The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' is a Rare Prequel That Elevates the Original

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The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes earns 3 stars (out of 4) from We movie critic Mara Reinstein.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes faces unfavorable odds in theory. The franchise has been absent from the moviegoing scene since 2015 and, to make matters worse, it's a prequel. The narrative of exploring how things came to be has not been successful for epics like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. So why should revisiting the post-apocalyptic world of Panem bring about any improvement? We are already aware that District 12 is destined for a grim future lasting decades. There won't be a surprise appearance of Jennifer Lawrence playing the long-lost ancestor of Katniss Everdeen.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stands on its own without the need for big-name actors like Lawrence or Hemsworth. Suzanne Collins' 2020 novel has been transformed into a well-crafted and captivating narrative, with impressive character development rarely seen in blockbuster films. Moreover, it successfully adds to the pop culture significance of the original saga.

Our story takes place during the 10th annual Hunger Games, where two young participants from each of Panem's districts are randomly chosen to battle to the death, broadcasted on television. Lucy Gray Baird (portrayed by Rachel Zegler from West Side Story), the female representative from District 12, surprises everyone at the reaping ceremony by retaliating against a rival with a snake and then fearlessly singing a defiant anthem. Tasked with mentoring her is Coriolanus Snow (played by British actor Tom Blyth), a teenage boy who will eventually become the tyrannical president of Panem. But for now, he is a determined student who wants to help Lucy Gray succeed so he can win a substantial cash prize and attend university. Curiously, he always carries a white rose, but it is merely a symbol of his friendly intentions.

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The narrative is divided into distinct sections, with its overall structure following a predetermined plan. Initially, Lucy is apprehensive of the elite "Corio." However, their bond strengthens over time. Despite being advised by the Games' creator (Peter Dinklage) to refrain from cheating as a strategic maneuver, Corio is willing to go to great lengths to support his protege. Blyth's presence is so captivating that it remains uncertain whether his rebellion stems from an insatiable thirst for wealth or a genuine affection for the alluring and resilient Lucy Gray. Moreover, Dinklage's imposing presence instills belief in his warning of severe repercussions for rule-breakers.

The mysterious surprise . . . become mundane.

The climax of the Hunger Games, unfortunately, fails to deliver the expected suspense. After witnessing Katniss and her fellow competitors engage in ruthless violence for years, the shocking impact of children killing each other has diminished. (To be fair: Collins attempts to emphasize this in her books, given the prevalence of reality TV in our world.) Once again, the bullies from the wealthier districts take on the role of main antagonists; small silver parachutes containing valuable items appear from the sky as a form of salvation; and our heroine encounters danger but relies on her cleverness to survive. It's all too familiar and predictable.

The unfolding drama is visually captivating, at least. During this particular time in Panem, the Tributes must endure in a primitive low-fi arena where the battles take center stage. In the meantime, the action is witnessed by everyone on retro 70s-era TVs. The Capitol itself exudes more of a sterile authoritarian vibe rather than post-apocalyptic glam. All of this is definitely favorable — given the 158-minute runtime, it's only fair that moviegoers are treated to high-quality and expensive-looking production values. (Perhaps a few more songs could have been removed during the editing process? Well, yeah. Zegler has exceptional talent, but we're not here for The Hunger Games: The Concert.)

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The longer duration of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes also means that it doesn't follow the typical ending where a Tribute emerges as the victor. This is what sets the film apart from others.

Consider the fact that prequels often disappoint because there are no real stakes. Obi-Wan Kenobi will eventually become an old man, just like Gandalf the Wizard's physical body won't perish. Obviously, young Corio won't face the guillotine in the third act to transform into a white-haired Donald Sutherland. Instead, the character's moral compass gradually breaks down in an intriguing manner. It helps that he is influenced by Viola Davis' sinister Head Gamemaker, who whispers in his ear like a snake. The actress may not win an award for this performance, but she fully embraces her role with captivating enthusiasm.

In the film, Lucy Gray mentions a three-petal flower named Katniss, hinting at the future. However, this reference serves a more significant purpose in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. It succeeds in captivating our interest in the present, even if not in the past. Who needs archery when tension and harmony take center stage?

Don't miss The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as it premieres in theaters on Friday, November 17.