LakshmiCapitol says “Keep Rolling”- The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Review
Francis Lawrence, who has directed three Hunger Games films, certainly knows what draws us to the theatres for each new dystopian action movie in the series. Ten years prior, I recall going to the movies to see an adaptation of a book series I had read, the first of which was titled “The Hunger Games” and was written by the amazing Suzanne Collins. That 2008 book, led to a trilogy. And that trilogy led to a 4-part film franchise.
Now, in November 2023, I enjoyed watching the movie based on the 2020 prequel novel, set 64 years prior to the setting scene in the first one.
This movie gives us an insight into the uncanny youth and poignant lifestyle of the autocratic ruler of the Capitol and all of Panem- President Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth).The story revolves around this studious, handsome, intelligent individual who ambitiously aims to restore his family’s prosperity. Owing to his academic standing, he is selected to mentor a vibrant, nomadic musician tribute named Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) in the impending 10th anniversary of the annual Hunger Games. Additionally, she happens to be from the same District 12 as Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Katniss Everdeen, except way before her time. Dear young Coriolanus has only one goal- to make his tribute victor, starting by making her a celebrity. The problem? Lucy Gray appears malnourished and not designed for combat—certainly not the type to wield a sword against her fellow competitors in the Games.
Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler in Character. Photo: Lionsgate
While dealing with prominent figures in the form of Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage), the morphine-addicted Dean of the Academy and Dr. Volumnia Gaul (Viola Davis), the terror-instilling Head Gamemaker, he navigates the complexities of his mentorship. Simultaneously, his sister Tigris Snow (Hunter Schafer) advises and protects him throughout the story. Ironically, in the later years, she becomes an ally of Katniss in the resistance against Panem. The supporting cast elevates the story, with Davis being the highlight playing the despicable Gamemaker.
For an action film, the film is surprisingly melodious. Grammy award winner, James Newton Howard reprised his role as composer in this edition. In the original soundtrack, Zegler sang several songs, including “The Hanging Tree” and “Pure as the Driven Snow” for her role as Lucy Baird. Given that her role was a wandering musician, the way the tribute and vocalist parts were blended into the film was fascinating to observe. Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated single, “Can’t Catch Me Now” played during the end credits.
Photos: Lionsgate
At 2 hours and 38 minutes, you could feel the time hitting you around Part 3. After the engaging first two parts of the movie, the consequences of the characters’ narratives and their riveting behavioural changes could have been better captured. Also, there are a lot of snakes.
Ultimately though, this movie is a great addition to the franchise, with incredible performances by Blyth and Zegler who carried a sizzling chemistry throughout the movie. So, let the games begin.
| Release Date: 2023-11-17 | Distributor(s): Lionsgate | ||||
| Cast: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Jason Schwartzman, Peter Dinklage, Josh Andrés Rivera, Viola Davis, Hunter Schafer | Producers: Nina Jacobson, Francis Lawrence, Brad Simpson | ||||
| Director: Francis Lawrence | Screenplay: Michael Lesslie, Michael Arndt, Suzanne Collins | ||||
| Runtime: 157 Minutes | Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama |
Lakshmi
