'Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes' First Reviews Are In - Find Out What Critics & Fans Are Saying!

Gwyneth Paltrow’s high-profile legal battle with a 76-year-old retired optometrist over a ski slope collision has been adapted for the London stage. 

Paul Ridd, a long-term acquisitions exec at Picturehouse Cinemas, has been named director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF).

The BBC has apologized for reporting that Israeli troops targeted medics and Arab speakers during a raid on Gaza’s main hospital, Al-Shifa.

Paramount+ has teamed up with Sex Education producer Eleven to make a series about a bachelor party that ends up with the revelers in prison.

Leo Barraclough International Features Editor More than 800 film industry professionals in Germany and Austria have signed an open letter opposing antisemitism, with the number of signatories continuing to grow. The signatories include a wide range of directors, writers, producers and other film industry professionals.

K.J. Yossman The BBC has apologized after a news anchor mis-reported a Reuters news story to suggest the Israeli arms was targeting medical staff.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Modest increases in its Chinese and international games sectors helped Chinese tech giant Tencent achieve respectable results for the three months from July to September, the third quarter of its financial year. Group revenues weighed in at RMB154 billion ($21.5 billion), an increase of 10% year on year and 4% quarter on quarter. Some analysts interpreted that as below their forecasts, but others saw it as beating China’s currently sluggish economy. Profit for the period was RMB36.8 billion ($5.14 billion), which was down 5% year on year, but a 38% improvement on the group’s second quarter. Moreover, Tencent claims that a non-IFRS treatment of its accounts better reflects core earnings.

The Last Of Us has reportedly chosen Kaitlyn Dever to portray Abby Anderson in the season two of the post-apocalyptic horror series.Los Angeles Magazine contributor Jeff Sneider has written on his blog that sources have alerted him to Dever’s potential casting.The journalist noted on The InSneider that showrunner Craig Mazin told The L.A. Times in August that he’d found an actress to portray Abby, Ellie’s rival in the HBO series.Mazin did not respond to a request for comment, nor did UTA, the agency that represents Dever.

AC/DC fans have launched a campaign to try and get the band to Number One for Christmas 2023.A push to get the rock veterans to the Number One spot on the charts in time for Christmas was first launched in 2013 when fans created a campaign to get their track ‘Highway To Hell’ to the top position to celebrate their 40th anniversary.Created on the AC/DC We Salute You page on Facebook, the push led to the 1979 classic reaching Number Four, becoming the band’s first-ever Top 10 single in the UK.Now, exactly 10 years on, the people behind the page have announced a new campaign to mark half a century since the iconic metal band formed, hoping this time that they can get one of their tracks to top the 2023 charts.“In 2013 we all came together to celebrate 40 years of AC/DC by giving them their highest ever UK Singles Chart placing… Highway To Hell at No.4,” an update from the page read over the weekend.“Well, we’re going to choose another track and see if we can get 3 places higher for their 50th anniversary. Are you in? If so join this group and invite everyone,” it added, “Big Balls to Ladbaby!”.In 2013 we all came together to celebrate 40 years of AC/DC by giving them their highest ever UK Singles Chart…Posted by AC/DC We Salute You on Saturday, November 11, 2023The latter part of the update refers to the act going by the name LadBaby – Mark and Roxanne Hoyle – who have consistently topped the charts around Christmas for their sausage roll-themed takes on famous tracks.

Kurt Cobain has gone on auction, described as “maybe the most expensive packet of cigarettes ever”.The variety of memorabilia is the latest of Cobain’s items to go on auction. It’s set to see various items owned and used by the late Nirvana vocalist and guitarist sold off to those who want to own a part of the grunge icon’s possessions.Among the latest round of items hitting the auction block at Julien’s auctions next week is a pack of cigarettes owned by the musician, which are predicted to become “the most expensive pack of cigarettes ever” when sold (via Associated Press).“American Spirit menthols were the preferred brand of the late rock star,” reads the official lot description of the item.

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington has defended his partner Angela Rippon, 79, amid 'fix' claims after the pair were saved from the dreaded dance off on Sunday night's pre-recorded results show.

A mum has been left feeling targeted after finding a vile sticker on her car window after a trip to the supermarket with her young children. The anonymous mother, 24, had visited B&M at Tebay Retail Park in Bromborough, Merseyside, on Monday.

The Human League have announced the support acts for their 2024 UK headline tour – find all the details below.The synth-pop group are due to hit the road for a run of arena shows next December, with dates scheduled in Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Leeds and London.You can find any remaining tickets for the forthcoming concerts here.In a recent post on social media, The Humann League said they were “very pleased” to confirm “two wonderful artists” who will be opening for them on the tour.Sophie Ellis-Bextor and T’Pau are both set to appear at the gigs as “very special guests”. Check out the announcement post below.pic.twitter.com/QVlS2boxkG— The Human League (@humanleagueHQ) November 10, 2023The Human League’s 2024 UK tour dates are as follows: DECEMBER 05 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff 06 – AO Arena, Manchester 07 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham 09 – Brighton Centre, Brighton 10 – Windsor Hall (BIC), Bournemouth 12 – Ovo Hydro, Glasgow 13 – First Direct Arena, Leeds 14 – OVO Arena Wembley, LondonThe band formed in Sheffield in 1977 and achieved huge success in the ’80s with hits including ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Mirror Man’ and ‘Tell Me When.’ They won a BRIT Award for Breakthrough Artist in 1982.Lead singer Philip Oakey has been the group’s consistent member since 1977 while keyboard players Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh both left the band to form Heaven 17.

Christopher Nolan has shared his thoughts on Oppenheimer‘s upcoming release on Blu-ray and digital, urging fans to opt for the former of the two options.While introducing the film at a special screening in Los Angeles on Monday (November 13), Nolan took a jab at streaming services while sharing more about his approach to releasing films on Blu-ray and other physical avenues.Nolan said: “Obviously Oppenheimer has been quite a ride for us and now it is time for me to release a home version of the film. I’ve been working very hard on it for months.

Pete Doherty has opened up to Louis Theroux about the death of Mark Blanco back in 2006, and said he “understands” the anger his mother feels towards him.The discussion arose as the Libertines and Babyshambles singer took part in a new series hosted by Theroux, titled Louis Theroux Interviews, which took a close look at the life and career of the musician.In one part of the interview, the focus was turned to the death of amateur actor Mark Blanco, who died while attending a party that Doherty was also at.Held at the east London flat of Paul Roundhill, the incident occurred in 2006 when the actor fell from the first-story balcony and died of a sustained head injury. Doherty has always denied any knowledge of how Blanco came to lie dying on the pavement after going over the stairwell balcony.

Ray Davies has recalled being shot almost 20 years ago, and explained that he now has some sympathy for the gunman.The former Kinks frontman was involved in a shooting in New Orleans back in 2004, leading to him being hospitalised.He and a friend were walking home from dinner when a mugger attacked them both, threatening the woman with a gun before taking her handbag and piling into a getaway car.Davies chased after the assailant, who turned, aimed the gun and shot him in the leg at point-blank range.The musician went on to recount the ordeal in his 2013 memoir Americana: the Kinks, the Road and the Perfect Riff. During a new interview with NME, Davies was asked about how it felt to relive the incident while writing the book.In response, he said it was a “cathartic” experience because he “didn’t feel like the good guy” when he replayed the scene on the page.“Just before he shot me, he looked afraid – and he had a gun,” Davies told NME.

The Prodigy‘s Maxim has revealed that he destroyed a collection of artwork he’d created following the death of Keith Flint.Flint died by suicide on March 4, 2019. He was 49 years old. A toxicology report subsequently found that he had cocaine, alcohol and codeine in his system at the time of death.Last summer, The Prodigy headed back out on the road in tribute to their late frontman and they continue to perform live.

Fun Lovin’ Criminals line-up, calling the band “frauds and cowards”.Morgan stepped down as frontman of the New York City group in late 2021. In a statement at the time, the remaining members wished him “all the best with his endeavours” and said they would “continue as Fun Lovin’ Criminals”.Currently, the band comprises Brian ‘Fast’ Leiser, Frank Benbini and Naim Cortazzi.

K-pop label YG Entertainment has provided an update on contract renewal negotiations with BLACKPINK, saying that they are still ongoing.The entertainment company made a brief statement to South Korean media, including Sports Chosun, yesterday (November 14) saying that it is “still negotiating with the artists regarding their exclusive contracts”, as translated by Koreaboo. No other details regarding the current status of the discussions were divulged, but YG Entertainment shared in the same statement that an announcement of the negotiations’ outcome “will be revealed through the document regarding major management issues related to investments.” An exact date for this report’s publication has yet to be announced.Negotiations surrounding the status of BLACKPINK’s expiring contracts with YG Entertainment have been underway since July, and their contracts were said to have expired in August.

Napoleon, with generally favourable reviews across the board.The historical drama stars Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role as Napoleon Bonaparte, the military mastermind and Emperor of France. It spans 32 years from the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 to Napoleon’s death on St Helena in 1821, and explores significant battles as well as the romantic turmoil with his wife Joséphine de Beauharnais.Many have praised director Scott for crafting the kind of bombastic spectacle favoured in late ’50s and early ’60s Hollywood, noting in particular the technical and theatrical skill enacted for the sweeping, bloody battle scenes.

OnlyOneOf have announced the dates and stops for the North American leg of their upcoming world tour in 2024.OnlyOneOf announced last week that they would be embarking on a world tour next year, with concerts set for cities across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. It will mark the band’s first-ever world tour.On November 14, the group announced that the world tour will kick off with its North American leg with 10 shows unveiled to take place in Vancouver, Chicago, New York City/New Jersey, Toronto, Atlanta, San Juan, Orlando, Dallas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes might be dressed up like a prequel in its early roots story of villain-to-be Coriolanus Snow, and some might think that Rachel Zegler’s Lucy Gray Baird is just an early days Katniss from District 12.

Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera are opening up about working on The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as a couple!

Olivia Rodrigo is contributing her music to the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes with “Can’t Catch Me Now.”

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes cast had a lot say about their upcoming movie!

Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson were so essential to the success of The Hunger Games, that they are still associated with the roles to this day.

The Hollywood News Run by film fans for film fans! The Hollywood News Last night, the London premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes took place at the famous BFI IMAX in the Waterloo area of town – quite literally the biggest and one of the best screens in the country. The cast and filmmakers arrived on the red carpet to talk about the new film ahead of its release later this month and we have some footage featuring the two main stars, Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth to share.This new film is set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, and decades before Coriolanus Snow became the tyrannical President of Panem.The film 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.

Rachel Zegler opened up about the various connections she shares with Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes, ahead of its UK release on 17 November.The movie – which is a prequel to The Hunger Games trilogy, based on the novel series by Suzanne Collins – is set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteers to partake in the Hunger Games, a dystopian fight to the death between children. The premise focuses on the origin story of the future president, Coriolanus Snow, played by Tom Blyth.With a budget of $100 million, the generational impact of the original trilogy, and famous faces including Viola Davis (The Help, The Suicide Squad), Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Peter Dinklage (Game Of Thrones, Avengers: Infinity War) anticipation around the prequel was high.However, the critical response to the first screenings has been largely negative.

Ellise Shafer As evidenced in its title, music plays a big part in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” In the prequel to the original trilogy, “West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler portrays Lucy Gray Baird, the female tribute from District 12 for the 10th annual Hunger Games, who hails from a musical and nomadic people called the Covey. The film features Zegler singing several songs, including franchise favorite “The Hanging Tree.” Much of the music is folk-inspired, and Zegler sang each track live during filming.

Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes had its world premiere at London’s BFI IMAX this evening, with a red carpet that featured director Francis Lawrence and stars Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Hunter Schafer, Josh Andres Rivera and more.

seems to be going the theme-dressing route for promoting Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Remember the glamorous black dresses worn by Zoë Kravitz, who channeled Catwoman for during red carpets for screenings of Batman? Or, more recently, , transforming herself into a life-size Barbie at various screenings around the world?For the European premiere of Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Rachel paid tribute—get it?—to the franchise's original heroine, Katniss Everdeen, .Rachel Zegler on the red carpet of Hunger Games: The Ballad of the Serpent and the Songbird on November 5, 2023 in Berlin.The dress is a reference to the famous, fiery look worn by Lawrence's character in Catching Fire, the second film in the franchise.

Rachel Zegler dons a fiery dress at the premiere of her new movie The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes held at Zoo Palast on Sunday (November 5) in Berlin, Germany.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is nearing its theatrical release, and author Suzanne Collins is giving her seal of approval!

Katniss Everdeen, it’s unlikely that she would ever appear in future films.Producer Nina Jacobson revealed that any further appearances by Lawrence, 33, is up to “Hunger Games” book series author Suzanne Collins.“If Suzanne has something to say, then she’ll write a book about it,” Jacobson, 58, told Yahoo! Entertainment recently.“Honestly, as much as I love Katniss, I think her story is complete,” she went on. “And I think that Suzanne feels that her story is complete.”Jacobson added: “But if that changes, and Suzanne has something she wants to say, and it involves Katniss, then I would be thrilled.”“But really, any chance to be back in this world, and lead with [director Francis Lawrence] and Suzanne, I would take regardless of who it was about,” she noted.Lawrence, 52, who helmed every single “HG” installment including the most recent one, echoed the producer’s sentiments, saying: “If for whatever reason she had some thematic idea that made sense to tell another Katniss story, I’d be in, and then I’m sure Jen would be in.”“But it really all comes from theme and idea, and Suzanne,” he said.Jennifer has been enthusiastic about a possible Katniss return in the past.

The cast of the upcoming The Hunger Games prequel movie hasn’t been able to promote the film all summer long due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, but now they can thanks to an interim agreement!