Hunger Games 3 Mockingjay Part 1 Release Date, Plot Review: Darker Tone, Less Action

"The "Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" appears headed for another blockbuster performance as the third instalment in "The Hunger Games" film franchise opens in theaters on Nov. 21.

Advanced ticket sales for the movie have surpassed the daily sales of all other movies released during the year as it benefits from the good press that the two previous 'Hunger Games" films have received.

"The "Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" has also drawn positive reviews from critics despite the fact that a large portion of the film is devoid of action.

The upcoming film follows the events that transpired in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" which was released last year and went on to become one of the five biggest money earners of the year.

The movie sees Katniss Everdeen, played by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, becoming the leader of the revolution based in District 13.

Variety says the film has a much darker tone than its two predecessors and is focused on District 13 where almost all the story takes place underground. In it, Katniss is recruited to travel through hostile territory, so that her reaction to the war and the suffering it causes can be recorded and used as a propaganda tool by the resistance headed by President Coin (Julianne Moore).

Reviewers noted that the film has been culled from the third part of the Hunger Games book, which explains its rather thin plot. The first two books in the series written by Suzanne Collins, were each adapted into a film and feature better storylines.

However, since Lionsgate decided to split the last book Mockingjay into two films, The "Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part1" has less action and ends with a partial cliffhanger.

Hollywood Reporter says the splitting of the book into two films was unnecessary and that the upcoming movie feels "like an overgrown and bloated trailer for a film yet to come."