So is it worth the ticket price?

Fans of the franchise will say yes as will some fans of the books.

But as a stand alone film, Mockingjay Part 1 is disappointing.

It follows on with the now popular habit of breaking a book into two films.

It began with the Harry Potter franchise, was continued by twilit and will happen again on Boxing Day with The Hobbit.

The problem with breaking a book apart is the obvious ploy for money.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was probably the most merited of those franchises to break the final book in two. There was enough in the final story that something was constantly happening.

Mockingjay’s plot isn’t in-depth enough to warrant two films.

Part 1 is very slowly paced and highly political as Katniss discover District 13 and engages in a propaganda battle with the Capitol.

This serves as setup for the action that is sure to ensue in Part 2 with the most interesting scenes of Part 1 coming in the last half an hour of the film.

The impressive cast helps the slow pace move along as quickly and interestingly as possible.

Jennifer Lawrence is as strong as ever as are returning cast members Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Josh Hutcherson has a smaller role in this film but proves pivotal in the film’s plot and key scenes.

Julienne Moore also has a very intriguing role as President Coin, leader if the District 13 rebels.

But despite a number of interesting characters coupled with strong performances, there is a hole left in the film for action that remains mostly empty.

Where the first two films of the Hunger Games franchise had the games to fall back on, Mockingjay has limited action and a lot of propaganda that gets you excited for the ensuing confrontation fans will be waiting for in Part 2.

If your interest in the Hunger games was waning after two films, it is hard to see it still being there after three.

But if you’re intrigued in how the story will end, Mockingjay Part 1 is worth watching.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (M) is now showing at Bendigo Cinemas. See page 3 of the Bendigo Advertiser for session details.

Follow film reviewer Chris Pedler on Twitter @FilmNerdChris