The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
2023, PG-13, 158 min. Directed by Francis Lawrence. Starring Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Josh Andres Rivera, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Fionnula Flanagan.
REVIEWED By Kimberley Jones, Fri., Nov. 17, 2023
You don’t have to have prior knowledge of the Hunger Games series – Suzanne Collins' YA book trilogy or the four-part film series adaptation starring Jennifer Lawrence – to make sense of this prequel film, though folks new to the material could be forgiven for wondering why so much energy is invested in the Draco Malfoy-looking guy with a thing for roses. That would be Coriolanus Snow (Blyth), scion of a once-mighty District 1 family ruined by the civil war that ripped apart Panem. He’s working double time to keep up the ruse that the Snows are still wealthy and influential; now all he’s got to do to secure his future is win the Plinth Prize, which will guarantee a ticket to university and the realization of all his ambitions (possibly ... presidential?).
Ah, but this isn’t The Hunger Games: Cori Goes to College; soon enough the titular death match arrives, with Snow assigned to mentor a teenager named Lucy Gray (Zegler) from District 12, the same Appalachia-like coal-mining country Katniss Everdeen will call home a half-century later. Lucy Gray, a singer in a hillbilly band, is conceived as aggressively folksy, but Zegler (West Side Story’s Maria) spins gold from so much cornpone. Her innate charisma is essential to the film, which can’t re-create the startling newness of concept – wherein children are forced to fight to the death in an arena, an annual reminder of the cost of rebellion against the capital – nor do much to individuate the other tributes, who are dressed like Dust Bowl hobos and whose inevitable deaths are presented by returning director Francis Lawrence as tragic but shrugging.
That attitude isn’t too far off from Snow’s; though he forms an intense bond with his tribute Lucy Gray, he has no larger qualms about the Games. In fact, when viewership lags, he pitches new ideas to the Head Gamemaker, Dr. Gaul (interpreted by Viola Davis, likably unhinged, as Miss Havisham meets Mad Scientist). The problem in adaptation here is that Collins’ source book accessed Snow’s inner monologue, a churn of competing emotions and priorities at odds with his unruffled outer self. Without that insight, Snow’s evolution from war-scarred orphan to what Donald Sutherland is playing in the original quadrilogy is rendered as blank as, well, snow.
Showtimes
Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline
14028 Hwy. 183 N., 512/861-7070, www.drafthouse.com/austin/theater/lakeline
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 12:00, 3:40, 7:25, 10:30
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 1:00, 3:45, 7:25, 10:30
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 1:10, 3:45, 7:25, 10:30
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 12:20, 4:00, 7:40
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:45am, 3:35, 7:25, 9:35
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 1:00, 3:20, 7:00, 10:00
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 1:00, 3:20, 7:00, 10:00
Alamo Drafthouse Mueller
1911 Aldrich #120, 512/572-1425, drafthouse.com/austin/theater/mueller
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 11:00am, 1:00, 2:45, 6:30, 10:20
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:30am, 3:15, 7:00, 9:20
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:30am, 3:15, 7:00, 9:20
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:55am, 2:55, 7:00
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:30am, 3:15, 7:00
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 11:00am, 2:00, 7:30
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 11:30am, 3:15, 7:00
Alamo Drafthouse Slaughter Lane
5701 W. Slaughter, 512/861-7060, drafthouse.com/austin/theater/slaughter-lane
Showtimes at this venue are subject to frequent change. Please confirm daily times by phone or website.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 3:55, 8:00, 9:15
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:30am, 3:20, 7:20, 11:00
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:30am, 3:20, 7:20, 9:50
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:50am, 3:45, 7:40
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:55am, 3:45, 7:40
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 11:55am, 3:45, 7:40
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 11:55am, 3:45, 6:20
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
1120 S. Lamar, 512/861-7040, www.drafthouse.com/theater/south-lamar
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 1:00, 3:30, 7:10, 10:50
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 12:55, 3:25, 7:05, 10:35
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 12:55, 3:25, 7:05, 10:35
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 12:55, 3:25, 7:05, 10:35
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:45am, 3:30, 7:20, 11:00
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 12:55, 3:25, 7:05, 10:35
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 12:55, 3:25, 7:05, 10:35
Alamo Drafthouse Village
2700 W. Anderson #701, 512/861-7030, www.drafthouse.com/austin/theater/village
Tuesday matinee Baby Day shows (first show of the day) are intended for parents and their children younger than 6. Showtimes at this venue are subject to frequent change. Please confirm daily times by phone or website.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 2:45, 6:00, 9:45
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 3:30, 7:30, 11:10
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 12:55, 3:50, 7:30, 11:10
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:45am, 3:10, 6:30
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:25am, 2:05, 6:00
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 11:25am, 3:15, 6:30
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 11:45am, 2:15, 6:00
AMC Dine-In Tech Ridge 10
12625 N. I-35, 512/640-1533, www.amctheatres.com
Thu., Dec. 7
CC/DVS, digital 3:15, 6:45, 10:15
Fri., Dec. 8
CC/DVS, digital 12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 9:45
Sat., Dec. 9
CC/DVS, digital 12:15, 3:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sun., Dec. 10
CC/DVS, digital 12:15, 3:40, 7:15, 9:45
Mon., Dec. 11
CC/DVS, digital 3:00, 6:00, 9:30
Tue., Dec. 12
CC/DVS, digital 1:15, 4:00, 7:15
Wed., Dec. 13
CC/DVS, digital 1:15, 4:00, 7:15
Barton Creek Square (AMC)
2901 Capital of Texas Hwy. S., 512/306-1991, www.amctheatres.com
Matinee discounts available before 4pm daily. Bring Your Baby matinees the first Tuesday of every month.
Thu., Dec. 7
CC/DVS, digital 2:30, 6:10, 9:45
Fri., Dec. 8
CC/DVS, digital 12:45, 4:00, 7:30, 11:00
Sat., Dec. 9
CC/DVS, digital 1:15, 4:00, 6:30, 11:00
Sun., Dec. 10
CC/DVS, digital 12:15, 4:00, 7:30, 11:00
Mon., Dec. 11
CC/DVS, digital 12:00, 3:45, 7:30
CC/DVS, IMAX 5:00
Tue., Dec. 12
CC/DVS, digital 12:00, 1:00, 3:45, 7:30
CC/DVS, IMAX 5:00
Wed., Dec. 13
CC/DVS, digital 12:00, 1:00, 3:45, 7:30
CC/DVS, IMAX 4:45
Cinemark 20 and XD
N. I-35 & FM 1825, 512/989-8535
Cost for 3-D and XD shows is regular ticket price plus a premium.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 1:05, 2:00, 4:45, 8:20, 9:50
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:55am, 3:30, 7:05, 10:40
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:45am, 3:30, 7:05, 9:00
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:25am, 3:05, 6:50, 10:25
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 3:10, 6:45, 10:20
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 3:10, 6:45, 10:20
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 3:10, 6:50, 10:25
Cinemark Cedar Park
1335 E. Whitestone, Cedar Park, 800/326-3264
Call theatre for complete list of movies and showtimes.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 11:10am, 2:50, 4:40, 6:30, 8:20, 10:10
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:00am, 2:40, 6:20, 10:00
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:00am, 2:40, 6:20, 10:00
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:20am, 2:50, 6:20, 10:00
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:20am, 2:50, 6:20
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 11:00am, 2:40, 6:20, 10:00
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 11:20am, 2:50, 6:20
Cinemark Hill Country Galleria 14
12812 Hill Country Blvd., 800/326-3264, www.cinemark.com/theater_showtimes.asp?theater_id=377
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 12:20, 3:20, 4:00, 7:40
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:15am, 2:55, 6:30, 9:45
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:15am, 2:55, 6:30, 9:45
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:15am, 2:55, 6:30, 9:50
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:55am, 3:40, 7:20
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 11:55am, 3:40, 7:20
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 11:55am, 3:40, 7:20
Cinemark Round Rock
4401 N. I-35, Round Rock, 800/326-3264
Cost for 3-D shows is regular ticket price plus a $3.50 premium. Call theatre for complete March 26-28 showtimes.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 12:00, 3:55, 7:30
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 10:15am, 1:50, 5:30, 9:15
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 10:15am, 1:50, 5:30, 9:15
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 10:15am, 1:50, 5:30, 9:15
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 12:30, 4:05, 7:40
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 12:30, 4:05, 7:40
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 12:30, 4:05, 7:40
Cinemark Southpark Meadows
9900 S. I-35, 800/326-3264
Cost for 3-D shows is regular ticket price plus a $3.50 premium.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 12:10, 3:45, 4:50, 7:20
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 10:40am, 2:15, 5:50, 9:25
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 10:40am, 2:15, 5:50, 9:25
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 10:40am, 2:15, 5:50, 9:25
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 1:30, 5:05, 8:40
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 12:20, 3:55, 7:30
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 1:30, 5:05, 8:40
Cinemark Stone Hill Town Center
18820 Hilltop Commercial Dr., 512/251-0938, www.cinemark.com
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 3:15, 6:45, 9:15
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:50am, 3:00, 6:45, 10:05
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 10:45am, 11:45am, 3:00, 6:45, 10:05
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:20am, 3:00, 7:00
Cinergy Marble Falls
2600 Hwy 281 North, Marble Falls, www.showbizcinemas.com/cinema-info/marble-falls/
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 1:10, 3:50, 7:00
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 1:20, 4:00, 6:50, 9:50
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 10:30am, 1:20, 4:00, 6:50, 9:50
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 10:30am, 1:20, 4:00, 6:50
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 1:40, 4:10, 6:55
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 1:40, 3:10, 6:55
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 1:40, 3:10, 6:55
City Lights Theatre
420 Wolf Ranch Parkway, Georgetown, 512/868-9922
Thu., Dec. 7
12:15, 4:00, 7:30
Fri., Dec. 8
11:05am, 2:35, 6:15, 9:50
Sat., Dec. 9
11:05am, 2:35, 6:15, 9:50
Sun., Dec. 10
1:00, 4:35, 8:05
Mon., Dec. 11
12:00, 3:40
Tue., Dec. 12
12:15, 4:00, 7:30
Wed., Dec. 13
4:00, 7:30
Evo Cinemas Belterra
166 Hargraves Ste. A-100, 512/457-0700, www.evocinemas.com/belterra
Thu., Dec. 7
12:30, 4:00, 7:30
IMAX 7:15
Fri., Dec. 8
12:45, 1:30, 4:30, 5:00, 8:30
IMAX 3:15, 7:00
Sat., Dec. 9
10:00am, 11:15am, 1:30, 3:00, 5:00, 8:30
IMAX 2:00, 8:45
Sun., Dec. 10
11:15am, 12:30, 3:00, 4:00, 7:30
IMAX 1:15, 8:00
Mon., Dec. 11
12:00, 12:30, 4:00, 7:30
IMAX 3:45
Tue., Dec. 12
12:30, 4:00, 7:30
IMAX 12:15, 7:15
Wed., Dec. 13
12:00, 3:30, 7:00
IMAX 3:00
EVO Entertainment
3200 Kyle Crossing, Kyle, 512/523-9009, www.evo-entertainment.com
Thu., Dec. 7
1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:30, 8:00, 9:00
Fri., Dec. 8
3:00, 9:30, 10:30
EVX 1:00, 7:30
Sat., Dec. 9
9:00am, 3:15, 9:45, 10:30
EVX 1:00, 7:30
Sun., Dec. 10
9:00am, 3:15, 9:45, 10:30
EVX 1:00, 7:30
Mon., Dec. 11
3:00, 9:30
EVX 12:30, 7:00
Tue., Dec. 12
4:00, 8:30
EVX 12:30, 7:00
Wed., Dec. 13
4:00, 8:30
EVX 12:30, 7:00
Film Alley Bastrop
1600 Chestnut St, Bastrop, 512/321-0123, bastrop.filmalley.net/
Thu., Dec. 7
11:20am, 12:15, 3:25, 7:30
Fri., Dec. 8
10:20am, 12:15, 2:25, 6:30, 10:15
Sat., Dec. 9
10:20am, 12:15, 2:25, 6:30, 10:15
Sun., Dec. 10
10:20am, 12:15, 2:25, 6:30
Mon., Dec. 11
11:20am, 12:15, 3:25, 7:30
Tue., Dec. 12
11:20am, 12:15, 3:25, 7:30
Wed., Dec. 13
11:20am, 12:15, 3:25
Flix Brewhouse
2200 S. I-35, Round Rock, 512/244-3549, www.flixbrewhouse.com/round-rock
Thu., Dec. 7
11:00am, 12:30, 1:55, 3:00, 7:50, 9:30
Fri., Dec. 8
11:00am, 2:40, 7:45, 9:45
Sat., Dec. 9
10:00am, 1:45, 3:25, 6:15, 8:45
Sun., Dec. 10
10:00am, 1:55, 6:15, 8:45
Mon., Dec. 11
11:00am, 2:45, 4:15, 7:30, 9:00
Tue., Dec. 12
12:10, 4:15, 7:15, 9:00
Wed., Dec. 13
12:15, 4:20, 7:45, 9:10
Galaxy Highland 10
6700 Middle Fiskville, 512/467-7305, www.galaxytheatres.com
No one under 18 will be allowed in the theatre on Friday or Saturday after 7pm without an adult.
Thu., Dec. 7
CC 1:40, 3:35, 5:30, 9:00
Fri., Dec. 8
CC 11:10am, 2:40, 6:30, 10:00
Sat., Dec. 9
CC 11:10am, 2:40, 6:30, 10:00
Sun., Dec. 10
CC 11:10am, 2:40, 6:30, 10:00
Mon., Dec. 11
CC 1:40, 5:30, 9:00
Tue., Dec. 12
CC 1:40, 5:30, 9:00
Wed., Dec. 13
CC 1:40, 5:30, 9:00
Gateway Theatre
9700 Stonelake, 512/416-5700
Discounts daily before 6pm. Cost for 3-D shows is regular ticket price plus a $3.50 premium.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 11:05am, 2:40, 6:10, 9:45
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:15am, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:15am, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:15am, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 11:15am, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 11:15am, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 11:15am, 2:50, 6:20, 9:50
Hometown Cinemas
120 MLK Jr. Industrial Blvd. W, Lockhart, 512/398-4100, www.hometowncinemas.com
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 3:00, 6:10
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 4:25, 7:40, 8:40
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 1:00, 4:15, 7:30, 9:00
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 12:00, 3:05, 6:15
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 3:50, 6:10
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 6:20
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 6:20
iPic Theaters Austin
3225 Amy Donovan Plaza, 512/568-3400, www.ipic.com
Thu., Dec. 7
11:45am, 1:00, 2:00, 6:00, 10:15
Fri., Dec. 8
11:00am, 12:15, 4:00, 6:15, 10:15
Sat., Dec. 9
12:15, 4:00, 6:15, 10:15
Sun., Dec. 10
12:15, 4:00, 6:15, 10:00, 10:15
Mon., Dec. 11
11:30am, 3:00, 6:15, 10:15, 10:30
Tue., Dec. 12
11:30am, 3:45, 6:00, 6:30, 10:00, 10:30
Wed., Dec. 13
11:30am, 4:00, 6:00, 6:30, 10:00, 10:30
Thu., Dec. 7
CC/DVS, digital 11:30am, 3:50, 7:30, 10:00
Fri., Dec. 8
CC/DVS, digital 11:30am, 3:50, 7:30, 10:15
Sat., Dec. 9
CC/DVS, digital 11:30am, 3:50, 7:30, 10:15
Sun., Dec. 10
CC/DVS, digital 11:30am, 3:50, 7:30, 10:15
Mon., Dec. 11
CC/DVS, digital 11:15am, 12:30, 4:00, 7:30
Tue., Dec. 12
CC/DVS, digital 11:35am, 12:20, 3:45, 7:15, 10:00
Wed., Dec. 13
CC/DVS, digital 12:20, 3:45, 7:15, 10:00
Metropolitan
901 Little Texas, 512/447-0101
Discounts daily before 6pm. Cost for 3-D shows is regular ticket price plus a $3.50 premium.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 1:30, 2:30, 6:15, 10:00
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 10:40am, 12:00, 2:30, 6:20, 10:05
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 10:40am, 12:00, 2:30, 6:20, 10:05
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 10:40am, 12:00, 2:30, 6:20, 10:05
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 12:00, 1:05, 3:50, 4:55, 7:35, 8:40
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 12:00, 1:05, 3:50, 4:55, 7:35, 8:40
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 12:00, 1:05, 3:50, 4:55, 7:35, 8:40
Moviehouse & Eatery
8300 FM 620 N., Bldg. B, 512/501-3520, www.themoviehouse.com/trails/
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 11:00am, 3:00, 7:00, 9:00
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 10:30am, 2:30, 6:30, 8:45, 10:00
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 10:30am, 2:30, 6:30, 8:45, 10:00
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 10:30am, 2:30, 6:30, 8:45, 10:00
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 10:30am, 2:30, 6:30, 8:45
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 10:30am, 2:30, 6:30, 8:45
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 2:45, 8:45
Moviehouse & Eatery - Lantana Place
7415 Southwest Pkwy., Bldg. 7, 512/572-0770, www.themoviehouse.com/lantana/
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 10:30am, 1:50, 7:30, 8:30
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:30am, 3:30, 7:30, 9:00
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:30am, 3:30, 7:30, 9:00
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:30am, 3:30, 7:30, 9:00
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 10:30am, 11:30am, 3:30, 7:30, 9:00
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 10:30am, 11:30am, 3:30, 7:30, 9:00
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 12:00, 4:00, 8:00, 9:00
Southwest Theaters at Lake Creek 7
13729 Research #1500, 512/291-3158, www.southwesttheaters.com
$6.50 children and senior tickets (all-day), $5 Tuesdays (all tickets), Bargain Matinees before 5pm daily.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 3:20, 7:00
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:30am, 3:00, 6:30, 10:00
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 3:00, 6:30, 10:00
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:30am, 3:00, 6:30
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 1:20, 3:30, 7:10
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 1:20, 3:30, 7:10
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 1:20, 3:30, 7:10
The Spot Cinema Eatery & Social Haus
1180 Thorpe Lane #130, San Marcos, 512/210-8600, www.evo-entertainment.com/locations/the-spot/
Thu., Dec. 7
12:00, 3:45, 4:30, 7:30
Fri., Dec. 8
11:45am, 4:45, 8:15
Sat., Dec. 9
10:15am, 2:15, 5:45, 9:30
Sun., Dec. 10
10:15am, 2:15, 5:45
Mon., Dec. 11
12:00, 3:30, 7:15
Tue., Dec. 12
12:00, 3:30, 7:15
Wed., Dec. 13
12:00, 3:30, 7:15
Westgate 11
4477 S. Lamar, 512/899-2717
Discounts daily before 6pm. Cost for 3-D shows is regular ticket price plus a $3.50 premium.
Thu., Dec. 7
digital 11:10am, 2:50, 6:30, 9:45
Fri., Dec. 8
digital 11:45am, 3:15, 6:30, 9:45
Sat., Dec. 9
digital 11:45am, 3:15, 6:30, 9:45
Sun., Dec. 10
digital 11:45am, 3:15, 6:30, 9:45
Mon., Dec. 11
digital 12:00, 3:40, 6:10, 9:45
Tue., Dec. 12
digital 12:00, 3:40, 6:10, 9:45
Wed., Dec. 13
digital 12:00, 3:40, 6:10, 9:45
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Josh Kupecki, Nov. 20, 2015
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KEYWORDS FOR THIS FILM
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Francis Lawrence, Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis, Josh Andres Rivera, Hunter Schafer, Peter Dinklage, Jason Schwartzman, Fionnula Flanagan
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