As a devoted Hunger Games fan, I’ve practically worn out my book copies with countless reads. So, volunteering as tribute to watch The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes was my way of stepping into the arena of on-screen excitement. Hopefully, if you are reading this review, you have seen the original Hunger Game Movies starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. But before you continue, it’s important to note that while this movie isn’t as good as the original, it comes pretty close.

Set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen’s iconic appearance in the games, the story centers on 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow and his journey to becoming the ruthless and tyrannical president we know from the later books. The narrative unfolds in the Capitol’s most prestigious school, where students take on the role of mentors for tributes, adding an entertaining dimension to the Hunger Games. As the 10th annual Games approach, young Snow is distressed by the prospect of mentoring Lucy Gray, a clever and resilient girl from District 12. Together, they urgently combine their showmanship and political skills to reveal the true nature of each participant, discerning between those who are genuine, like a songbird, and those who are not, like a snake.

I’m typically not a big fan of prequels, especially when the original main character is absent, but this one blew me away. I found the movie incredibly well-crafted. The entire theater was on the edge of their seats, silent, absorbed in admiration for the film’s beautiful cinematography, particularly in the wilderness scenes. I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity of the plot, leaving the audience with much to ponder.

The movie challenges you to believe that Snow once had a heart before evolving into the cold dictator we know decades later. Tom Blythe did an exceptional job portraying Snow, capturing his charm, cunning personality, and handsomeness, while skillfully depicting his gradual descent into brokenness. Witnessing the slow demise of Snow’s character was captivating, and I can’t imagine a better actor for the role. The film serves as a perfect example of how hurt people can end up hurting others.

Although I was skeptical of Rachel Zeglar due to her interactions with the press (refer to my Snow White article for more details), she did an amazing job portraying Lucy Gray. Her performance was phenomenal. Although she is no Katniss, she brings something different to the big screen, with a lovely singing voice and impressive facial expressions. The chemistry between her character and Blythe’s character was evident, though a bit rushed.

Although it didn’t bother me that much, it is worth mentioning the only notable “downside” of the film: its extended duration. The film is just under 3 hours long. So, to sum up, while the prequel may not fully capture the essence of the Girl on Fire, it brilliantly acts as a spark to the flames of Hunger Games nostalgia. With its exceptional execution, I wholeheartedly recommend everyone buy a ticket and step into the arena themselves.