{jatabs type="content" position="top" height="auto" skipAnim="true" mouseType="click" animType="animFade"}
[tab title="Movie Review"]
{googleAds}
Katniss Everdeen will indeed go down as one of the most influential teenage literary characters of our time. Safe to say that Harry Potter still tops that list.
A disclaimer first, as to say that I have not to this point, read any of Suzanne Collin’s Hunger Games trilogy of novels, however, with as successful, and well-constructed as the films have been thus far, it is safe to say, that the films will indeed, for the time, suffice. As Francis Lawrence returns for his second installment in the series, the totalitarian environment, as well as the gritty post-apocalyptic undertones shine through in full form.
In the aftermath of Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) decimation of the Quarter Quell, and the 75th Hunger Games, Panem, is on brink of certain destruction and civil war. As the totalitarian reign of the Capital rages on, Katniss, accompanied by political strategist Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and newly appointed Madam President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore), take shelter underground, in the newly reassembled District 13.
As a result of her rebellion against the Capital, a revolution is on the up-rise throughout the districts in opposition to President Snow (Donald Sutherland), Katniss quickly becomes the symbol of hope throughout the land, the ideological beacon of optimism, the Mockingjay. Upon learning that her former running-mate Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) survived the destruction, and is now property of the Capital, the fire sparks inside the girl. Let the metamorphosis begin.
However, as she witnesses the repercussions of her defiance, namely hospitals of innocent civilians slaughtered, and public executions televised, the brunette bow-master must leave her emotions at the door, as the walls around her, both figuratively and literally begin to deteriorate. As the propaganda films stream, as the cries against tyranny flood the airways, as the girl on fire dawns her bow and arrow, all-out war is on the horizon.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, is a towering blockbuster of a film, and the best of the series so far, which as a result of Catching Fire, is quite an achievement, as Catching Fire was indeed one of the best films of 2013.
Mockingjay is an extremely intelligent film, on the verge of being part political thriller, part soft-core war drama, the film executes to the highest degree. Jennifer Lawrence once again returns to award winning form as her performance is on par as being one of her best to date. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman adds that hint of underlying experience, as does Julianne Moore, who, at first mind you, was met with much skepticism on my part.
Fortunately for the Hunger Games series, the show just keeps getting better every year, however that may spill bad news for Part 2, which to no surprise, does indeed have some Bunyan-esque shoes to fill.
In the words of one brilliant Capital television host Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci), “You’re going to want to see this!”
[/tab]
[tab title="Film Details"]
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images and thematic material
Runtime: 123 mins
Director: Francis Lawrence
Writer: Peter Craig, Danny Strong
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth
Genre: Adventure | Sci-fi
Tagline: Fire burns brighter in the darkness.
Memorable Movie Quote: "Everyone has a choice Katniss, and I'd rather die then say what he just said."
Distributor: Lionsgate
Official Site: http://www.thehungergamesexclusive.com/
Release Date: November 21, 2014
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: No details available.
Synopsis: Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.
[/tab]
[tab title="Blu-ray Review"]
No details available.
[/tab]
[tab title="Trailer"]
[/tab]
{/jatabs}
