Hello fellow readers. Thank you for checking this out. Well it finally came (that's what she said). Divergent has made its way from the pages of books to the silver screen. Snooty Hollywood critics rejoiced at the idea of tearing up another movie and movie goers are excited to have something new to obsess about. Where does Divergent stand? Is it the new Harry Potter, Hunger Games, or *shudder* Twilight ?
The trend of page to screen adaptations continue. Teen love, angst, drama, separation by personality into different groups (anyone else notice that? House, factions, districts, dhampir vs moroi vs strigoi, middle earth species, mundanes vs shadow hunter, demi Gods from various Grecian Gods, vampires vs werewolves vs girls who can't act), deaths that define us, and a good way for Hollywood to legally steal money from us. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed Divergent. Here's why and what you need to know before watching the movie because we all know you're going to (unless you're a hipster).
1) Out of All the Successful Franchises, This Has the Hunger Games Feel
Let's take a look see at the history of book franchises to screen adaptations. We have great ones like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Lord of the Rings. We also have shitty turned successful ones *cough*cough*Twilight*cough*cough*. We then have attempts at Twilight's success like Mortal Instruments:City of Bones, Percy Jackson and Vampire Academy which failed and fell flat on its face. A great movie is one that is able to transform your imagination and pages from the book into a reality. Remember that feeling what you saw the walls of Diagon Alley split for the first time? That's the kind of feeling every book fan should feel when they watch a film adaptation of their favorite book. Hunger Games does that and so does Divergent. Because of strong leads, good direction, and beautiful cinematography, it succeeds in bringing these worlds to life. I compare this movie to Hunger Games because the premise is pretty similar in which you need to feel the desperation of a post apocalyptic world and the rules that follow suit. Divergent could have easily been a rip off of Hunger Games but it's able to stand on its own in a similar setting. So if you like the Hunger Games premise, you should love this.
Let's take a look see at the history of book franchises to screen adaptations. We have great ones like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Lord of the Rings. We also have shitty turned successful ones *cough*cough*Twilight*cough*cough*. We then have attempts at Twilight's success like Mortal Instruments:City of Bones, Percy Jackson and Vampire Academy which failed and fell flat on its face. A great movie is one that is able to transform your imagination and pages from the book into a reality. Remember that feeling what you saw the walls of Diagon Alley split for the first time? That's the kind of feeling every book fan should feel when they watch a film adaptation of their favorite book. Hunger Games does that and so does Divergent. Because of strong leads, good direction, and beautiful cinematography, it succeeds in bringing these worlds to life. I compare this movie to Hunger Games because the premise is pretty similar in which you need to feel the desperation of a post apocalyptic world and the rules that follow suit. Divergent could have easily been a rip off of Hunger Games but it's able to stand on its own in a similar setting. So if you like the Hunger Games premise, you should love this.
2) Shailene Woodley Kicks Ass
You can't deny that she's a pretty darn good actress (let's exclude Secret Life of an American Teenager, because who are we kidding that was horrid). Casting a strong lead is key to make or break a movie. Shailene killed it. She was Jennifer-Lawrence-Katnissing her way as Tris in this movie. I love Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, her emotional reactions are so raw and believable; Shailene had the same effect. Honestly after Twilight, I praise the Lord every time I see an actress with more than 1 facial expression. Kristen Stewart gives me hope that if an actress as horrible as she is can still get work, then maybe I have a chance of not being unemployed after graduation. I also thank God when actresses don't make a duck face like Lily Collins after every fucking scene. Even Daisy Duck doesn't do the duck face as much as you do Lily!!! Shailene reacted organically in every scene which allowed her to steal every scene. Bravo Miss Woodley, bravo!
You can't deny that she's a pretty darn good actress (let's exclude Secret Life of an American Teenager, because who are we kidding that was horrid). Casting a strong lead is key to make or break a movie. Shailene killed it. She was Jennifer-Lawrence-Katnissing her way as Tris in this movie. I love Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, her emotional reactions are so raw and believable; Shailene had the same effect. Honestly after Twilight, I praise the Lord every time I see an actress with more than 1 facial expression. Kristen Stewart gives me hope that if an actress as horrible as she is can still get work, then maybe I have a chance of not being unemployed after graduation. I also thank God when actresses don't make a duck face like Lily Collins after every fucking scene. Even Daisy Duck doesn't do the duck face as much as you do Lily!!! Shailene reacted organically in every scene which allowed her to steal every scene. Bravo Miss Woodley, bravo!
3) My Lady Parts Were Super Happy (Courtesy of Theo James)
I'm going to sound super shallow and superficial but then again aren't most of us? Just LOOK AT HIM:
I'm going to sound super shallow and superficial but then again aren't most of us? Just LOOK AT HIM:
Okay I'mma stop with the shallowness now. He was honestly really good at Four and complimented Shailene Woodley really well. He was tough and sweet at the same time, which is all you could ask of Four. Also his combat scenes, oh goodness those combat scenes.......they just make me super happy (now I'll stop with the shallowness). If you like Theo James, you should watch his short-lived (boo!) CBS TV series, Golden Boy. In terms of Divergent however, this was a good movie break out role and he rose to the occasion. Good job Theo!!
4) When the Long and Winding Road Makes Sense for a Movie
So this movie is pretty long and there were moments when I was wondering why it wasn't over. In all honesty, it's probably because I chugged a large coke and needed to pee badly. Kids, never drink and watch a movie! Drink while watching the movie instead or after, just not before; your bladder will thank you. However after making a deposit in the bathroom and having time to think over the movie, you realize that the long hours make sense and in fact help make the movie better. Here's the thing, the director gave his actors time to react to things and he shot those reactions. I really appreciated that because in a storyline that seemed far fetched and required some form of suspension of disbelief, this humanized the experience for the viewers. Hunger Games does this too with Jennifer Lawrence. You have no idea how pissed off I am that they just half assed Sirius Black's death in Order of the Phoenix. That's definitely not the case with this movie. The character development and plot progression also took its time and that also made the movie more believable. Tris didn't start out a badass, she slowly progressed into one. Tris and Four didn't fall in love the minute the set eyes on each other (thank God!), but it took its time to become a believable romance. Timing is key my pretties. I would also like to add that no amount of plot progression would make Twilight a good film. In case it wasn't obvious enough, I'm Twilight's biggest fan (not!)
So this movie is pretty long and there were moments when I was wondering why it wasn't over. In all honesty, it's probably because I chugged a large coke and needed to pee badly. Kids, never drink and watch a movie! Drink while watching the movie instead or after, just not before; your bladder will thank you. However after making a deposit in the bathroom and having time to think over the movie, you realize that the long hours make sense and in fact help make the movie better. Here's the thing, the director gave his actors time to react to things and he shot those reactions. I really appreciated that because in a storyline that seemed far fetched and required some form of suspension of disbelief, this humanized the experience for the viewers. Hunger Games does this too with Jennifer Lawrence. You have no idea how pissed off I am that they just half assed Sirius Black's death in Order of the Phoenix. That's definitely not the case with this movie. The character development and plot progression also took its time and that also made the movie more believable. Tris didn't start out a badass, she slowly progressed into one. Tris and Four didn't fall in love the minute the set eyes on each other (thank God!), but it took its time to become a believable romance. Timing is key my pretties. I would also like to add that no amount of plot progression would make Twilight a good film. In case it wasn't obvious enough, I'm Twilight's biggest fan (not!)
So hell yeah did I enjoy this movie. The company was great too (shout out to you Aram, Aaron, and Justin). It was nice to swoon over Theo James with you guys. Now it's time for me to rate this movie:
It's no Harry Potter but it sure as hell is Hunger Games good (aka 4/5 stars)
Well, that's all for today folks. Hope you have as much of a Reel Good Time watching this as I did. I leave you with this parting thought:
-Vidya