Today is an auspicious day in the book-loving community.
No, it’s not because today is my birthday (but it is!).
Today…Friday, November 21st, is release day for the first of the two part finale to the film adaptations of author Suzanne Collins’ hit book trilogy.
Although I have not read the books, I have to admit that events like this excite me, not only because I love films, but also because I am passionate about reading. I did not read the Harry Potter books or the Twilight books either, but when individual books, or series of books, become so beloved it makes me happy.
I have said, and written, previously that I do not believe books need films as any form of validation, nor do I believe that all beloved books should be adapted to the screen. We can all point out examples of books being adapted to film that were not satisfying in the least. For every The Lord of the Rings there is an Eragon. But when they are successful and fans are at least reasonably satisfied with the result, it makes gives me pleasure.
While Hunger Games did not wholly excite me, I was very impressed with Catching Fire and am happy to report that the results of the first part of Mockingjay make it a film worth seeing on the big screen.
Mockingjay picks up after the climactic, and quite sudden, end of Catching Fire, with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) recovering from the physical trauma of the Quarter Quell and the emotional trauma of the loss of friends. The first time we see Katniss is in the underground silo of District 13, and indeed much of the film takes place in this locale. I couldn’t help but think of Hugh Howey’s novel Wool whenever there was a scene in District 13.
Part one of Mockingjay is very much a transition story. The sparks lit by the actions of Katniss at the end of Catching Fire now need to be fanned into flame if the rebellion against the Capital is to sustain momentum. While the leaders of District 13 look to Katniss to embrace the role of the Mockingjay, she continues to struggle with a myopic focus, unable to sustain a steady commitment to the greater cause. Where Catching Fire was filled with action, Mockingjay Part 1 is a more contemplative film, setting the stage for the culminating events of the final film. I for one enjoyed the build up.
I have managed to avoid all spoilers for these films. I have no idea what will happen next beyond the guesses of a seasoned reader and partaker of film. I like being able to experience the films as works in and of themselves without comparing them to their respective novels. I enter with no expectations beyond the hope of being entertained. Mockingjay delivers.
Special effects and settings are a visual treat, enhanced by a mega-screen. The interior of the District 13 silo is large, yet simultaneously claustrophobic, and mirrors what is going on within the heart and mind of Katniss Everdeen.
My only real complaint about the story, which may or may not be a complaint about the novel, is that it no longer makes sense to me that Katniss Everdeen can so easily become myopic, ready to abandon the cause for the love of one person. It is here that I remind myself that these are young adult books featuring young adult protagonists and the romantic elements reflect the lack of a maturity that only comes with time and experience.
As I have been graced with an unspoiled experience, I will end my discussion of Mockingjay before I spoil anything for you. If you enjoyed the films thus far, you are sure to enjoy the continued story. Be warned that, being one of two parts, the film’s end is abrupt, if not totally unexpected.
Be sure to stay through part of the credits for a couple of really nice ending songs, one by Lorde and the other by Jennifer Lawrence.
My rating: 8.5/10
Interesting to hear the myopic observation. I didn’t feel that was the case in the book at all. She’s myopic all right, but it has nothing to do with love and everything to do with severe trauma. (People described her as being somewhat catatonic.) I’m glad to hear the film was good, and that it was contemplative. There’s a lot of contemplation in the book, especially about war, and it didn’t really feel terrible “young adult” by the end.
I think the trauma is pretty accurately portrayed in the film and it is probably unfair of me to simply classify it as “love”, but unfortunately for me the timing of those moments when she wavers between what they are asking her to do and her thoughts about Peeta come off as weaker, teenage love story moments to me. A minor complaint, really. I think the catatonic stuff comes through as well. My reaction is probably purely from not reading the books and going purely on lines being delivered.
Happy Birthday! I was underwhelmed by MOCKINGJAY, PART ONE. I’ve read Suzanne Collins’ trilogy. The first book, THE HUNGER GAMES, is the best. As far as the movies so far, I like CATCHING FIRE the best. I’ll go see MOCKINGJAY, PART TWO when it comes out but it more of the same, it will be a weak movie.
Thanks George. Sorry you were underwhelmed by it. I like Catching Fire best thus far myself, but I also tend to like middle movies of trilogies the best…not sure why.
I was obviously overall happy with the film. I like that it was more about setting things up. But again I have no book to compare it to. I I did like listening to my wife and daughter talk about the book in comparison to the movie on the way to take my daughter home.
With the Harry Potter series I was surprised to find that several of my least favorite books made for better movies. I wonder if the same with apply here; I despised Mockingjay as a book but put a lot of that on the author’s writing. I just don’t think she knew how to write urban warfare. But to put it in movie form could ease out some of those issues. I may like this two part conclusion just fine.
I’ll be interested to read your thoughts on it, Nathan, when you see it. From everyone I’ve talked to they seem pleased by the idea that the studio decided to break the last book into two films rather than trying to cram in all that happens in just one.
Happy Belated Birthday, Carl! I read the first in this series, but haven’t read the last two. This might be a series of books that are better suited to film that print.
Thank you Jenclair. Have you seen any of the films?
Happy birthday!
So far, the reviews I’ve seen have been pretty negative on this film.
That doesn’t surprise me, really. I’m not sure the reviews have been wildly positive on any of them. But it will probably make a boat load of money, and I enjoyed it well enough.
Thanks for the birthday wishes! 🙂
I’ve only skimmed your review Carl as I’ve yet to see this. I think it’ll be another week before I manage to catch it as I really want to see The Imitation Game this weekend, just in case it leaves the cinema.
I’ve read the first book, but nothing since, although I’ve really enjoyed the films so I’m looking forward to this one too.
I don’t blame you, Fence. I do a lot of skimming, or just skipping, book and film reviews if I plan on getting to them soon.
I have seen the first film but none since. I will eventually watch but might wait until the final one is due out. Patience is not one of my finer qualities. Plus the first book was my favourite to be honest – it will be interesting to see how the films compare as I think, like you, the majority opinion was that the second film was better than the first. It may be therefore that I love the films as they go along and prefer them to the books. In terms of Harry Potter – I never actually read the first book and strangely it’s my least favourite and least watched of all of them. It’s funny how your fancy takes you!
Lynn 😀