The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

"Are you, are you coming to the tree? Wear a necklace of hope, side by side with me. Strange things did happen here, no stranger would it be if we met at midnight in the hanging tree."

The next installment of the Hunger Games series takes place shortly after "Catching Fire" and a rebellion against the Capitol is in full swing. Our hero, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), is finally given a chance to catch her breath after the exhilarating events surrounding the Quarter Quell. She is reunited with her mother (Paula Malcomson), her sister Prim (Willow Shields) and best friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth) in District 13 - the secret, underground territory and headquarters for the rebellion. Now, however reluctant and emotionally broken she may feel, Katniss is poised to be the face for the rebellion. Their "Mockingjay." 

Without a Hunger Games, "Mockingjay" is a step outside of the usual formula for this dystopian series. But that doesn't mean that the games are finished for Katniss. As the symbol for the rebellion she must play her role to satisfaction for the new "game makers": Plutarch Heavensby (the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Alma Coin (Julianne Moore). It's almost a throwback to the first games where we got to watch Seneca Crane make all the moves to stage the perfect Hunger Games. Now we watch these two masterminds behind the rebellion stage (and film) the perfect scene of Katniss at the battlefront for the perfect propaganda. 

Like all games, there are two sides. Everything on the opposing side is strategized and orchestrated by the nefarious President Snow (Donald Sutherland). His strategy, though, is much more personal. His reactions to the rebellion's blows are concentrated on more specific targets. He knows that if he can demoralize the Mockingjay then the rebellion will be defenseless against his final check mate. Just as Plutarch and Coin are using Katniss, Snow has his own weapon: Katniss' Hunger Games counterpart Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). Katniss might have been confused about her feelings for Peeta before, but those feelings seem to be much more apparent as she watches Peeta's bruised face on the TV denounce the rebellion. The games go on, and the games affect Katniss more. The PTSD is real and through terrible shocks of a destroyed home, a tortured Peeta and hellish nightmares Katniss becomes more broken.

"Mockingjay" is the deepest of the three movies. I believe most people would agree that the third book is the weakest of the trilogy, but director Francis Lawrence manages to faithfully stick to the source material while enhancing on the emotion. It's an adaptation that everyone can be happy with. One scene particularly stood out to me as one of the most feels-inducing, if you will. While Katniss is visiting District 8 with Gale and her film crew, hoping to deliver some hope to the hopeless, the Capitol retaliates to the Mockingjay sighting by blowing up a hospital full of innocent, wounded people. PTSD or not, Katniss can still perform under pressure and she won't go down before whipping out her bow and arrow and shooting down a PLANE. Action aside, what is emotionally stirring about this scene is Katniss' subsequent powerful punch to Snow on camera. "If we burn, you burn with us."

Let's be honest. This would be nothing without Jennifer Lawrence. Katniss is portrayed so genuinely and honestly. You watch her work in these films and it's no question how Lawrence has shot to the top so quickly in movie stardom. She is the girl on fire, but she brings something bigger to the table in this film. Even the subtle scenes - like thumbing Peeta's pearl to calm her anxiety - show her emotional depth. She is never over the top (a drawback in the source material, which was written in first person), her outbursts in anger are natural for the broken hero. I believe the scene featuring her singing of "The Hanging Tree" perfectly culminates Lawrence's ability to emotionally reach out to an audience, I certainly know I was moved. Just as the rebellion was nothing without the Mockingjay, the movies are nothing without her either.

The supporting performances are equally as impressive. I must admit, it was a little heartbreaking to watch Hoffman and realize that we will never be surprised by him again. Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket also deliver in their small but key roles. Donald Sutherland portrays Snow with such subtle cruelty and, man, are we excited for his comeuppance. Stanley Tucci, though no more than a cameo, is still a pleasant face in a dark world. Julianne Moore, however, is the greatest addition to his already stellar cast. With her Cruella de Ville-like locks and her calculating but sympathetic eyes she is the perfect face for the rebellion's leader. Lawrence may be the star, but this isn't all her show.

The ending is rather abrupt as Hollywood once again exploits a franchise' success by splitting a 390 page novel into two movies. Like, seriously. It was ridiculous with "Twilight" and even more ridiculous with "The Hobbit." However, despite the abrupt ending (and rather cruel tease), I actually agreed with this decision for the first time. The novel is a confusing mix of an emotionally driven first half to an action packed second act. It would have been a rushed, confusing mix as a movie, too. Splitting it into two movies allows for the audience to compartmentalize those emotions and no doubt "Mockingjay: Part 2" will bring this series to a satisfying conclusion next year.

It may be nothing more than a set up, but Mockingjay: Part 1 still delivers an emotionally stirring transition to the conclusion of The Hunger Games series. 8/10