Insurgent is the sequel to last year’s Divergent. Based on Veronica Roth’s Divergent book series the franchise is a classic example of current Hollywood commercial film-making.
Adapting a popular teen-based fantasy novel franchise, Tinsletown has been awash with like-minded works. Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games are amongst others that have stuck to this formula. Just as bland and indifferent, Insurgent barely differentiates itself from the recent cult of book-to-screen mania.
Still desperate to save her world, Tris (Shailene Woodley) is ready for arms. Helped by Four (Theo James), she aims to be free of the clutches of Jeanine (Kate Winslet), the powerful leader of the evil Erudite faction. Battling a new swathe of enemies, they search for clues to succeed in their quest. Finding fresh obstacles, their resolve is tested as their families feel the wrath of their antagonists.
Insurgent rests a lot on Woodley’s shoulders. She gives a fine performance as the angst-ridden heroine fighting for freedom. The way her character battles her way to uncovering secrets and lies makes Woodley’s role memorable. Unfortunately not much else can be said for the rest of the film. Whilst competently directed by Robert Schwentke, the shadows of similar movies loom large. The plot, characters and overall style make Insurgent as forgettable and disposable as its filmic brethren.
Making it barely stand out are the pacing and excellently staged action scenes. Schwentke shows his forte in these sequences with the story’s theme of embracing individuality well integrated. The irony is Woodley’s co-stars barely register due to their character’s blandness. None make any impact with their personalities, giving way to eye-popping CGI and gunplay. It builds towards the inevitable sequel leaving enough intrigue to muster some enthusiasm for the follow-up.
Insurgent is a serviceable effort without being memorable. Those who have seen comparable films don’t need to see this. Had it been more original, it may have passed muster. That means little when the dollars roll in and Hollywood creates another facsimile in order to make more.
Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14
Rating out of 10: 5
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