Studios are constantly
in search of the next "Twilight," "The Hunger Games," or "Harry Potter"
franchise, with best-selling books being the primary source of episodic
additions. They've found just such a novel (an entire trilogy by
Veronica Roth), containing the similarities and elements so highly
coveted – but originality definitely isn't one of them. "Divergent" is
once again a teen-oriented science-fiction adventure, full of action,
romance, and adolescent consternations. Instead of focusing on a love
triangle, survivalist thrills, or a great magical evil, this derivation
is all about independence, corporatism, and the dramatic coup d'état of a
corrupt government. The setting is still a postapocalyptic dystopian
remnant, the small gathering of heroes is still vastly outmatched, and
unconvincing love banter is carelessly tossed about.
Hundreds of
years after a war devastated the planet, Chicago is reduced to a small
community walled off from an unknown outside threat and hidden amongst
dilapidated buildings. The founder of this surviving civilization has
divided all inhabitants into five factions, each with different skills
and jobs. At an undisclosed age (sixteen according to the book), each
member must choose between the path of an intellect, a farmer, a public
servant, a politician, or a soldier. Youths are expected to follow their
heritage and are discouraged from selecting a role unaligned with their
birthright. Nevertheless, an archaic choosing ceremony (involving the
ridiculous ritualistic cutting of the hand and squeezing blood drops
into a symbolic bowl) allows everyone to select publicly, after having
taken a mental test that informs of personal skills and mindset.
Beatrice
Prior (Shailene Woodley) originates from the selfless "Abnegation"
faction, but chooses to pursue a career with the brave "Dauntless" clan
(a controversial move instigated by her rare multi-faction tendencies,
dubbed "divergent"). She's separated from her family, seemingly
permanently, for a 10-week training period that isn't as militaristic or
educational as it is gladiatorial, anarchical, and naturally nurturing
for bullies. Rules of combat and scoring points are made up along the
way, with failure rewarded with a casting out to the homeless, filthy,
starving "factionless" throng (its existence is obvious evidence that
the intended peaceful societal system in place spawns inequality, greed,
and dictatorial leaders). Beatrice becomes "Tris" as she sets about
learning how to fight and quell her fears. She finds herself drawn
toward instructor Four (Theo James) while learning about a plot by
conspiring, power hungry politician Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet) to
violently overthrow a discordant sect.
This strange, totalistic
world, full of peculiar traditions, is explained via bland voice-over
narration, hindered further by rock beats, spontaneous running, and
borderline parkour maneuvers conducted by the Dauntless pack (which
serves as showy, daredevil guardians of the city). The premise, which
has the unmistakable feel of "The Hunger Games," also borrows
considerably from "Equilibrium," "1984," "City of Ember," and even "Bee
Movie." The extended sequences of training, camaraderie, and simulated
war games hints at "Starship Troopers," while a laughable introduction
to coed showering facilities that is, of course, never alluded to or
shown again, vaguely reminds of "Robocop" or "Aliens" – a desperation to
compare with movies filled with mature characters that could actually
cope with such an R-rated concept. There's absolutely nothing unique
about "Divergent," though the action-packed finale desperately attempts
to fix the staleness of lengthy exposition and unfamiliar environmental
establishment.
Falling victim to the same problem of many
science-fiction or fantasy epic startups, the story is 90% introduction.
The majority of the movie is merely a first act. Resolutions aren't
even attempted and many characters are clearly saved for subsequent
chapters, which prevent the satisfaction of revenge or clarity for this
mystifying society. "Let's just say they built the fence for a reason,"
insists Four. By the time the themes of free will, chemical
brainwashing, and rebellion are put into action, it's too late. The
plausibility of confronting an army, sneaking into a heavily defended
command center, or conquering mind control drugs are at a low,
especially when the lead hero is an unpersuasive, untoughened insurgent
incapable of killing the villains that are in desperate need of
dispatching.
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