A not bad sequel, but kinda dull

Rating: 5/10 (6 September 2015)

Released in late 2014, "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" is the third part in the franchise based on Suzanne Collins' popular books. A new nation, Panem, exists in post-apocalyptic North America where Capitol is the seat of Panem's wealthy, eccentric populace and cruel totalitarian government led by the pompous President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and others (Natalie Dormer) from the obliterated District 12 go to the supposedly destroyed District 13 to hook up with President Coin (Julianne Moore) and her associates (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright and Mahershala Ali) where Katniss becomes the "Mockingjay," the symbol of revolution for the oppressed districts of Panem. Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson are also on hand.
I'm not a huge fan of The Hunger Games films, but I'll watch 'em. I gave the first one a 7/10. This second sequel is a natural extension, but there isn't a lot of action and the drama isn't very compelling, but it's okay. It comes across as drama for teenage girls, which shouldn't be surprising since that's the target audience of the books. Nevertheless, Jennifer's a likable protagonist and I appreciate the realistic air and overall ambiance, as well as the entire dystopian concept. It just needs more oomph, which I hope we'll get with the final film.
Lorde's song during the credits is a highlight ("Yellow Flicker Beat").
The film runs 123 minutes and was shot in Georgia, Germany and Utah (the lake where Katniss sings).
GRADE: C+