Synopsis: Experience the story of THE HUNGER GAMES — 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, and decades before Coriolanus Snow became the tyrannical President of Panem. THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.
Can you truly undo or rectify the harm that you have caused? Whether it’s from words, actions, or an idea, whether on accident or purpose, what you put out in the world has an impact. A small insult can fester in the mind turning into an infestation of insecurity and anxiety. An act of abuse can evolve into an endless cycle that weaves itself into each budding generation. And a hateful or hate-fueled idea can become decades of racism and war. We must think before we speak and ponder before we act because if we continue on a path of outright negativity and if hurt people hurt people, then we’ll all cease to exist sooner rather than later. On the other hand, being that we live in a flawed and disjointed world, you must prepare for negativity. You must be ready to absorb blows and insults and adjust accordingly. If you are so equipped, you need to be the righteous counterweight on the world’s moral scale.
“We all do things we’re not proud of to survive.”
If placed in a life-or-death situation, will your primal instincts turn you into a natural-born killer or is there another way? Directed by Francis Lawrence, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is addictively in your favor. And also such a long title. I must preface this with while I may know some of the references, symbolism, and names from the series, I have not read or watched anything from this series. However, after seeing this movie, I am now invested and plan to catch up with Katniss very soon. Well, after awards season.
As the film opens it sets the scene for just how bleak the world had become three years before the first Hunger Games. It’s dystopian in aesthetic and in tone as well. That same somber emotion flies around the film like a jabberjay engulfing happiness like a snake on a rat. As the core of the story takes place leading up to and during the 10th Annual Hunger Games, it juggles good and evil as everyone involved is at the mercy of the diabolical Dr. Gaul and those she serves. Stuck in between believing that the games are wicked but also serve a purpose, a young Coriolanus Snow must win a sought-after prize and the money that comes with it to reclaim his family’s spot among the affluent. But everything changes when he’s tasked with mentoring a young woman from District 12 who’s been blessed with a voice that captivates crowds. Selfishness seems to transform into compassion and empathy, but it may all be the trappings of a sociopath.
As outside perspective is given and those at the Capitol deem those outside of the walls as savages, a crystal clear picture is painted as humanity and its many complexities are put on full display. With all of its drama, enthralling storylines, mystery, and romance, this 3-part narrative will have you in a chokehold. There are minute details, references, and easter eggs at every turn that you don’t want to miss. Nothing is ever exactly what it seems and no one can fully be trusted. Seems like some snakes are songbirds and some songbirds may be a snake. Sidenote, I hate that snakes are always used as a negative. I have a snake and she is wonderful.
“It’s worth the risk to do the right thing.”
If you’re like me and this is your first full Hunger Games experience, it’s a fantastic start. For those who have been on the journey from the beginning, a buddy of mine, who is also a critic says that this film is extremely loyal to the book. I do know the personality and reputation of old Coriolanus Snow and this adaptation perfectly encapsulates his moral ambiguity, the moment he became coldhearted, and how subtle his ruthlessness can be. I can’t help but see how topical this film is in many ways. From how some people see themselves compared to others or how those in power galvanize their constituents into seeing others as less than or subhuman. Fortunately, it shows that compassion can ultimately win people over. Subsequently, they can be manipulated again into another vicious cycle. Nonetheless, its theme of doing the right thing when it’s hard or at the threat of death is prominent throughout.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is whether or not it wants us to empathize with Snow or simply see his story in black and white. Because as a young man, he’s not far off from what we know to be in the future. It comes off as very, woe is the poor powerful psycho. I’m curious to see his reception. Anyway, I felt no issue with the runtime and it was my second lengthy screening of the day. The score and sound design are done incredibly well. While I could’ve used a skosh more depth, the narrative moves smoothly within its parts. The performances are great as is Rachel Zegler’s singing voice. As I mentioned previously, this makes me want to consume the rest of the series as it dives further into the lore adding plenty of new context, and is also just plain exciting. Fans new and old are in for a treat. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
The pacing of the film is smoother than expected. As you’d expect with a prequel, there is time spent exploring the history and reasons behind the culmination of The Hunger Games. However, it is done with purpose and in ways that continue to move the story forward along with adding context to characters. What popped for me is how terrifyingly similar some of the characters are to large sects of the worst of our population. What’s worse is that it is those in power that opt for destruction as a solution and it never benefits those whom they claim to be helping.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Jason Schwartzman, and Viola Davis
The performances of Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler as Coriolanus Snow and Lucy Gray, respectively, while generally pleasing, feel expected or predictable. However, their chemistry is undeniable. From the subtle yet palpable romantic moments to the potent moments of doubt and deceit, the duo is excellent together. Jason Schwartzman is a delight every time Lucretius “Lucky” Flickerman graces the screen. He’s the comedic break that you didn’t know you needed. Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom is one of the more intriguing characters as you never quite know his motives until the end. All that said, the true standout of the film is the unhinged agent of chaos, Dr. Volumnia Gaul played by Viola Davis. She’d give these new Marvel villains a run for their money.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes releases in theaters on November 17, 2023. Remain safe and I guess, Snow lands on top.
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 38m
Director: Francis Lawrence
Screenplay: Michael Lesslie and Michael Arndt
Based on novel by: Suzanne Collins
Producers: Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Francis Lawrence
Executive Producers: Suzanne Collins, Mika Saito, Jim Miller, Tim Palen
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is addictively in your favor. And also such a long title.
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GVN Rating 7.5
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