Film review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1.

The penultimate film in The Hunger Games series opens with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) awaking in a supposedly destroyed District 13, following her rescue from the games in the previous movie. Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) is being held captive in The Capitol, and a rebellion is spreading throughout the remaining districts.

I read some pretty scathing reviews of this film before I went to see it. I didn't enjoy the second film very much so I wasn't expecting too much of the third. But strangely, I didn't hate it. I hated the book. I hate Liam Hemsworth who plays Gale. I hate the way the author wrote Peeta into a whimpy cry baby who needs Katniss to save him every ten seconds. But I like Julianne Moore who was cast as President Coin, leader of District 13, that supposedly was destroyed and is now Katniss' new home. I also like Philip Seymour Hoffman and was excited to see him in his last role. I also like how Donald Sutherland plays President Snow so creepy and meanly that you hate his character so much that you want J-Law to punch him in his old, wrinkly face.

There's one scene where J-Law sings a tune over all the rubble that was her former home, District 12. It's subtle and not over the top and is probably the best part of the film. There's some really cheesy parts where Katniss has to film these propaganda advertisements and Jennifer Lawrence has to act like a bad actor, and it's really awkward and weird. And there's another part where she gives this big traumatic speech and it's super lame.

One part they did do well was how they portrayed Peeta's unravelling psychosis. It's probabaly the first time I found Josh Hutcherson interesting. The longer he is held captive in The Capitol, the more they brainwash him, and the sicker, gaunter, crazier he looks, and it's cool. It's double cool when he freaks out and tries to strangle Katniss in a big fit of rage.

As usual I'm not sure why Gale (Hemsworth) is even around, and I wanted more Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and more Effie (Elizabeth Banks), but they were barely in it.

Not much else goes on in the film as it's pretty much a lead up to the final instalment. Kind of like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One, except not awesome.

If you're a fan of the franchise, you obviously need to see it, but it's nothing fantastic. For those who aren't fans, don't worry; it's nearly over.

2.5/5