My friends and I had high expectations for Mockingjay pt. 1, and  I will honestly say that I was a bit disappointed with it. However, I didn’t think it was that bad either. The following paragraphs will explain why. POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD! I recommend not reading until you’ve either seen the movie or have read the books.

Mockingjay Pt. 1 stars Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle, X-Men: First Class), Josh Hutcherson (Journey to the Center of the Earth, Bridge to Terabithia), Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song, The Expendables 2), Elizabeth Banks (Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Scrubs), Philip Seymour Hoffman (A Most Wanted Man), Woody Harrelson (No Country for Old Men, Zombieland), and Donald Sutherland (MASH, Pride & Prejudice). The movie shows Katniss in District 13 after she’s rescued from the arena of the 2nd Quarter Quell, and helping President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) and the rest of Panem fight against the Capitol.

The movie had a slow buildup, with at least three major action sequences: the bombing in District 8, Panem citizens showing acts of defiance, and Peeta’s rescue from the Capitol. Now, this first part focused more on Katniss’s inner struggle between her love for Gale and Peeta as well as her duties as the Mockingjay of Panem.

While it is also considered a war movie, the first half is mostly a political commentary on dictatorship and poor government decisions. This does reflect the actual first half of the book but, since it is told from Katniss’s point-of-view, it is more limited. In contrast, the movie showed citizens actually protesting the Capitol, and showing what Katniss’s propaganda looked like. I’m sure that Mockingjay part 2 will be more action-packed since that will be when Katniss and the rebels take on the Capitol.

Lastly, I’m giving a shoutout to Lorde for curating the soundtrack. The songs are amazingly beautiful. Kudos to her for doing at 17 too! I’m predicting tons of awards for Lorde and the soundtrack album. Click here to view the music video to “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde.

I’ll admit that this movie wasn’t the best, but I still can’t wait for part 2. It is still accurate to the book adaptation, albeit a few changes. I have no doubt that the second half will be very good, if not better, as well.