The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

Rating: 7/10 (24 November 2015)

Since the first novel was released in 2008, The Hunger Games series has become one of the biggest YA franchises on the market, and it's been probably the only series to legitimately rival the Harry Potter franchise in sheer popularity. Although The Maze Runner and Divergent have enjoyed enough success to spawn their own film adaptations, neither have been nearly as lucrative as The Hunger Games. The franchise's complicated and timely hero as well as its biting political subtext has attracted many people to the series, and seven years, later the final film has been released to close the series. To get ready for it, I decided to watch the penultimate chapter, Mockingjay: Part 1. After destroying the arena at the 75th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss is brought to the underground District 13 in order to assume her identity as the Mockingjay, a symbol of hope and rebellion for the people of Panem. However, Katniss's hope begins to burn out when she realizes that Peeta was captured by the Capitol and is being brainwashed to convince the people to stop the rebellion. Even as a fan of the series, splitting the final book into two parts felt less like a narrative enhancement and more like an attempt to make more money. Some scenes seemed to drag on too long or be completely unnecessary. The book could easily be adapted into an epic three-hour conclusion and still be effective. There was also much less action than the previous films. However, the action scenes that were present are as poignant and exciting as ever. The series' strengths have always outweighed its issues, and Mockingjay: Part 1 is no exception. Jennifer Lawrence is still mesmerizing in her portrayal of Katniss, and the social commentary is just as timely and striking as it is in the other films. It may feel like too much exposition for the conclusion, but The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is a grim and exciting set-up for a hopefully action-packed finale.