One of the most profitable movie franchises to ever grace the big screen gets its penultimate outing as the dosh-hungry studio system once again splits the final book in a young adult series into two films. While fans may argue the validity of doing so, there's still enough in Mockingjay: Part One to keep the casual fan engaged.
The last time we saw her, Katniss had just ended the games and bounced to District 13 after her home, District 12, was destroyed by those mean sorts (well, mainly that BASTARD President Snow) at The Capital. Believing Peeta initially to be brown bread, Katniss is shocked to discover him by the side of that aforementioned nasty Snow fella. Convinced by the leaders of District 13 to become the face of the overall uprising of Panem, she's soon back in battle mode, fighting for her family, her friends and the innocents that would perish otherwise.
On the surface - for non-fans, at least - Part One of Mockingjay might have a bang of The Matrix: Revolutions, but it's just a different beast than its two predecessors. Predominately set in the "cave" that is District 13, the game here is mostly one of high tension (which is broken up with the occasional excursion to kick some ass and visit the needy).
The political subtext is obvious; Katniss becomes not just a rebel with a cause but one with a crew, as the powers-that-be essentially launch a media campaign around her in order to win the public over. It's a smart, well played nod to the marketing that takes place around pretty much every political campaign, and it's exactly what makes this franchise smarter than the Twilight and Potters that came before it.
Director Francis Lawrence does a sterling job with a more claustrophobic vibe in this sequel, with moments of slick action whetting the appetite for a surely explosive final chapter. But this is Jennifer Lawrence's franchise and the one that cemented her as the biggest movie star on earth. Whether it's a low budget drama like Winter's Bone, or an expensive blockbuster like this, she absolutely brings her dramatic 'A' game. It's almost genuinely stirring at points, as she reacts to the atrocities around her and rallies the would-be troops.
A predictably charismatic turn by Lawrence and some strong direction make this action-light addition more than worth your while. That said, this storyline could easily have been condensed into one movie and as a result, it inevitably drags at points.