Movie Review – Mockingjay Part 1

Nov 24, 2014

 

Mockingjay Part 1 Review

I literally have one word for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and that is WOW! The movie was incredible; I would even go as far as to say it was better than the book. In my opinion, the first half of the Mockingjay novel was boring, and that is something I never say about a book. The first part of the book was centred around Katniss who, surprisingly (note the sarcasm), had post-traumatic stress disorder.

However, the movie was extremely fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. The storyline, whilst very close to the book, contained added scenes that made it impossible to stop watching, even as someone who knew what was going to happen. For me, my favourite scene from the movie was the rescue scene. This wasn’t in the book which is probably why I loved it so much.

As per usual with The Hunger Games movies, the acting was fantastic. Jennifer Lawrence, once again, was the only person who could be Katniss Everdeen. In this movie Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket) was a stand out. She played the political rebel with a dash of Capitol fabulousness perfectly. I was also very impressed with how Josh Hutcherson portrayed Peeta slowly spiralling into insanity.

Hunger Games – ‘Catching Fire’ – Movie Review

Nov 24, 2013

I had been counting down the seconds until I could take my seat in the cinema to watch Catching fire,the movie I’ve been waiting months for after the release The Hunger Games movie last year. I definitely wasn’t disappointed with the movie, in fact, it was better than I had anticipated. As a major fan of the book trilogy, I had high expectations and thought Francis Lawrence did a marvellous job of bring Suzanne Collins novel to life. I thought that the acting was superb and each character was portrayed perfectly. One major improvement from the original movie, The Hunger Games, was the facial expression. I found that the actors in Catching Fire breathed new life into their characters, making them seem more lifelike than the last movie.

For someone who has read all the books, I was amazed at how close to the book Catching Fire really was. I was extremely impressed with the use of actual book quotes, something I rarely see. However, even if you haven’t read the trilogy I think you would definitely enjoy Catching Fire. The plot flows perfectly throughout the entire movie and doesn’t jump around at all. Non Hunger Games fans would be able to keep up with the story and be able to follow along as easily as any eager fan.

My favourite part of the movie was the acting, particularly Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen). I think she made her character into exactly how Suzanne Collins imagined her. Jennifer, along with a team of extremely talented cast members, gave the fans exactly what they wanted. With beautiful costumes and an extremely realistic setting, the movie seemed as though the viewer was watching it as if they were in the middle of the action. Not one actor seems to vary from their character for even a second. It is easy to truly believe you are part of the film.

Speaking as someone who has read the series and watched both films, I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. And I must add, may the odds be ever in your favour.

Caio Bella,

Ash

Ashlea and I, along with a couple of friends, headed to the movies on the opening day for Suzanne Collins “Catching Fire.” I think Ashlea was a little more excited than me, but I will admit I had been looking forward to the second instalment. I was not disappointed. Being an avid reader, I am often disappointed with a movie after I have read the book. ‘Catching Fire’ did not disappoint as it was expertly replicated from the novel.

The movie begins with Katniss Everdeen played expertly by the gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence, in the woods of her district hunting for food. Her recent experience in the Capitol’s nightmare reality game ‘The Hunger Games’, where children kill other children, haunts her as she managed to be only 1 of 2 survivors. ‘Catching Fire’ flows into a tribute only reality game where only one person will be allowed to survive the killings, putting Katniss back into the nightmare once again.

True to the series, the movie makes you feel uncomfortable about the content of a children’s reality show where they attack each other, but the exciting storyline with many twists and unforeseen turns, the 2 hour long movie kept me captivated through out. If you have enjoyed the books, you will love the movies as they are a perfect copy, gore and all.

Ashlea and I often read the same series as we both love to read. Some books I am unsure whether the content is suitable for Ashlea, but she is a mature reader, an exceptional good reader and we always discuss content so I can determine her understanding. Not a movie for those who don’t want deep, dark, depressing themes, with some scenes designed to make you squirm (my sister Gabe saw it on my recommendation and hated it). Overall, I loved it, loved it, loved it. Cant wait for the next instalment ‘Mockingjay’.

cheers natalie

 

Related articles

• Movie Review #9 – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (theeducationreview.wordpress.com)
• Top 10 Reasons Why I’m Excited For The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie (geekforcenetwork.com)