Editor-in-Chief
Silver Linings Playbook (2012):
Though Winter’s Bone was Jennifer Lawrence’s first breakout role, it was Silver Linings Playbook that propelled her to the top of the Hollywood tree. Winning her an Oscar for Leading Actress, Lawrence stars alongside Bradley Cooper (one of many collaborations) and Robert De Niro as a mentally unstable twenty something who strikes up an unlikely connection with a friend of a friend.
The film demonstrated Lawrence’s versatility and range in a year which also saw her star in the first part of The Hunger Games and a remake of horror classic The Last House on the Left. The film itself played to director David O. Russell’s strength at bringing out sensational ensemble performances, and Lawrence’s chemistry with her co-star was an enthralling spine that brought a wonderful screenplay to life.
It’s no surprise that Jennifer Lawrence continues to work with Russell and Cooper, but whether they will ever be able to capture the same magic that made Silver Linings Playbook so watchable is yet to be seen.
Jamie Goss, News & Feature Editor
X-Men First Class (2011):
Back in 2011, before Jennifer Lawrence took up the huge role of Katniss in The Hunger Games, Lawrence played Mystique in the X-Men prequel ‘X-Men: First Class’. A character which to begin with has huge vulnerability, is pulled off perfectly by Lawrence who knows how to contrast the sweet naivety of Mystique – which we the audience know will change in the future. For those who don’t know, Mystique has the unique ability to change her appearance (and voice) to that of anyone else in the world – including the president of the United States.
X-Men: First Class recalls the tails of most of the mutants in the previous films, by going back to their roots and showing the audience how they became X-Men. Lawrence perfectly fits into this role as all the actors are completely different to those who have played said characters previously, meaning that she didn’t have to fit into an already well rounded group, instead everyone was in the same boat.
I believe this role of Lawrence’s is greatly overlooked. Sure she has been in movies as the lead character which have made a lot more money, but no one can deny that this was one of her break through moments which eventually lead to films like the Hunger Games and American Hustle.
Jasmine Lakhani, Trailer and Review Editor
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013):
I haven’t watched many films that Jennifer Lawrence stars in, but out of the few I have watched I enjoyed The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – I know it’s the typical expected choice, but hey sue me!
The first Hunger Games was great and cleverly made, it emphasised the potential for something bigger and better to come and that is just what happened. Catching Fire was a massive step-up. In this second installment we see Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) return to the Hunger Games for The Quarter Quell after winning the 74th Games along with Peeta Mellark, but this time everything changes. Nothing will ever be the same in Panem.
The reason I chose The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is because throughout the film at no point did I feel bored. I was totally and completely entranced and mesmerised by what was unfolding on the screen in front of me and especially of the main lead Jennifer Lawrence – that to me is what makes a great film. Lawrence played her role as Katniss with ease and genuine emotion. She takes on the role whole-heartedly and that shines throughout The Hunger Games franchise.
La La Film 