I've seen the first two films only once each. Both in the cinema, and both were quite enjoyable. They aren't great films, but they serve the purpose of providing some good entertainment with solid action and a hero we can admire. Jennifer Lawrence is the hero, and she is the glue that holds this series together.
Although this book series is hugely popular, I've never read them and may never get around to it. The films have proved to be very successful, with the first two earning over $1.5b combined. This film will do gangbusters as well, and therefore, so will the fourth and final instalment. It's unfortunate then that the 3rd film is a complete cash grab. Oh yes, I just said that. This film should have been the final instalment, even if it ran for 3 hours. What the audience has been delivered here is just over 2 hours of set up.
It starts out slow, then begins to build up with some action. Just as you think it is getting its legs, it falls flatline again. Sure, the story is a key element here, I won't deny it that, but fucking hell, this film completely squanders any sort of excitement that the first two were built on. The entire film flows like watching a heart monitor that has some tiny blips at very long intervals.
To its credit, it does have some excellent production value and Jennifer Lawrence is again great. She is supported well by some strong actors. I still felt that Hemsworth is just there hanging out. He gets a little more to do here, but, he's there to provide some minor love interest in all.
I definitely try to rate films in a series individually, but this film really does feel like a part of whole, and so I feel the film itself is ultimately disappointing. Yes, I know, it says part 1, but fucking hell, give the audience some credit. I don't feel like this inspires me to come back for part 2, even though it will probably be the film this one should have been.
Rating:
2.5 out of 5.
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