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

[Jake]

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes opens in theaters on November 17, 2023.

 

[Nick]

I watched the trailer with my wife. She thought it looked interesting at least. As far as the Hunger Games goes - I liked the first film, I particularly liked the second film, then, I disliked the third and fourth. The prospect of a sequel series does have its appeal - it's a fun concept, one I feel can be done over and over and never really get old. However, I am worried that the direction they're taking it will make it fall victim to prequelitis.

The same way Fantastic Beasts, The Hobbit, and Star Wars are both notable examples of how a Prequel series can really suck the air out of the room.

 

[Jake]

Do you think you and your wife will end up watching it in theaters?

 

[Nick]

Do you think you and your wife will end up watching it in theaters?

Honestly, after the Covid-19 pandemic, my local theater shutdown. So, the closest theater is now a one-hour drive away. For that reason, I don't go to the theater very often at all anymore. I did see the other Hunger Games in theaters, however.

 

[Shortie]

I liked the other ones. Like @Nick said, the last couple films were a little lackluster - same with the books, actually. I'm up for it though!

 

[Jake]

Honestly, after the Covid-19 pandemic, my local theater shutdown. So, the closest theater is now a one-hour drive away. For that reason, I don't go to the theater very often at all anymore. I did see the other Hunger Games in theaters, however.

Ouch, that sucks. I lucked out. Mississippi pretty much never closed down and the local theater just adopted the spaced seating.

 

[Nick]

Ouch, that sucks. I lucked out. Mississippi pretty much never closed down and the local theater just adopted the spaced seating.

Yeah, it sucks. What's even worse is that most buildings in my area don't get replaced with new things ever. Instead, they just sit there, a memorial for what once was. I still pass the theater all the time and see the sign that hasn't been taken down, the walls lined with blank boards that used to have movie posters. Kinda depressing.