I did not think this being adapted into a movie was a wise move, and I was completely wrong. The Hunger Games franchise stands out as some of the best examples of movie adaptations you can find, and this one is no exception. Every actor was on point, especially rising star Rachel Ziegler and Tom Blyth, who embody the tragic romance. Viola Davis stands out as another highlight, no one does villains like her, yet her as Gaul felt totally different to Amanda Waller, as her glee at seeing her bleak perspective on humanity is on full display, a far cry from her stern other role. This movie could have easily been a quick cash-grab, but this franchise continues to be treated with the care it deserves.

Didn't love this one as much as some of the other films in the franchise but definitely a welcome revival for the series. Love seeing a younger Snow. Best part of the movie. The games themselves were alright. Nothing too memorable and the singing in some parts made me want to slink down in my chair. Thought the third act was really interesting.

I was nervous with how this prequel would fare compared to the outstanding original franchise, but I was not disappointed. Rachel Zegler brought Lucy Gray to life and I don't think there could've been a better casting. Tom Blyth was amazing at portraying Snow's descent into madness. I was never interested in a President Snow story, even when the book was first announced. However, this film has all of the tension and tragedy of the original franchise. The third act was naturally a bit slower than the first two, but I was still on the edge of my seat.

When the audience already knows the future of the Hunger Games, it might seem strange to go back to the beginning, but this prequel gives such a clear presentation of how the games and Panem evolve in the decades that follow. Panem takes a clear path into dictatorship under Snow, and this movie shows the seeds of that in Tom Blyth's fantastic performance. If Blyth makes Snow's jump to darkness compelling though, Rachel Zegler carries this movie with her infectious energy. Her commitment to sing live for filming is irable and she makes you wish Lucy Gray was getting the Katniss treatment.

Fire

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was incredible and emotionally moving. Everyone's acting performances were phenomenal and the film perfectly encapsulates the drama that makes The Hunger Games franchise so popular.

I was already a THG fan for over 4 years when The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was released, so without a doubt this was one of the most anticipated films of 2023. After I read the novel, I was excited to return the world of The Hunger Games after 3-year-gap between my cinema experience and last time I rewatched a Hunger Games film. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes couldn't be a better experience. The prequel serves as backstory of how President Snow came to become a villain we first saw and gives a sympathetic look at him. The character serves as an example that people aren't born evil, but their choices and surrounding people lead to that. By the end of the film I could see a rising tyrant in young Snow. Tom Blyth definitely made a splendid job as young Snow. Another powerhouse of the film Rachel Zegler also did wonderfully as Lucy Gray Baird - she wasn't exactly like Katniss, but referenced her a few times. She was both a snake and songbird. Other cast were absolutely great too. The film naturally contains violence, brutal deaths and fights which have always been part of the franchise. The story is dark and tragic [it's never a happy tale for a villain's backstory]. Another element of the film that stands out is the soundtrack featuring"The Hanging Tree", its comeback and origins. Lucy Gray performed the songs in the film - she had the ability to tell a story of what she witnessed and she expressed herself through some of the songs by this way "I won't give up without a fight". Another song I particularly love was "Can't Catch Me Now" by Olivia Rodrigo [great opportunity for her to show potential]. The catchy tune is exactly like a message Lucy sent Snow: "Regardless of my fate I will haunt you forever and never go away". The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes did justice to the franchise.