The third installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy – Mockingjay -- starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman opened in town on Nov. 21.
What is there to say about a movie that's tagline is a three-note whistle that raises the hair on your arms?
Of the three movies in the trilogy, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, is the darkest and the grittiest, as was outlined in the book. For those who read the novels and were disappointed with the adaptation of the first novel, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. The trailer is the perfect teaser, and if it gave you goosebumps, you will enjoy this film.
If the ending of the second movie shocked you, hang onto your hat because it just gets better. Mockingjay starts intensely and doesn't slow down. Picking up right where it left off, the movie follows Katniss as she recovers physically from the strain of the games and keeps up the role of the Mockingjay.
As she struggles to fulfill the role of the symbol of a nationwide rebellion she also struggles mentally with the horrors of her experience and with the guilt of leaving Peeta behind in the arena.
As Katniss struggles you'll see the strength and the courage that made you fall in love with her when she first volunteered for the games. In Mockingjay her growth and maturity is clearly evident again, and viewers will clearly be taken by the heroine.
As you journey with Katniss, you'll be on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, holding back tears and crying in shock and outrage. The ending will leave you wishing the second part was out so you could immediately watch it.
This film allows us to see more of Panem than ever before and it also shows us more of the horrors of living in a District of Panem. It captures the nightmarish living conditions, but does so without employing the use of gore.
If ever war, pain and suffering could be portrayed tastefully this film has managed to do so. As you watch Katniss and her friends suffer at the hands of the Capitol it evokes a response, but it does so in a way that is still suitable for the younger audience the novels were written for.
The Mockingjay Part 1 is playing at Innisfail's Century Theatre from Nov. 21 to Dec. 4. The movie runs 123 minutes. Rated PG. See the theatre's website for new showtimes and ticket prices at www.centurytheatre.ca
