The inevitable calm before the storm

Rating: 7/10 (27 November 2014)

The Games may be over, but the revolution is just beginning. "Mockingjay - Part 1" repeats the same formula present in many of these current two-part adaptations of popular literary works: a slow-paced, exposition-laden first half that will be undoubtedly contrasted with its fiery, action-driven conclusion due to be released next year. Although the decision to do this makes "Mockingjay - Part 1" so far the weakest in the Hunger Games quadrilogy, solid performances and an overbearing sense of dread still make "Part 1" a worthy installment in the dystopian series.
As the twelve districts amass against the oppressive Capitol, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) finds herself being used as a propaganda tool to garner support for the revolutionaries. She also finds her loyalties divided between those she is being encouraged to inspire, and those who are held captive in the Capitol, including friend/love interest Peeta (Josh Hutcherson).
Like with the previous two productions, much of the film's success rests on Lawrence's more-than-capable shoulders. Her character shifts effortlessly back and forth from a reluctant victim of circumstance to a full-fledged freedom fighter. The actress can be just as dedicated in roles such as these as to those for which she has been Oscar-nominated (Winter's Bone, Silver Linings Playbook). Many of the other previously prominent characters, such as Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Peeta, are relegated largely to the sidelines in this installment, though they surely will receive their fair share of moments in the concluding entry.
By taking a much slower, introspective approach, the film is perhaps able to reach a much deeper form of social and political commentary, as well as further insight into Katniss' now even more flawed psyche. Clear comparisons can be drawn between the turbulent climate Katniss is thrust into and the current relationships between first and third-world civilizations. Though this setting already provides an unnerving cinematic experience, the similarities displayed in real life make it all the more closer to home.
The decision to split the final book adaptation into two films inevitably deprives "Mockingjay - Part 1" of a sufficient third act. We get a great build-up, but no pay-off, something which will unfortunately have to wait until next year. However, as far as build-ups go, "Mockingjay - Part 1" does the job well, refamiliarizing its audience with the chaotic world of Panem, its pivotal characters, as well as effectively raising the stakes for 2015's even-more-anticipated climax.