The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel movie that explores the origin of President Snow and his relationship with a District 12 tribute. Based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, the movie is directed by Francis Lawrence, who also helmed the last three films of the original franchise.
The movie takes us back to the 10th Hunger Games, where a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a charismatic singer from the poorest district. As the games unfold, Snow finds himself conflicted between his growing feelings for Lucy and his ambition to rise in the ranks of the Capitol. Meanwhile, Lucy must survive the brutal arena, where the rules are constantly changing and the stakes are higher than ever.
The movie benefits from the strong performances of its lead actors, especially Zegler, who shines as the rebellious and resourceful Lucy. She also delivers some of the best musical moments in the movie, such as her rendition of “The Hanging Tree”, a song that will become a symbol of resistance in the future. Blyth does a convincing job of portraying Snow’s complex and contradictory character, showing glimpses of his charm, intelligence, and ruthlessness.
The movie also features some spectacular action sequences, such as the opening riot in the Capitol, the chaotic train ride to the arena, and the thrilling finale in the forest. The production design and the cinematography create a vivid contrast between the lavish and decadent Capitol and the bleak and oppressed districts. The movie also adds some interesting details to the lore of the Hunger Games, such as the origin of the mockingjay pin, the role of the mentors, and the experiments of Dr. Gaul (Viola Davis), a sinister scientist who oversees the games.
However, the movie is not without its flaws. The biggest one is its length, which clocks in at almost two and a half hours. The movie feels overstuffed with too many subplots and characters, some of which are not well-developed or relevant to the main story. The movie also suffers from some pacing issues, especially in the third act, where the events seem to be rushed and the resolution is unsatisfying. The movie also makes some questionable choices in terms of the camera work, such as the use of wide lenses that distort the image and create a sense of detachment from the characters.
Overall, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a worthy addition to the series, offering a new perspective on the world of Panem and its history. Fans of the franchise will enjoy the familiar elements and the references to the original trilogy, while newcomers will be intrigued by the compelling story and the charismatic characters. The movie is not perfect, but it is entertaining and engaging enough to deserve a watch.
Rating: 4/5 stars
