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“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,” Grade B: Director Francis Lawrence, the man behind “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” continues to show an even-handed approach to both the emotional and big-action scenes. The main thing is that he is smart enough to boldly display the impressive work Jennifer Lawrence does from start to mid-finish.
It has one inherent problem that even Lawrence can’t fix. The finale is presented in two parts, with the wrap-up later this year. This structure leaves the first part lacking as the action comes to an abrupt ending.
Movie making is all about the money, but this division of a finale creates a sense of frustration that lingers between the parts.
“Outlander: Season 1 – Volume 1,” Grade A-: The cable series spans the genres of romance, science fiction, history and adventure as it follows Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), a married British combat nurse in 1945 who mysteriously falls back through time to 1743 Scotland.
She becomes torn between her husband Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), a Scottish warrior who comes to her rescue.
This is a beautifully written, filmed and acted production that brings to life the novels by Diana Gabaldon.
“Foxcatcher,” Grade C: Except for an oddly interesting performance by Oscar-nominated Steve Carell, this is the slow-moving story of two brothers who, during the late 1980s, become wrestling champs and the pawns in the life of multi-millionaire John du Pont’s life.
Director Bennett Miller becomes too involved with the physicality of wrestling when he should have been dealing with a script that never fully embraces the insanity of the true life events.
Also new on DVD this week:
“Transporter TV Series: Season 1”: British ex-commando Frank Martin (Chris Vance) is a high-stakes courier.
“Tinker Bell and the Legend of the Neverbeast”: A fable creature comes to Pixie Hollow.
“Victori: The Truth Just Can’t Be One Thing”: Father, son work together to bring attention to long art career.
“Longmire: Season 3’: Includes all 10 episodes in the cable series starring Robert Taylor.
“Believe Me”: Four college seniors set out to scam good-hearted churchgoers.
“Beginner’s Bible”: Animated introduction to the Bible for children.
“Da Vinci’s Demons Season 2”: Florence is thrown into chaos in the wake of the Pazzi conspiracy.
“A Place to Call Home: Season 1”: Australian period drama full of secrets and passion.
“Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Treats”: Lalaloopsy friends are back in their sweetest movie yet.
“To Write Love on Her Arms”: Young woman battling depression learns value of friendship.
“Drumline: A New Beat”: Alexandra Shipp stars in this sequel.
“Hill Street Blues: Season Four”: Cop drama from Stephen Bochco.
“The Captive”: Man must unravel the mystery of his daughter’s disappearance.
“Bubble Guppies: Fin-Tastic Collection”: Includes six underwater learning adventures.
“PAW Patrol: Marshall and Chase On the Case!”: Eight rescue missions are featured.
“Let’s Kill Ward’s Wife”: Buddies must help when a friend’s wife ends up dead. Amy Acker stars.
“Life Partners”: Friendship is tested by a new love. Gillian Jacobs stars.
“Blacula/Scream, Blacula, Scream”: Double feature featuring the ‘70s movies.
“The Better Angels”: Examination of the early life of Abraham Lincoln.
“The Dog Who Saved Easter”: Zeus’ daycare is put in jeopardy by a rival business.
“Kiss Me Kate”: Restored version of the 1953 Cole Porter musical.
“Innocence”: Tragic event haunts student. Sophie Curtis stars.
“Understanding Art: Baroque & Rococo”: Documentary that looks at two influential art periods.
“Champions: New England Patriots”: Look at the Patriots win over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
“Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo 3”: It’s a trip down memory lane with Elmo.