When it comes to prequels, "may the odds be ever in your favor.” Well, luckily, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is twistedly delightful dystopian entertainment. Yes, the ground-breaking series isn’t ruined with this 5th instalment – nor is your childhood. In fact, it serves as a fitting addition – although not without its faults. But let’s start with the good – scratch that, the great. That’s because the stellar cast came to play with their A-game. For one, Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler deliver wonderful turns full of inspired nuances and charm. Blyth especially surprises, as his descent into “evil” is so well done that the inner turmoil is almost palpable by the end. Then there are excellent additions from Peter Dinklage and Jason Schwartzman (who also serves as the much-needed comedic relief). As for Viola Davis, her unhinged output is nothing short of scene stealing. And truthfully, the film is lucky to have these actors at the helm, as they certainly elevate the film’s proceedings. Not to say that the script is poor, it’s just the plot is way too much to tell in one film. The ending “chapter” felt especially rushed with some jarring shifts that didn’t quite feel wholly earned. Regardless, the film carries the Hunger Games banner with all the vast extravagance and pageantry you’d expect. It’s also nice to get answers and added depth to this murky future world of the haves and have-nots. It may not completely satisfy, but it will definitely leave you *ahem* hungry for more!