http://youtu.be/YddkQoxkZMQ
Let's be clear about one thing right up front. We're pretty big fans of the Hunger Games franchise around here. (See also: Pretty much anything we've written about the franchise. Like ever.) But the latest trailer for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 2—a weepy homage to Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and the sister she tried to save from the Hunger Games, Prim (Willow Shields)—is some emotionally-manipulative garbage. With lens flares. Here's the text exchange WIRED senior associate editor Angela Watercutter and contributor Jordan Crucchiola had upon watching it this morning—slightly redacted to avoid spoilers, but proceed with caution.
Angela Watercutter:
Jesus Christ, Hunger Games marketing department.
Jordan Crucchiola:
Wow that is AWFUL
Like TERRRRIBLE
They reaaaallllyyyy want us to care about Prim. Desperately.
Stop trying to make Prim happen. She's not going to happen.
Angela Watercutter:
The Most Milquetoast Reason for a Revolution Ever: Primrose Everdeen
Jordan Crucchiola:
They must realize that no one cares
Angela Watercutter:
This video is like one of those Memories sizzle reels high schoolers make before graduation. Just more bleak.
Jordan Crucchiola:
EXACTLY
And it's just SO CHEESY
Angela Watercutter:
Like, guys, we're already invested. Chill.
Jordan Crucchiola:
You have enough with Jen.
You don't need Prim.
Angela Watercutter:
I'm going to see your movie 8 billion times. I don't need this.
Jordan Crucchiola:
They want [REDACTED] to be a gut-check moment so badly.
But sorry guys.
She's lame.
But we are past being able to fix that.
Angela Watercutter:
You have a teenager laying siege to a totalitarian government. Reminding us of her reasons for doing so is so unnecessary.
Jordan Crucchiola:
And acknowledging your failure to make Prim likable is embarrassing.
Pause at: Ugh.
Song: M83, "My Tears Are Becoming a Sea" (Really.)
Essential Quote: "This is the revolution. And you are the Mockingjay."—Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman), reminding us that Katniss matters, not Prim
