The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes – Movie Review

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a dark prelude to Panem’s tyranny.

In the upcoming release, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, director Francis Lawrence takes audiences on a journey 64 years before the iconic Katniss Everdeen became the symbol of rebellion in Panem. Based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, the film explores the formative years of the notorious President Snow, portrayed by Tom Blythe, as he grapples with his moral compass while mentoring Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12.

I had the opportunity to attend a fan event screening, and the evening commenced with a cringe-worthy pre-show featuring a host stumbling through questions and displaying a disconcerting lack of information. This awkward introduction, albeit unintentional, pushed the film’s start time past 8 PM, leaving the audience restless. As someone not well-versed in the Hunger Games lore, I entered with an open mind, having only mildly enjoyed the previous films.

The movie’s strength lies in exploring weighty themes and darker philosophies.

The narrative initially unfolds at a measured pace, but Tom Blythe’s performance as Coriolanus Snow eventually takes center stage, injecting life into the film. The build-up towards the Hunger Games is where the story truly comes alive, gripping the audience with intensity and spectacle. However, dividing the film into three parts may prove divisive. While the Hunger Games sequence is undeniably fantastic and seat-gluing, the plot becomes somewhat bloated after its conclusion. Part 2 feels like a natural conclusion, leaving the third act with the potential for a separate, intriguing story.

The cast, however, remains a standout, with strong performances from Jason Schwartzman, Peter Dinklage, and Viola Davis. Schwartzman, in particular, steals the show, injecting a sense of fun into the narrative. Yet, not all performances hit the mark. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Lucy Gray Baird fails to convince, possibly hindered by an inconsistent accent. Hunter Schafer’s character, Tigris Snow, feels like a glorified cameo, contributing little to the story. Though compelling, Josh Andrés Rivera’s Sejanus Plinth lacks the necessary backstory and character development to understand his motives fully.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. The sets are impressive, and the costumes transport viewers seamlessly into the dystopian world of Panem. There’s a subtle attempt to emulate the success of the Fantastic Beasts franchise within the Hunger Games universe, although whether it achieves a similar outcome remains uncertain.

Verdict

I give The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is a commendable addition to the franchise as it wrestles with profound themes, boasts a stellar cast, and offers a gripping Hunger Games spectacle.

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