Divergence: Insurgent (12A)

Directed by Robert Schwentke
Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ansel Elgort, Jai Courtney, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Miles Teller, Octavia Spencer, Tony Goldwin, Ashley Judd, Daniel Dae Kim

The second film in the Divergence franchise tries even harder to be The Hunger Games! However, it is hamstrung by that stupid 'everyone only has one character trait' idiocy that is the central conceit of the books. Tris is on the run with the super dull hunk Four and her drippy brother Caleb. Much more fun throughout the whole film is Miles Teller as Peter. Maybe I'm biased after loving Whiplash but the film always perked up when he was onscreen!
Tris wants to kill Jeanine (an icily good Kate Winslet, giving good baddie!) and meets up with other faction leaders Octavia Spencer and Daniel Dae Kim as well as the leader of the factionless, and Four's mother, Naomi Watts. Yes, a decent supporting cast a la Hunger Games!
Another similarity, the leading lady is a huge factor in any success. Shailene Woodley doesn't quite have Jennifer Lawrence's charisma but is the main reason to watch. Hunger Games parallel number 23, incredibly dull romantic lead guy! Theo James' Four (which is just an absurd name!) is supremely boring and acts idiotically throughout. Not that Peeta and Gale are any better!
While the plot is fast moving, and I liked the twist at the end that sets up the next two films intriguingly, there is an over reliance on CGI, from the extended virtual reality type tests to the look of the ruined city that is so obviously computer generated. I got rather fed up of the endless flying pixels and fancy flying camera moves - are they trying to save 3D movies?? However, lots is happening, a stong cast, and Woodley is an appealing heroine.
6/10

March 2015