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First critic reactions to 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' are strongly positive

Film critics reacting after the premiere of 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' praise the film, especially Joseph Zada as young Haymitch. It opens in theaters Nov. 20.

2 outlets · 1L · 1C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: Screen Rant
Image: Variety

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The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2The first critic reactions to 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' are in, and the quoted responses are strongly positive. Mixed · 2Joseph Zada, who plays a young Haymitch and takes over the role from Woody Harrelson, draws the most praise. Collider's Perri Nemiroff wrote that he "had my jaw on the floor time and time again" and that "This is only the beginning for Zada." Mixed · 2Other critics also praised the performances. ScreenRant's Tatiana Hullender singled out Zada, Mckenna Grace and Jesse Plemons. Next Best Picture's Matt Neglia called Glenn Close a "scene-stealer" and Plemons's performance a highlight, and said the film "features some of the best casting of the year."

Mixed · 2Several critics also praised director Francis Lawrence and the film's themes. Griffin Schiller said Lawrence 'has always excelled at squaring our growing nihilism with the desire to disrupt the system'. Schiller also called the film the "Rogue One" and "Andor" of the franchise. Gavin Spoors called the third act "stellar", and Nina Starner called it "a worthy addition to the franchise." Left · 1The film is based on Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and follows a young Haymitch competing in the 50th Hunger Games. It is set 24 years before the first movie and is the second prequel after 2023's 'The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes'. Variety counts it as the sixth film in the franchise. Left · 1The cast includes Jesse Plemons as Plutarch, Ralph Fiennes as President Snow, Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman, Maya Hawke as Wiress and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Beetee. Francis Lawrence, who has directed every film except the first, returns as director. Variety also says Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Harrelson return as Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch in what appears to be a flash-forward epilogue like the book's.

Left · 1Lionsgate is set to release the film in theaters on Nov. 20. These are early reactions from film press and are not full reviews. Both articles quote only favourable voices.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Variety leads with the praise, headlining the 'Rogue One' comparison and Zada, and adds background on cast, plot and the returning original stars.
Emphasis
Zada's performance, the cast, the production design, and the buzz around Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson returning.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not quote any negative or mixed reaction.
Charged language
“perfect adaptation”“A star is born role”
For example
“members of the film press are already calling the sixth installment a “perfect adaptation” that breathes “new life” into the franchise” — Variety
“A star is born role.” — Variety

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Screen Rant gives a short roundup of three reactions, with Zada's performance and Francis Lawrence's direction as the main points. One of the quoted critics is from Screen Rant itself.
Emphasis
Zada's performance and Lawrence's handling of the story's themes.
Leaves out or plays down
Gives little plot or cast detail and no release date. It does not note that all the quoted reactions are positive.
Charged language
“beautiful, bittersweet story”
For example
“a beautiful, bittersweet story that translates very well to film.” — Screen Rant
“This is only the beginning for Zada.” — Screen Rant

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.

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