First things first – frankly, I don’t exactly fall within the target audience range for The Divergent Series (based on the young adult books of the same name). And I wasn’t particularly fond of the lengthy, exposition-filled opening film in the series. However, while Insurgent isn’t a grand improvement over the first chapter, it does move at a quicker pace and isn’t as bogged down in faction politics and lengthy back-stories. It’s a slicker, shorter movie and one that should please fans of the series.
Following the events of the previous installment, divergent Tris (Shailene Woodley), boyfriend Four (Theo James) and others from their clique are on the run, attempting to avoid capture from nefarious Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet). Between hiding out in other factions, bickering among themselves and being chased, they attempt to gain support for their cause. In the meantime, Matthews discovers a mysterious puzzle box that she believes holds the key to destroying all divergents. Unfortunately, it can only be opened by one of her gifted foes.
You might expect Matthews to question her original theory about the contents when the container can only be opened by her nemesis… but you’d be wrong. Instead, the obsessive antagonist attempts to capture Tris and force the information out. This leads to a series of elaborate (and admittedly well-shot) fights and chases through the decayed streets of Chicago.
As for Tris, she’s not thinking straight either. Teenage angst has taken hold and as a result audiences must suffer through the trials of being so “special”. The protagonist pouts about being different from the others and the weight of being so important to the cause. She’s also conflicted about the violence that follows her (not to mention ease at which she can seriously maim people) and how loved ones keep dying on her. Also, Tris really wants to murder Matthews.
Angst-angst-angst – oh, the trials and incredible torture of being a gifted teenager! She’s an angry mess and her self-obsession will make for some serious head-shaking on the part of some audience members. It doesn’t help that there’s very little humor in the story and all of these issues are played in an overly grave and serious manner. In fact, it seems like only the heavies get to deliver anything approaching a comic barb.
Helping to distract somewhat is the fast-pace and consistent conflict – a large problem in the first film. The villainous threat is well established from the very beginning and the film not only throws some double-crosses into the mix, but kills characters quickly and frequently. It actually comes as a bit of a surprise to see a few of them kick the bucket so early. And while the gooey teenage romance was front and center in the first film, with the relationship established this aspect is thankfully shuttled to the background.
There are also a couple of visually inventive moments, used in sequences in which the heroine must return to a simulator and face her deepest fears. Even if the 3D isn’t indispensable overall (you’ll do just fine with the 2D version), the depth on display offers a few nifty images as buildings crumble and rubble hangs in both the foreground and background.
Finally, unlike other YA series that seem to search for ways to draw the story out, this movie ties up a lot of story threads. I’m no Divergent scholar, but the film’s ending leaves one wondering if a follow-up is necessary at all (for the record, it appears as though we are getting a two-movie final chapter, whether or not it feels needed).
The Divergent Series: Insurgent isn’t especially strong, but I found it tolerable and even slightly more effective than the previous effort. My rating represents those without a vested interest in the series, but one can easily see it earning a B+ or an A- from excited parties that are desperate for the saga’s next chapter.