Double Sheep Movie Review: The Hunger Games: MockingJay - Part 1

The Hunger Games: MockingJay - Part 1

Directed by: Francis Lawrence, Francis Lawrence II

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2hr 5min

Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Sam Claflin, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Elizabeth Banks, 

Plot: 

The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which 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. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. 

*Katie's review, who did not read the books* 

Maybe I should have watched the previous Hunger Games movie right before heading to the theater to see this one. I say this, because I could not remember who certain characters were. Or why and how they got out of the main city to district 13. Like who was Sara again? And how did Finnick play into all this? Plus, Effie is now magically in district 13…but why? It's not really explained. So maybe she got out and went there, but her of all people I could not believe would abandon the luxury of the main city. Just to live underground and on the run. 

Anyway, all that being said I did enjoy this film overall. But I say that with reservations. I mean, how much can you "enjoy" a film that's about millions of oppressed people who are hunted and killed like animals. Where kids have to fight each other to the death no less, it's hard to be all "hell yeah that was a good film!" then fist pump the air. Just seems kinda out of place for the occasion. 

But I digress. As we get into the latest ongoings of Katniss and crew, we find that a major rebellion has now started. The working people don't want to be held down any longer. They are fighting. Most are making the ultimate sacrifice, but better to die fighting for something righteous then die for nothing. 

The film felt very dark for most of the story, but that's pretty much Hunger Games edict. Tedious is a word that comes to mind. Long spots of lulling, then some action and then back to more lull. This is one of those cases where the trailer shows you pretty much all the most exciting parts. The epic "If we burn, you burn with us!" (see video below) That's a big moment in the film. But I saw the trailer 10 times already! 

There's a ton of uneventful moments. I can't even say there was great dialog to fill those voids. No, most was self reflection moments. Looking out into the distance. Waiting. Picking over cafeteria food. Playing a game of chase the light across the floor you silly cat. You get the idea. More action! More development in the plot! More something! 

Sure, the end gets epic. But that's the end of the film! This was a 2 hour movie that wasted time and delivered little. See it if you like this world and want to keep up with what's doing. But really, you can wait around for the DVD. 

Getting 3 1/2 Sheep

KD 

*Sharon's review, who read the books* 

I'll make this quick. I was disappointed. It was nothing but Katniss looking horrified and then distraught. Mockingjay is the last book, and some pretty big things happen, but it seems they are saving it all for the fourth movie. There is one important event reveal in part one, the Peta story line. The rest is filler. Skipping this movie and reading some spoilers online instead will do you. Save your money for part two.

2 Sheep (one star because I like Jennifer Lawrence and another because Thor's brother is nice to look at.)

SharonS

Horrible Bosses, delightfully nasty!

Horrible Bosses directed by Seth Gordon stars Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Donald Sutherland, Jamie Fox and Colin Farrell. It's a ridiculous comedy that walks the thin line of over the top, but somehow it all works out. I haven't laughed this hard during a film all year, best that's come out in 2011!

Plot:

For Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day), the only thing that would make the daily grind more tolerable would be to grind their intolerable bosses (Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston) into dust. Quitting is not an option, so, with the benefit of a few-too-many drinks and some dubious advice from a hustling ex-con (Jamie Foxx), the three friends devise a convoluted and seemingly foolproof plan to rid themselves of their respective employers... permanently. There'

One of the most delightful things about this film is that all the actors really put effort into giving outstanding performances. No part big or small was left out. The funny comes in waves and when it hits the sweet spot you will bust up laughing. At least two major parts during the film (breaking into Colin's characters house and Charlie's character rocking out in his car. PS I have that cd! lol) had me almost to tears. I was a fan of Bateman before the film and after watching a performance like this it only strengthens my love of this talented actor. While the script may not have been as meaningful as Bridesmaids, it still held the audience's attention with the comedy-driven storyline.

The bosses we love to hate in the story all brought the ugly, especially Spacey. His portrayal of the boss that's just out to make everyone's life hell was so good I actually started to hate the guy. Spacey's performance was well acted and wickedly evil, my hats off to another brilliant actor. Aniston may have a "good girl" image on the silver screen but you won't be thinking that after catching this film. She taps her inner slut (not saying anything bad here people) amazingly well, adding much needed depth to her typical type cast roles. Hunky Farrell rounds out the trio as the coke (not the drink) addicted slimy madman that you just want to knock out. A FAR cry from his previous roles as well, he may not be sexy in this but how could you not love the Irish hunk. ;)

Overall the movie is a barrel of laughs that you don't want to miss it. It's got just enough raunch mixed in with solid comedy to somehow hold it all together. Stay in your seats for the outtakes at the end, you won't want to miss those. :)

Getting 4 That's Not My Name Sheep

KD