The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1

While it takes a step back overall from the rousing prior chapter, this is still a sturdy installment. After being rescued at the end of Catching Fire, shortly after destroying the Hunger Games for good, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is taken underground to join the rebellion. Rebellion President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) wants to use the reluctant Katniss as a propaganda tool to inspire the masses against the Capitol and its evil leader, President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Katniss is getting a little grouchy at this point, exacerbated by the fact that Snow has imprisoned Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and is using him as a propaganda tool as well. In exchange for their help in rescuing Peeta, Katniss agrees to assist with the resistance and be their “Mockingjay.” Part 1 is obviously the result of taking the final novel in the popular Suzanne Collins series and splitting it in half. Yes, more movies equal more dollars, but I certainly didn’t feel like the material was being stretched out in a detrimental way like, say, what’s happening with the Hobbit movies. This film has plenty moving it forward, and I like where it ends.