Francis Lawrence directs Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler and Viola Davis in this prequel to the YA sci-fi dystopian series.

The two finest adaptations of the YA boom a decade ago were The Fault In Our Stars and The Hunger Games. Both flicks benefited from breakout star turns from their female leads. And while Jennifer Lawrence absolutely carried her series of rather dour PG-13 millennial updates of Punishment Park / Battle Royale, it is probably fair to say the endeavour was hamstrung by a love triangle where she had the thankless choice between two wet male leads not worthy of her. No such problems here, as the central relationship between Blyth (impressive) and Zegler (cute) has a complexity and a risk that J-Law might kill a dozen kids for. The first two acts of this are a high for the franchise. It just feels all the more urgent, grounded and vicious than the core hit films. Now the last act probably should have been saved for its own sequel but the fact that this left me wanting more rather than less is a massive about face for this particular IP. Peter Dinklage and Jason Schwartzman are good value in support but Viola Davis really runs with her out-and-out demented villain. This is probably the loopiest turn in a big studio reboot since Nicholas Hoult in Fury Road. What I’m saying is there is a lot of quality here, well utilised. The final stretch is pleasingly ambiguous if a little rushed. How often do you see that in the multiplex? No complaints here. Enjoy the arena, stay for the songs.

7

Perfect Double Bill: The Hunger Games (2012)

My wife and I do a podcast together called The Worst Movies We Own. It is available on Spotify or here https://letterboxd.com/bobbycarroll/list/the-worst-movies-we-own-podcast-ranking-and/