The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  157 Minutes

Rated: 12A     

Genre: Drama, Action, Adventure

Director: Francis Lawrence

Starring: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Hunter Schafer, Viola Davis, Peter Dinklage, Max Raphael, Jason Schwartzman, Josh Andrés Rivera, Burn Gorman

IMDB Rank: 6.7/10

Part 1 Time:  97 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  60 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Dean Casca Highbottom (Peter Dinklage) informs Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) that he is to be banished to District 8.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “You hear that boy, finally the sound of snow falling,” states Dean Casca Highbottom.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Send me to 12,” Coriolanus Snow asks the transfer officer.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Coriolanus Snow is banished from the Capitol due to his involvement in cheating during the 10th Hunger Games and is to become a peacekeeper in District 8. Will Coriolanus Snow adjust to his new role as peacekeeper and will he ever be reunited with Lucy Gray Baird?

Which part is better? The film is split into three separate sections (the mentor, the prize, and the peacekeeper). Part one highlights the build up to the 10th annual Hunger Games as well as the games itself. Part two, explores Coriolanus Snow transition from mentor to peacekeeper, struggling with his inner demons. Part one is significantly better as the 10th Hunger Games is presented and Coriolanus Snow works diligently to ensure his tributes his victorious.

Academy Awards:  None