mockingjay is in no way, shape or form a bad movie, but it’s definitely the worst of the three. It simply feels like a giant set up for a conflict we won’t get to see until next year in Part 2. Despite it’s shortcomings, I really do believe that Mockingjay hasn’t reached its full potential and it’s setting up for an amazing part two.
Sources:
“The Mockingjay Lives”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Tsj_wTJkQ
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1
Final Trailer – “Burn”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXshQ5mv1K8
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