Divergent
3/4
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jai Courtney, Miles Teller, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Winslet, Mekhi Phifer, Ashley Judd, Tony Goldwyn
Rated PG-13 for Intense Violence and Action, Thematic Elements and Some Sensuality
Now that the "Twilight" franchise is done with, Summit Entertainment (which was bought by Lionsgate because of the "Twilight" saga...the thought of more movies in that series gives me goosebumps) is looking for a new young adult book series to turn into a franchise. Taking after the success of "The Hunger Games" (much of which is unwarranted), they have turned Veronica Roth's "Divergent" trilogy and are hoping for repeat success. Considering how lame those movies are, it shouldn't be surprising that this movie is better. Or, maybe considering the lack of quality in the films appealed to the tween demographic, maybe it is.
"Divergent" is a cross between the aforementioned "The Hunger Games" and "Harry Potter." The first half so strongly resembles J.K. Rowling's franchise (specifically, the first and second book) that it borders on theft. Factions=sorting houses, the lead character has to make a choice about which faction she chooses, etc. It isn't until the latter half that "The Hunger Games"-ish stuff kicks in.
After a devastating war, the last surviving city has been separated into factions. Beatrice (Woodley) has been raised in the Abegnation faction, who are defined by their selflessness (and as such make up the government). Her test is coming up, and while she can choose to go against the results, she will end up as the "Factionless" if she chooses wrong. Something startling happens, however. She is found to be "Divergent," meaning she exhibits traits evident in more than one faction. Because they don't follow the norm, they are hunted. She chooses to join the "Dauntless," which are the protectors of the city. There, she must prove herself to be worthy. But there's something mysterious going on involving a high ranking woman of the Erudite faction named Jeanine (Winslet).
The film is at its best when it follows Beatrice (or Tris, as she begins to call herself) as she fights her way into acceptance. The conspiracy stuff doesn't make a lot of sense, and it doesn't take center stage until the film's final act.
It helps tremendously that the acting is strong. Shailene Woodley, who got Oscar buzz (although she failed to receive a nomination) for her performance in "The Descendants," although she's best known for her work in the TV show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and last year's indie hit "The Spectacular Now." Woodley has a natural, unforced acting style. She's an "every-girl," and it's impossible not to identify with her. She's been paired with an obligatory hot young stud named Theo James, who plays her trainer/love interest, Four. Unlike, say, Robert Pattinson or (shudder!) Taylor Lautner, James can act. In fact, he's very good. Four is tough and aloof to the point of being fearsome, but James is able to show that he cares about Tris. The two have good chemistry. The weaknesses of the script limit its effectiveness, but the two work well together. It's entertaining to see Kate Winslet playing a villain, although there's not much that even she can do with such a pedestrian script. Special mention has to go to Jai Courtney, who plays Eric, another trainer. Courtney is truly vicious in the role.
The film was directed by Neil Burger, who directed "The Illusionist," a flawed but interesting tale about a magician played by Edward Norton. His approach to the film is relatively clinical; the film looks handsomely budgeted, but stale. There's no power in the setting that he creates. It is coherent and entertaining, but the stale script and direction keep it from being something truly great.
Nevertheless, this is solid, if overlong, entertainment. I'm curious as to where it's going to go, but I can wait until the sequel comes out next year.
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jai Courtney, Miles Teller, Zoe Kravitz, Kate Winslet, Mekhi Phifer, Ashley Judd, Tony Goldwyn
Rated PG-13 for Intense Violence and Action, Thematic Elements and Some Sensuality
Now that the "Twilight" franchise is done with, Summit Entertainment (which was bought by Lionsgate because of the "Twilight" saga...the thought of more movies in that series gives me goosebumps) is looking for a new young adult book series to turn into a franchise. Taking after the success of "The Hunger Games" (much of which is unwarranted), they have turned Veronica Roth's "Divergent" trilogy and are hoping for repeat success. Considering how lame those movies are, it shouldn't be surprising that this movie is better. Or, maybe considering the lack of quality in the films appealed to the tween demographic, maybe it is.
"Divergent" is a cross between the aforementioned "The Hunger Games" and "Harry Potter." The first half so strongly resembles J.K. Rowling's franchise (specifically, the first and second book) that it borders on theft. Factions=sorting houses, the lead character has to make a choice about which faction she chooses, etc. It isn't until the latter half that "The Hunger Games"-ish stuff kicks in.
After a devastating war, the last surviving city has been separated into factions. Beatrice (Woodley) has been raised in the Abegnation faction, who are defined by their selflessness (and as such make up the government). Her test is coming up, and while she can choose to go against the results, she will end up as the "Factionless" if she chooses wrong. Something startling happens, however. She is found to be "Divergent," meaning she exhibits traits evident in more than one faction. Because they don't follow the norm, they are hunted. She chooses to join the "Dauntless," which are the protectors of the city. There, she must prove herself to be worthy. But there's something mysterious going on involving a high ranking woman of the Erudite faction named Jeanine (Winslet).
The film is at its best when it follows Beatrice (or Tris, as she begins to call herself) as she fights her way into acceptance. The conspiracy stuff doesn't make a lot of sense, and it doesn't take center stage until the film's final act.
It helps tremendously that the acting is strong. Shailene Woodley, who got Oscar buzz (although she failed to receive a nomination) for her performance in "The Descendants," although she's best known for her work in the TV show "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and last year's indie hit "The Spectacular Now." Woodley has a natural, unforced acting style. She's an "every-girl," and it's impossible not to identify with her. She's been paired with an obligatory hot young stud named Theo James, who plays her trainer/love interest, Four. Unlike, say, Robert Pattinson or (shudder!) Taylor Lautner, James can act. In fact, he's very good. Four is tough and aloof to the point of being fearsome, but James is able to show that he cares about Tris. The two have good chemistry. The weaknesses of the script limit its effectiveness, but the two work well together. It's entertaining to see Kate Winslet playing a villain, although there's not much that even she can do with such a pedestrian script. Special mention has to go to Jai Courtney, who plays Eric, another trainer. Courtney is truly vicious in the role.
The film was directed by Neil Burger, who directed "The Illusionist," a flawed but interesting tale about a magician played by Edward Norton. His approach to the film is relatively clinical; the film looks handsomely budgeted, but stale. There's no power in the setting that he creates. It is coherent and entertaining, but the stale script and direction keep it from being something truly great.
Nevertheless, this is solid, if overlong, entertainment. I'm curious as to where it's going to go, but I can wait until the sequel comes out next year.
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