Rating of
2.5/4
A 'Diverge' Worth Considering
Unknown - wrote on 03/24/14
In a cinema landscape that has recently been overrun by (mostly generic) teen novel adaptations, 'Divergent' is a better alternative. Like usual, the story is an action/sci-fi hybrid that sits in front of a social issue backdrop. The issues here involve class systems and loss of free will through higher powers. This commentary through-line, while not deep, is competent and carried out by utilizing great action to move the story forward. I found some excitement in the fighting, chasing, and aerobatics. These are the best moments, by far. The main character of Tris is a well rounded female hero played flawlessly by Woodly. She's smart, moralistic, strong willed, and not overly vulnerable. The action kind of makes up for the 'sameness' that runs through this entire adaptation. The source material is way too similar to most others of it's type. This main flaw makes the film less memorable. Despite 'going through the motions' of this niche sub-genre, it's still more entertaining most. It's no 'Hunger Games', but it's a close second.
