Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, The (3/6/2015)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images and thematic material.

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Willow Shields, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Donald Sutherland

Directed by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and I Am Legend)

This was my least favorite of the Hunger Games films.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

This film did a few things right. The same cast is back in the same roles. Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland are all really good and fun to watch. Julianne Moore was a great addition. And of course we see Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of his final roles, and I thought he was fantastic.

The sets look great and the CGI was flawless. Most of this film takes place inside, but when they go outside or visit other districts, it’s hard to take your eyes off the screen. All that really worked well.

Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn’t work. The biggest was Jennifer Lawrence crying in almost every scene…and when she wasn’t crying, she was overacting big time. I have to be honest, I was so surprised to see this kind of performance from Jennifer Lawrence. She has been so strong, but this performance feels more like a bad Saturday Night Live sketch.

This film is also painfully slow. Now I understand the first part of the third book was also pretty slow…which leads me to my biggest complaint. There is no reason (other than money) that this movie needed to be in two parts. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 had a massive opening weekend, but my concern is that like the Twilight films, the Hunger Games will experience over exposure. Especially when a movie like this is made with two very clear purposes…make money and just set up the final installment.

I know I had high expectations, but I don’t think I’m alone when I say I was disappointed in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1… for me it was just a “Rental.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
If they’ve seen the first two Hunger Games films, then you will be fine with this one. There is no sex or nudity and the language is very mild. The biggest concern is the violence, which is tame compared to the first two.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. When Gale talks about those who lost their lives in the attack, what is his biggest regret?


2. Why does he think he could have done more?


3. Do you think those regrets caused him to change his behavior?


4. Like Gale, we cannot save everyone, in fact we cannot save anyone, only Jesus can save, but what can we do?

Read Romans 10:13-14

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?


5. In your own words, what is this verse saying?


6. Who do you know that needs to hear about the love of Jesus?