To say that The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Pt. 1 is a big deal is a bit of an understatement, as it marks the beginning of the end of one of the biggest movie franchises ever. Millions upon millions of fans flood theaters for each film's opening day, and the movies seem to make their budget back almost instantaneously. The movies are the exact definition of a cultural phenomenon.
Mockingjay, Pt. 1 is the first chapter of the last act for The Hunger Games. The original novel served as the conclusion of the trilogy, and told the story of Katniss and Peeta rising up against the government in order to overthrow those that created the games. The original Mockingjay was the ultimate finale in what became a massively successful series of novels, and now, as the end approaches, one has to wonder if the film will be as successful as its inspiration.
If early reviews are anything to go by, the answer is 'yes.' Splitting the novel into two separate parts was a risky move, one that has fallen flat before - and while many reviews agree that the film may be stretched a bit thin, most believed that Mockingjay, Pt. 1 is a solid opening for the story's final act.
As the first film in a two-part saga, Mockingjay has managed to avoid feeling like nothing but build-up. While reviewers agreed that the amount of action has been toned down, Timeout's Cath Clarke thought the movie was better than it could have been:
"This is the film where it's all meant to go horribly wrong for 'The Hunger Games'. By chopping the trilogy's final book into two, this second-to-last film should be more drag than drama - the cash-machine episode that everyone knows is just a teaser for next year's epic send-off. And while it definitely takes its foot off the action, 'Mockingjay - Part 1' goes deeper and darker. Any darker they'd have to give out Prozac with the popcorn or offer counselling to traumatized 13-year-olds."
A darker tone for the film certainly makes sense, given the source material. Mockingjay is the story of Katniss becoming a symbol for the rebellious District 13 - such a title would be a burden for any adult, much less someone so young. Even so, a darker tone can make for great drama. Justin Chang from Variety said:
"Although she has less to do on the action front (she fires only one arrow, and it's a doozy), her Katniss remains the most compellingly human fixture of this dystopian landscape, even when the psychological toll of her sufferings push the performance into a shriekier, more desperate emotional register than before."
Most reviewers admitted that the film could have been much worse, and while the majority seem to think as much, not everyone was happy with the film. The Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy summed up his feelings on the movie rather bluntly:
"Like an overgrown and bloated trailer for a film yet to come, Francis Lawrence's The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 spreads perhaps 45 minutes of dramatic material across two far-too-leisurely hours...Unfortunately, Mockingjay - Part 1 has all the personality of an industrial film. There's not a drop of insolence, insubordination or insurrection running through its veins; it feels like a manufactured product through and through, ironic and sad given its revolutionary theme."
Of course, it'd be crazy to think everyone would love the movie. While the film certainly has its detractors, for the most part, Mockingjay seems to be doing well by critics and is a solid first act. Alonso Duralde of The Wrap summed up the film nicely:
If you've read the books, you know what's coming, and if you haven't, there's no point in spoiling anything. Suffice it to say that while "Mockingjay, Part 1" might not be as consistently thrilling as "Catching Fire" - the second movie always has the luxury of being all PB&J and no crust - it's the movie equivalent of a page-turner, consistently suspenseful and filled with surprises and illuminating character moments."
As it stands, it seems that fans of The Hunger Games will be more than satisfied with how Mockingjay plays out. On top of that, if reviews are anything to go by, even non-fans of the books will be happy with the film (even if it's a little confusing for those who aren't well-versed in the lore). So far, it seems like the beginning of the end for The Hunger Games will be sending the series off in style.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Pt. 1 hits theaters on Nov. 21.
Photo: Lionsgate
