The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1

How often have you heard readers complain that parts of books were cut in the movie version? Well, that is not true of the first installment of this adaptation of the final novel in Suzanne Collins's dystopian action-adventure trilogy: every grim detail has been faithfully rendered, mostly in order to pad the story out until next year's concluding film. Rescued from the Quarter Quell by a rebel alliance, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is sequestered in District 13's subterranean hideout. Led by ambitious President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and former gamemaker-turned-advisor Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died mid-production), the insurgency is preparing to liberate Panem's Capitol from vicious, oppressive President Coriolanus Snow (Donald Sutherland). Brave, bow-wielding Katniss becomes their symbolic Mockingjay, the defiant figurehead of the revolution. Mostly presented with a drab, funeral pallor look, Mockingjay, Part 1 features few battle sequences and none of the glitzy costume changes of Catching Fire—much to the dismay of ever-chirpy Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks). Instead, director Francis Lawrence concentrates on Katniss's inner turmoil—her heart torn between Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)—as preparations are made for the climactic battle between the two contending forces. Woody Harrelson, Sam Clafin, and Stanley Tucci return, joined by Natalie Dormer, among others. Dour, dreary, and disappointing, this sequel is mainly about squeezing every last dime out of the franchise's devoted following. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson, deleted scenes (11 min.), a sneak peek at Insurgent (4 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is “The Mockingjay Lives” making-of documentary (135 min.), “Straight from the Heart: A Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman” (11 min.), a “Sons of Rebellion: Lorde on Curating the Soundtrack” featurette (8 min.), deleted scenes (11 min.), the music video for “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde, and bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a turgid franchise entry.] (S. Granger)