Capsule Review: Whether or not you’re a fan of the originl Hunger Game’s trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a dark and violent downward spiral into villiany you didn’t know you needed. Suzanne Collins (finally) showcases her understanding of dystopian hellscapes. And this adaptation proves it by turning what could feel like a needless return to Panem into a stunningly lush, brutal, and well-crafted tale of how easy it is to abandon “the good” in pursuit of safety. It’s a grim reminder that often, cruelty is the point. Watching a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) navigate the ruthless intrigue of a post-war Capitol is a brilliant allegory for how the scramble for power ultimately makes spectacles of us all. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a villan origin story you shouldn’t miss.

Listen as Ro discusses with Kriss why this a prequel is strong enough, despite a few structural flaws, to stand on it’s own and definitely worth seeing.

Director: Francis Lawrence
Writers: Nia DaCosta , Zeb Wells , Elissa Karasik

Starring: Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andrés Rivera, Viola Davis
Runtime:  2 Hours 37 Minutes

Synopsis: 64 years before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem, Coriolanus Snow sees a chance for a change in fortunes when he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12.