Is there anything that could stand in the way of the unstoppable force that is "The Hunger Games" franchise? Already hauling in $1.5 billion worldwide, there’s no doubt audiences have certainly loved the Jennifer Lawrence-powered series, but this has been the rare blockbuster that has also had lots of critical support too. However, when the decision arrived to split the finale into two parts, there was some concern it was an unnecessary cash grab. But if early reviews are any indication, the gamble pays off.
The first reviews for "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1" have rolled in and, for the most part, critics are again on board. Sure, there are a few dissenting voices, but by and large it looks like Katniss and co. bring the business once again (even if the movie is talkier than previous efforts) and will deliver the much needed bang for your buck. Here’s what the critics are saying:
THR: "Like an overgrown and bloated trailer for a film yet to come, Francis Lawrence’s ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1’ spreads perhaps 45 minutes of dramatic material across two far-too-leisurely hours."
The Telegraph: "…this blockbuster series’ greatest special effect has always been the way it encourages its young target audience to engage sceptically with the uneasy love triangle between truth, power and entertainment. But ‘Mockingjay – Part 1’ feels a little short of all three."
The Guardian: "Director Francis Lawrence ekes a paltry story out. The special effects are limp and the script a little creaky, although somehow it still manages to thrill."
Variety: "For all its obvious smarts and mildly provocative ideas, ‘Mockingjay’ doesn’t seem to trust its audience quite as much as it clearly trusts its heroine."
The Wrap: "The title lets you know we’re still one more movie away from the grand finale, but even if ‘Mockingjay, Part 1’ leaves us wanting more, it’s not just two hours of build-up. Think of it as an amuse-bouche for a final course that manages to satisfy on its own."
Cinema Blend: "…the new sequel instead takes the franchise themes of revolution and resistance to the next level, taking its characters to war. Rather than struggling with this massive shift, however, the new film simply makes the dystopian world that much more fascinating and exciting, and is ultimately another very successful chapter in the blockbuster series."
About Entertainment: "Thrilling, heartfelt, and a terrific curtain-raiser for the final battle, Mockingjay Part 1 takes the Hunger Games series to new heights even as it sings in its own voice."
Badass Digest: "I’m giving Mockingjay Part 1 a bit of a pass here; it’s not a complete film, but what is on screen is smart and dark in a truly adult way – ie, it’s about the impacts of violence and oppression, not just the kewlness of those things. That Part 1 is unfulfilling in total isn’t because of director Francis Lawrence or the screenwriters who adapted Suzanne Collins’ novel – it’s because of the marketing guys who made the choice to cut this movie in half. If Part 2 satisfactorily knocks down the dominoes this film has set up, in twenty years we won’t even think twice about their release pattern. We’ll just be talking about how great ‘The Hunger Games’ quartet was as serious social commentary science fiction."
Screen International: "It may disappoint young fans who relished the sheer fantasy verve that drove the first parts, but as a thoughtful and at times moving preamble to a tough climax, ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1’ delivers."
Total Film: "Katniss arms up… against anyone expecting diminishing returns from a four-part trilogy. With measure and muscle, Lawrences Jennifer and Francis nail the job of selling the long, twisting road towards revolution."
Forbes: " ‘Mockingjay Part I’ is my pick for the best overall ‘Hunger Games’ film thus far, although I must concede it still feels like half of a movie and half of a story. We’ll get the pay-off this time next year. This year’s installment is pure foreplay."
Daily Star: "With just two action scenes and no gladiatorial combat, this is by far the talkiest film of the series. It’s also the most grown-up. The movie intrigues by never allowing us to settle into a cozy battle between good and evil."
Digital Spy: " ‘Mockingjay – Part 1’ is a rare blockbuster that builds on the complex themes and ideas of its predecessors in a thought-provoking and compelling way. The darker, more mature tone, each victory coming at a personal cost and the fact that everything seems to be going to hell for our heroes means this lines itself up as the Empire Strikes Back of the Hunger Games series. Roll on Part 2."
Den Of Geek: " ‘Mockingjay Part 1’ will probably play better once you can marathon Part 2 straight afterwards, but by itself, it’s a two-hour long emotional bludgeoning. Pack some tissues, fellow Hunger Games fans – you’re going to need them."
Hey U Guys: "Mockingjay Part 1 is a powerful, moving, penultimate chapter…Though Katniss Everdeen may not quite qualify as feminist icon she is unquestionably a refreshing and empowering example for audiences coming of age in a superhero-heavy world. Take note, Hollywood.