The DrsC watched Hunger Games Mockingjay, Part One, this afternoon. We enjoyed it, you likely will too if you are familiar with the book trilogy and/or the two prior films.
If we have a criticism of this film it is that, if you are new to the series, you are likely to be at a loss much of the time. It is a long film and very little time and energy is devoted to bringing the first-time viewer "up to speed."
The DrsC are au courant with the basic plot line, having listened to all three books as recordings and having seen the first two films. We had no problem knowing who the players are and where they fit in the narrative line.
Jennifer Lawrence does a fine job and it is her movie. Everyone else is a supporting player, some more central than others. The late Philip Seymour Hoffman does a spot-on media consultant, and I liked Natalie Dormer as the director Cressida. Woody Harrelson's Haymitch character begins to redeem himself in this film. Donald Sutherland's President Snow is absolutely pitiless under his "public relations" exterior.
I especially like the design of the hoverplane the District 13 rebels fly. It's a darn shame it isn't real. Imagine a cross between a C-130 and an F-16 with Harrier-like hover capability - a high speed airborne armored personnel carrier.
