by Leah Stone
There were a few concerns over the most recent instalment of The Hunger Games film franchise, the biggest being the fact that they split the last book into two films. How were the filmmakers going to do it whilst still having enough material and plot to work with? Plus, the previous two films had set such a high standard, would the third film live up to them?
The answer is yes
There were a few concerns over the most recent instalment of The Hunger Games film franchise, the biggest being the fact that they split the last book into two films. How were the filmmakers going to do it whilst still having enough material and plot to work with? Plus, the previous two films had set such a high standard, would the third film live up to them?
The answer is yes
The second Hunger Games has ended and Katniss finds herself in District 13, a district that everyone though had been destroyed 75 years ago. Waking up delirious, Katniss is shocked when she has now become the symbol of a mass rebellion. Throughout the film, she and District 13’s band of rebels, led by a mysterious and stoic President Coin, fight for survival. Only President Snow, the Capitol’s monstrous leader, has an upper-hand; he has Peeta and uses him to take Katniss to breaking point. Can she find the courage to stand up as the leader people believe her to be?
Getting the negatives out of the way; The visual effects aren’t brilliant. In fact, for the most part, they are extremely shoddy. You would expect a film with such a large economic backing and a vast audience to have magnificent special effects and CGI. However, it all looked extremely obvious as though Panem was being manipulated through a few clicks of a computer. The explosions were especially shoddy, especially when the rebels are infiltrating the Capitol,
But, dodgy visuals do not necessarily indicate a bad film. Despite this one flaw, Mockingjay has a brilliant plot and an amazing cast. Without the pivotal Hunger Games, that were core to the franchise, the plot took a different turn and lacked some of the action away compared to the prior two films. When, actually, in this film, it’s just a different type of action. For The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, it was almost constant and brutal. Whereas here, it’s a much more tactical. This is a war film, two sides taking hits and striking at one another. It doesn’t make it any less entertaining, it’s just different. There’s still death and destruction but it’s levelled up until a more adult scenario rather than teenagers attacking each other.
Getting the negatives out of the way; The visual effects aren’t brilliant. In fact, for the most part, they are extremely shoddy. You would expect a film with such a large economic backing and a vast audience to have magnificent special effects and CGI. However, it all looked extremely obvious as though Panem was being manipulated through a few clicks of a computer. The explosions were especially shoddy, especially when the rebels are infiltrating the Capitol,
But, dodgy visuals do not necessarily indicate a bad film. Despite this one flaw, Mockingjay has a brilliant plot and an amazing cast. Without the pivotal Hunger Games, that were core to the franchise, the plot took a different turn and lacked some of the action away compared to the prior two films. When, actually, in this film, it’s just a different type of action. For The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, it was almost constant and brutal. Whereas here, it’s a much more tactical. This is a war film, two sides taking hits and striking at one another. It doesn’t make it any less entertaining, it’s just different. There’s still death and destruction but it’s levelled up until a more adult scenario rather than teenagers attacking each other.
The acting is amazing. Of course, you would expect such high standards from such a talented and experienced cast. Jennifer Lawrence continues to be brilliant as Katniss. There are so many emotional moments throughout the film, namely the moments when she sees Peeta on film, that Lawrence gives poignancy too – etching her face with the pain needed. These are juxtaposed again the other scenes such as her reaction to the hospital explosion, where the passion, struggle and determination come through. Lawrence proves herself to be a flexible actress, able to switch emotions in a very persuasive way.
The other cast members are strong alongside our lead. Julianne Moore makes her Hunger Games debut has the aforementioned President Coin. She gives powerful, inspiring speeches and rallies the troops with undeniable authority. Liam Hemsworth (Gale) does seem a bit like a lost lamb following Katniss around, but at least he’s good at it. As for Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), it is very hard to see how much his character has changed, from the confident man in the first two films to the Capitol puppet hiding behind TV screens in this film.
Let’s not forget the brilliant set and costume design. The Capitol is well known for the bright and colourful dress code that is completely out of the ordinary, and of course, in Mockingjay, it was just as good as the first two films. However attention should be paid to the costume of those in district 13. Very simple and dark in style, mimicking perfectly the surroundings. It almost felt like we had been taken back to World War 2. Katniss’ outfit is stunning. Not in a beautiful kind of way, but in a powerful, “I’m gunna kick your arse” kind of way. It was designed to protect her in battle as well as to inspire the revolution. It was perfect.
Mockingjay Part 1 is an outstanding film that keeps you engrossed and on the edge of your seat. It ends with such a powerful penultimate scene (oh Peeta), it really is hard waiting for the last instalment in November this year.
The other cast members are strong alongside our lead. Julianne Moore makes her Hunger Games debut has the aforementioned President Coin. She gives powerful, inspiring speeches and rallies the troops with undeniable authority. Liam Hemsworth (Gale) does seem a bit like a lost lamb following Katniss around, but at least he’s good at it. As for Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), it is very hard to see how much his character has changed, from the confident man in the first two films to the Capitol puppet hiding behind TV screens in this film.
Let’s not forget the brilliant set and costume design. The Capitol is well known for the bright and colourful dress code that is completely out of the ordinary, and of course, in Mockingjay, it was just as good as the first two films. However attention should be paid to the costume of those in district 13. Very simple and dark in style, mimicking perfectly the surroundings. It almost felt like we had been taken back to World War 2. Katniss’ outfit is stunning. Not in a beautiful kind of way, but in a powerful, “I’m gunna kick your arse” kind of way. It was designed to protect her in battle as well as to inspire the revolution. It was perfect.
Mockingjay Part 1 is an outstanding film that keeps you engrossed and on the edge of your seat. It ends with such a powerful penultimate scene (oh Peeta), it really is hard waiting for the last instalment in November this year.
What Do You Think?
Those Mockingjay rise like a phoenix?
Or are the flames snuffed out?
Let us know in the comments!
RSS Feed
