The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

• This is the shortest Hunger Games movie, clocking in at just over two hours. I say that to say this: despite being the shortest, it certainly felt like the longest. Man, it just kept going and going and going. Now, this movie wasn’t horrible, but it was definitely a step down from the first two. I might sound spoiled here, but it focuses too much on politics and dialogue rather than action. I got so used to the first two movies being packed full of weapons and death and stuff. It was just a change I didn’t expect. I really loved the story and how you see the characters and revolution grow, however. It’s a nice change from the previous movies, even if it’s a little bit more boring. It gives you something new to pay attention to. It also affects the overall storyline in an interesting way. The characters help out as well. Their development was well written. Watching Katniss become the heart and soul of the revolution was special and empowering. Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss is one of the best casting decisions of all time. Katniss is easily one of my favorite female characters ever. Anyways, the returning cast was awesome as always, with a great addition of Julianne Moore. Also, the soundtrack was really good, and obviously “The Hanging Tree” is one of the best movie (and book) songs ever. Overall, this movie has its highs and lows, and though it’s pretty well made, it definitely isn’t my favorite of the first three.