Fans of the franchise, give a sigh of relief and a squeal of anticipation — you will not be disappointed! More than a space filler between Catching Fire and the big franchise finish, Mocking Jay Part 1 is a darkly intriguing film in its own right, even though there are no Hunger Games to speak of. This time, there are millions of contestants in Panem playing for their lives.

You’ll get a lot more out of the film if you quickly review the first part of the book it’s based on, or at least scan the last film installment, so you won’t spend the first part trying to catch up. The action starts quickly, without any explanation, exposition or preamble, although there are references to what previously happened scattered through the dialogue.

As a brief reminder, Mocking Jay Part 1 begins shortly after Katniss shot an arrow at the dome during the special anniversary edition of the games, and was rescued by the forces uniting against the Capitol. Peeta and some of the other competitors were left behind. District 13, which everyone thought had been destroyed, is the setting for the majority of this film, and Julianne Moore plays its leader, intent on making Katness an inspiring figurehead for the revolution. But Katniss has ideas of her own.

We get to see Josh Hutcherson as Peeta flex his acting muscles this time around, and a little more is made of his triangle with Katniss and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket is back, and more delightful than ever. It is a bit eerie to see Phillip Seymour Hoffman, to whom the film is dedicated, as a low-key Plutarch, but eerie is what this film is going for.

In essence, however, it’s Katniss, played by Jennifer Lawrence–the hottest thing on the big screen right now, who carries the movie, and proves why this is one of the most successful young adult franchises of all time. When talented filmmakers and actors have excellent source material to work with, you seldom lose. This one’s worth the time you’ll stand in line to see it. Better yet, buy designated seats online ahead of time and prepare to be entertained.

Rated PG

2 Hours 5 Minutes

See my review and panel debate on the PBS show “Just Seen It”

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