“Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One” one of four movies from the popular film series based on Suzanne Collin’s novel trilogy, “Hunger Games” was released on Nov. 21. Lionsgate, the film’s producer, decided to split the novel into two films leaving the audience to wait until next year to watch the last film and final ending to the series.

“Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One” continues the story from “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” which was released in 2013, but now, instead of using the arena, the games have ultimately moved to the minds of both Peeta and Katniss.

The premiere of the film was a huge event. The line stretched from the Century Theatre building to its parking lot. It was cold and sprinkling outside, however loyal and eager fans remained dedicated to watching the film making the theatre a packed house.

The movie’s storyline picks up right where “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” left off, with Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, shooting her arrow into the sky and making the game glitch and in return changing the games forever. Katniss was rescued from the games and is now hidden in a secret military based under District 13 with her mom and sister Prim. But this time, instead of being the once “darling of the Capitol” she finds herself the new face of the rebellion against the Capitol.

The rebellion is in full effect as Katniss tries to deal with the bombing of her former home, District 12, and trying to figure out how she can save Peeta. But, Peeta Mellark, played by Josh Hutcherson, involuntarily finds himself on the opposite end of the rebellion. Peeta is forced to speak to the Districts by video and acts as a “peace maker” in attempts to stop the riots and rebellions. Gale Hawthorne, played by Liam Hemsworth, is on the same side as Katniss struggling to figure out his feelings for her and acts as her gunman in the rebellion against the capital.

Even though Katniss is out of the arena the game hasn’t really ended for her. The Capitol has manipulated Peeta and used him as a weapon against Katniss. The rebel team at District 13 persuades Katniss to shoot propaganda videos to show how important the rebellion is and what the Capital is doing to the districts. The majority of the film was a back and forth between the Capital and the rebellion. The Capital was using Peeta’s videos to combat Katniss’s actions, taunting her with a now sickly and tortured looking Peeta.

Lawrence played the role of Katniss well. She really embodies the description of Katniss from the novels, which is really rare when novels are made into movies.

“Mockingjay” addressed everything from greed, rebellion, war, politics, love, friendship and human nature. If you enjoy topics like that then you will enjoy this movie.

 Author’s score: 4 out of 5 stars