The Hunger Games | The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes Review: Grim Prequel to an Already-Grim Story

As a fan of the books and first couple of movies, I was excited to revisit The Hunger Games franchise with The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, especially after learning that Oscar-winning screenwriter Michael Arndt (Catching Fire, Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) was back to help with the script. And it shows, though nothing beats the first Jennifer Lawrence installments. The internet is already aflame with reactions to the prequel detailing the infamous villain Snow's rise to power. Featuring a stacked cast and soundtrack with songs from Olivia Rodrigo and more, returning franchise director Francis Lawrence's new prequel is definitely something for loyal fans and perhaps even those simply looking for an introduction to see what the franchise is about. And at a whopping 165 minutes, it will definitely bring you into its world.

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