Another year, another “Part 1” movie. Following in this greed-is-good custom beginning with the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises, the last book of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy has been split into two films. Typically, “Part 1” movies work as slow, tedious placeholders for the cathartic finales, and, sadly, the third Hunger Games film suffers from the same issues. All’s not lost, though, as this “Part 1” serves as a likeable preamble, which – supported by some fine acting and an enjoyable tactic of propaganda – never becomes a totally cynical cash-in.
The games are over, and our heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) now finds herself in an underground rebel stronghold called District 13. Reluctantly she becomes the symbol of revolution against the dreaded Capitol, who holds her blond beau Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) captive.

It is in crafting Katniss as the model firebrand, the Mockingjay, where the film becomes most entertaining. Her looks, speeches, and politics all must be carefully shaped to persuade hearts and minds. Ironically, Katniss is a poor actress, and the only way to get legitimately moving moments from her is on the battlefield, where she can react to the Capitol’s devastating attacks. For the most part, these scenes are engaging, as they allow Katniss to actually enter into battle and make rousing Joan-of-Arc speeches.

Lawrence does a remarkable job making this dreary dystopian franchise exciting. In a part plentiful with sobbing and hand-wringing, Lawrence manages to remain believable and emanate some much needed light. Unfortunately, the weakest aspects of the cast remain with the awkward love triangle between the lovely Katniss, the miscast Peeta, and the ever-bland Gale (Liam Hemsworth).
When compared to last year’s far superior Catching Fire, it’s evident that Part 1 lacks true dramatic urgency. Drained of personality or any fierce revolutionary spirit, Mockingjay: Part 1 betrays its rebellious theme and makes for an exceedingly dour and colorless affair. As we await Part 2, this film serves as a moment to let the temperature cool. “Fire is catching!” warns Katniss. Agreed, but one wishes it’d catch quicker.

Grade: B-