On November 17th, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes released in theaters, starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth. Announced in 2021, the crew had much time to successfully publicize its arrival. Users on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms have been obsessing over the movie and its addition to the franchise, and the students at Liberty North offer no exception.

“I personally loved the movie, it had me hooked the whole time. It was such a good prequel because it brought up things that soon happened in the future. I think all the actors played their parts so well. I hate Snow but he’s hot,” said Junior Carli Finlayson.

The positive reviews seem to be fairly common, with an audience score of 89%, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

“I thought it was very well set up and told. Everyone was casted in the perfect spots. It had me gasping and crying in the theater. I’m going to have to see it again!” Senior Kaitlyn Otte said.

However, some voice complaints.

“There was a lot of singing for a Hunger Games movie, but it was hype.” Said senior Emmanuel Ealey

Based on the book published on May 19th, 2020, the movie is a prequel to the best-selling Hunger Games series that stars Josh Hutcherson and Jennifer Lawrence in the films. The movie follows a teen President Snow’s origin story, as he begins to contribute to the intensity of the Hunger Games, an event created to punish the lower castes in the dystopia and features 24 tributes fighting to the death for the entertainment of the Capitol.

Critics argue that the ending was too rushed, but fans loved the pace. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will be in theaters all throughout December.