For all of the hysteria that has surrounded this adaptation, when I watched this in a preview screening surrounded by cheering girls in Snow White costumes, it was hard to remember why people were convinced of the insidiousness of this film in the first place. 

Despite being overstuffed, The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes still manages to fight for its place in The Hunger Games series as it is filled with great performances, effective world building and entertainment value.