Before I get into The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, let me remind you that I liked Catching Fire. I really enjoyed it. There was action and humor; it was adventurous and fun. And for a guy who, admittedly, wasn’t a Hunger Games fanatic and who had not read the books, it got me pretty interested in the franchise.
I think Jennifer Lawrence is one of the best actors out there, period. She’s the face of the franchise on the movie posters for a reason.
So, going into Mockingjay Part 1, I had some pretty high expectations.
I understand that this point of the trilogy has reached a serious transition and that the die-hards will be expecting the storyline to follow-along.
But if you’re not a die-hard Hunger Games fan (what do we call them anyway? HGFs?), I fear you’ll do what I did: scratch your head and check your watch.
Jennifer Lawrence plays the part that’s required, but it’s just not any fun watching her character mope around on the screen for most of the movie. I want the larger-than-life, bad-ass, that’s-what-I’m-talking-about Jennifer Lawrence.
I completely understand that the story has taken Katniss to this point, though – to a dark place, facing deceit, wondering just what the Hell is happening.
From my free seat, I hold that there shouldn’t be a Part 1 of this movie. Mockingjay should be Mockingjay, on its own, finishing-up the historic trilogy with a bang. Instead, the story is split and the movie suffers.
Now keep your arrows in your quiver, fans. I’m not saying to not go see the movie. It will be a very rare moment when I tell you to not go to the theater and support an art I love. Extremely rare!
I’m just telling you about my experience. I can’t wait to hear about yours, so be sure to let me know what you think. Tweet away to @ScottCarty
