Hunger Games Revolution

Mockingjay - Part 1 sets up final Hunger Games chapter brilliantly

Splitting the final film of a popular book-turned-movie series into two parts is all the rage these days, as the makers of the Harry Potter, Twilight and now The Hunger Games series have all opted to do so. Detractors decry the overt commercialism of these moves, while supporters rejoice in an extra chance to spend time with their favorite characters.

Whatever side of the debate you fall on, the results have been iffy at best. But The Hunger Games is looking to buck that trend with Mockingjay - Part 1, the first step toward all-out revolution in the world of Panem.

Instead of just throwing Katniss into war, they make her struggles fully real for the audience, which results in a more powerful drama.

The film throws the audience directly into Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) new reality: living underground in the recently revealed District 13. There, 13’s President Coin (Julianne Moore), former gamesmaker Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and others try to convince Katniss to become the face of the revolution against the Capitol, something she is loath to do.

But when she sees videos of Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) suffering at the hands of President Snow (Donald Sutherland), along with what happened to her former home in District 12, she complies. With the help of Effie (Elizabeth Banks), Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Katniss starts to become whom she is meant to be, whether she likes it or not.

One’s enjoyment of Mockingjay - Part 1 depends on two factors. First and most obviously, you have to know that you will not get closure in this film. Second and most important, there is very little action. The first part is all about setting up the battle royale in part two, and the filmmakers have saved most of the big set pieces for that film.

That said, there’s much to love about part one. Commercial qualms aside, splitting the final film in two is good for both lovers of the books and movie fans. By devoting almost an entire film to Katniss’ uneasiness at being the virtual leader of the revolution, director Francis Lawrence and his team were able to really delve into details that would be glossed over otherwise.

Instead of just throwing her directly into war, which would happen if the whole story was told in two-and-a-half to three hours, they make her struggles fully real for the audience, which results in a more powerful drama. It also makes the few action scenes in the film impactful in a way that they wouldn’t be if the movie were full of them.

The filmmakers also deserve credit for not sugarcoating the darker parts of the story. The film definitely falls in the PG-13 range, but the themes it covers make it feel closer to an R. The film is definitely not for younger children, and even older viewers may find themselves shocked at various violent acts, implied or otherwise.

At this point in the series, the interactions between the characters are as important to the story’s success as any plot twists. Despite their somewhat dire circumstances, it’s a pleasure to see Katniss, Effie, Haymitch, Gale and others band together to get things done. They all feel essential to the plot, especially in a film that features more dialogue than fighting.

The film is an actor’s idea of heaven and nearly all of them rise to the challenge. Lawrence is as great as ever, as is the late Hoffman, Banks, Harrelson and newcomer Moore. Even actors in smaller roles, like Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin and Natalie Dormer, make the most of their moments in the spotlight.

There is no real resolution in Mockingjay - Part 1, but it delivers more than enough to satisfy fans while they endure the yearlong wait for Part 2. War is coming, and the calm before the storm is the perfect way to prepare the audience for the end of the story.

Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.

Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Mockingay - Part 1

Photo by Murray Close

Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1.

Weekend Event Planner

These are the 15 best things to do in Dallas this Thanksgiving weekend

Prairie Lights

Photo courtesy of Prairie Lights

Prairie Lights opens at Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie on November 27.

Holiday events ramp up across Dallas this Thanksgiving weekend. Best bets include a new outdoor ice rink, several theater productions, two productions of The Nutcracker, a big lights debut, two popular music concerts, and a screening of a classic holiday movie with the star in attendance.

Below are the best ways to spend your free time this Thanksgiving weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city's best events.

Wednesday, November 26

CultureMap City Rink
CultureMap is skating into the holidays with a festive holiday ice rink in the heart of downtown Dallas. The CultureMap City Rink presented by Verizon will transform Main Street Garden into a festive winter destination, complete with themed programming, community events, and special experiences throughout the season. The rink will be open daily through January 5; a tree lighting ceremony will take place Friday, November 28. Ice rinks are a big trend this holiday season; for more options, check out this story.

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party
Mickey’s Search Party is an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts. Audiences can look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell through immersive, fantastic worlds, explore the colorful spirit realm of Coco, sail away with Moana as she bravely saves her island, see Belle in the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life, and sing-along with Elsa in the icy world of Frozen. The Disney On Ice production will have eight performances through Sunday at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen.

Thursday, November 27

Grand Prairie Parks, Arts and Recreation presents Prairie Lights
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Prairie Lights is a two-mile, drive-through holiday park experience that showcases a display of more than 4 million lights arranged in hundreds of festive holiday scenes throughout the park. At the halfway point, guests can exit their vehicle to enjoy carnival rides, concessions, photos with Santa, the magical walk-thru forest, and holiday shopping. The second half of the drive ends with the new-and-improved light tunnel. The event at Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie runs through December 31. For the ultimate guide to Dallas-area Christmas lights, go here.

Friday, November 28

Grapevine Vintage Railroad presents North Pole Express
Guests can board the North Pole Express for a festive journey featuring traditional Christmas sing-alongs, Christmas characters, and photos and interaction with Santa. Rides on the train also include special surprises onboard and family-friendly entertainment. The North Pole Express will depart from Grapevine Vintage Railroad almost every day through December 30.

Christmas at the Anatole
The Hilton Anatole will transform into a dazzling wonderland, where guests can celebrate the season with experiences ranging from ice skating and train rides to winter chalets, seasonal bites, and entertainment. For an extra cost, visitors can have Breakfast With Santa on select dates, which includes festive activities and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event is open daily through January 4.

Frostival at Howell Family Farms
At Frostival, visitors can step into a glowing winter dream, where holiday magic comes alive under a dazzling canopy of festive lights. Guests can wander through the enchanting Trail of Lights, sip on hot cocoa, and enjoy seasonal crafts. The event also includes free professional photos with Santa and a chance to meet holiday characters up close. The event takes place at Howell Family Farms through December 28.

Dallas Theater Center presents A Christmas Carol
Embark on a magical Christmas Eve adventure with Ebenezer Scrooge as three otherworldly spirits whisk him away on a breathtaking journey of hope and redemption. From the nostalgic warmth of Christmases past to the stark truths of the present and the ominous shadows of the future, Scrooge’s journey is a spectacle of wonder. Prepare for dazzling visuals, enchanting melodies, and a heartwarming tale that celebrates the transformative power of the holiday spirit. The annual production from Dallas Theater Center runs through December 27 at Wyly Theatre.

Chamberlain Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Chamberlain Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that captures the joy of the season. Young Clara goes on a magical journey, through the enchanting Kingdom of Snow to the playful Kingdom of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Chamberlain Ballet will feature American Ballet Theatre’s newest Principal dancer, Chloe Misseldine, as the Sugar Plum Fairy dancing alongside Tyler Angle of New York City Ballet. There will also be guest artists from Bruce Wood Dance Dallas in soloist roles. There will be three performances through Sunday at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson.

Repertory Company Theatre presents The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Show
The Great Gatsby is the classic story of the 1920s Jazz Age. Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, passionately pursues the elusive Daisy Buchanan. Nick Carraway, a young newcomer to Long Island, is drawn into their world of obsession, greed, and danger. The production will have three performances through Sunday at Repertory Company Theatre in Richardson.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents "Ravel’s Rapsodie Espagnole"
Piano virtuoso Javier Perianes returns to perform Falla's Nights in the Gardens of Spain. The Spanish-flavored concert culminates in Rapsodie Espagnole, Ravel’s orchestral masterpiece. The concert will also feature Ravel's Alborada del gracioso (Morning Song of a Jester) and Falla's El sombrero de tres picos (The Three-Cornered Hat). The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform three times through Sunday at Meyerson Symphony Center.

Pocket Sandwich Theatre presents Ebenezer Scrooge
Ebenezer Scrooge is a holiday tradition, shown at Pocket Sandwich Theatre every year since 1981. The show is based on the age-old holiday favorite about the miserly Scrooge, who is visited one Christmas Eve by three ghosts intent on helping him change his ways. The tale of love, redemption and forgiveness captures the true spirit and magic of the holiday season for the whole family. The production runs through December 23 at Pocket Sandwich Theatre in Carrollton.

Texas Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker is a cherished tradition that offers a world of enchantment where snowflakes swirl, dreams come to life, and holiday magic fills the air. Tchaikovsky’s timeless score and Ben Stevenson, O.B.E.’s choreography awaken the holiday spirit for audiences. Texas Ballet Theater's annual production runs through December 7 at Winspear Opera House.

David Byrne in concert
Singer David Byrne has had a career that would be the envy of most other musicians. He came to fame with the rock band Talking Heads, releasing eight albums in the 1970s and '80s, a run that included the iconic concert film Stop Making Sense. He's also released 11 other solo or collaborative albums; won an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy for his score for 1987's The Last Emperor; and was given a Special Tony Award for David Byrne's American Utopia. He'll play on Friday and Saturday at the Music Hall at Fair Park in support of his 2025 album, Who is the Sky?.

Sunday, November 30

A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin: Home Alone 35th Anniversary
This special event features a 35th anniversary screening of the timeless classic, Home Alone, followed by an exclusive moderated interview and audience Q&A with star Macaulay Culkin. Culkin will talk about his experiences on set, his favorite memories from filming, and his take on why this movie has become such a beloved holiday classic. The event takes place at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie.

Katseye in concert
Many people are now familiar with the genre of K-Pop, but Katseye has taken things further and become maybe the world's first "global girl group." Boasting members from Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States, the six-member group was formed through the 2023 reality competition series Dream Academy. After making their recording debut in 2024, the group got even bigger with the release of their 2025 EP, Beautiful Chaos, featuring the hit song "Gnarly." They'll perform at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.

Prairie Lights

Photo courtesy of Prairie Lights

Prairie Lights opens at Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie on November 27.

holidays kids families theater music dance symphony concerts movies event-planner

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