Read Mixed User Reviews for The Divergent Series: Insurgent

6

David_HApr 6, 2015

I read all the books so I knew where the story was going... for the most part. its been a couple years since I read it but it seemed like the movie "diverged" a bit from the book. nevertheless it was similar to the first movie in that it wasI read all the books so I knew where the story was going... for the most part. its been a couple years since I read it but it seemed like the movie "diverged" a bit from the book. nevertheless it was similar to the first movie in that it was well done, excellent casting, acting, and very good special effects and scenery. the main character Shailene Woodley continues her quiet internalizing of everything in her life, you could draw some similarities with the teen angst displayed by Kristin Stewart in the Twilight series, in fact it's exasperating at times and you just want Tris to "spit it out"!
I didn't give it better than a 6 simply because the whole thing is pretty dark, serious business, though you get some nice resolutions in the end. By the way, knowing where this goes in book 3, I'm tempted to call it quits here... i'm not sure i want to see the third movie.… Expand

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6

EludiumQ36Dec 23, 2015

"Insurgent" was fairly decent, the pacing was good, the plot a bit predictable, gratuitous/pointless sex and violence that never adds to the story, nothing that a few Skips and FFs can't handle, dream sequences, betrayals, there's a lot going"Insurgent" was fairly decent, the pacing was good, the plot a bit predictable, gratuitous/pointless sex and violence that never adds to the story, nothing that a few Skips and FFs can't handle, dream sequences, betrayals, there's a lot going on there. But the reveal at the end is pretty satisfying. Just wish the character of Tris was played by a more substantial actress, with more gravitas and presence. Shailene is too fragile looking, too B-class, she's not a good lead.… Expand

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5

NevermindNov 1, 2015

While watching this movie I kept waiting for something to happen. The characters kept moving from place to place, where they did nothing much, and while I thought there will be some epic battle for which everyone was preparing , I somehow doWhile watching this movie I kept waiting for something to happen. The characters kept moving from place to place, where they did nothing much, and while I thought there will be some epic battle for which everyone was preparing , I somehow do not seem to remember it happening. The few good scenes do not really make up for the boring times, and while the first movie introduces the faction system and a lot of new elements that kept it interesting, the only thing new in "insurgent" is that artifact. And that is hardly interesting. This movie reminds me all too well of some "hunger games: something something" episode.
Well, see you next episode.… Expand

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6

TheApplegnomeAug 23, 2015

The sequel that was meant to be greater failed to deliver a better depth to the story and it utterly fell flat due to plot-holes, uneven storytelling and lack of a long-term entertainment -- that should have made the continuation better. ItThe sequel that was meant to be greater failed to deliver a better depth to the story and it utterly fell flat due to plot-holes, uneven storytelling and lack of a long-term entertainment -- that should have made the continuation better. It still got its moments with amusement and great but somewhat flawed characters, but the lack of unpredictability and a story that deserves to be geeked-out, not overly hyped, makes the whole movie so forgettable that you won't even remember that you did watch it.

Critical-rating: 4.5/10
Personal-rating: 6.5/10… Expand

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6

FantasyCritic71Apr 2, 2015

May contain spoilers.

This movie was very entertaining the actors & actresses did a great job but the story was meh yup I said it. Story - Tris must stop Jeanine and open a box that is literally the entire movie. Audio - Like I saidMay contain spoilers.

This movie was very entertaining the actors & actresses did a great job but the story was meh yup I said it.

Story - Tris must stop Jeanine and open a box that is literally the entire movie.

Audio - Like I said everyone did splendidly. However I feel like the Soundtrack could have been a bit better Divergent had a better OST than this one.

Quality - Amazing **** Amazing the Special FX used in this Movie are very unique and cool to me its 1 of the things this movie does right.

Characters - Jeanine is an evil **** but a very entertaining one. Eric is a douche-bag who brings suspense to a few scenes. Peter is hilarious and a backstabbing bastard. Caleb is Caleb. Evelyn is sexy and also a very interesting character. Tris is...... I don't know she's annoying 1 minute and entertaining the next.

Overall - The conclusion of the movie was disappointing and anticlimactic. I of course love the ending scene with Evelyn & Jeanine but that was the only part of the end that I liked. The book was probably better. My opinion of the Divergent Series is that building the Factions was the stupidest idea anyone could have come up with to create peace & that everyone in the Factions are Divergent they just don't know it someone special named Tris had to tell them.

Tris - hey idiots your all Divergent I'm just 100% Divergent.

People - What does that mean?

Tris - It means all of you are boring and I'm more entertaining & unique so I'm special.

People - **** you Divergent ****.

Tris - Your just jealous of my awesomeness.… Expand

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6

heathermMay 13, 2015

I enjoyed this movie significantly more than the first one, although I concede that it's in part just because it's easier to sympathize with and care about the characters and the world they inhabit with a longer viewing time. But it was alsoI enjoyed this movie significantly more than the first one, although I concede that it's in part just because it's easier to sympathize with and care about the characters and the world they inhabit with a longer viewing time. But it was also neat to see the world fleshed out, and to see the homes and peoples of the other factions and the breadth of life within their walled city. The dystopian backdrop of urban decay was well used in this movie, as they're always moving in and around ruins. The plot seemed more developed and focused in this movie, although there were several frustrating moments when it seemed like everyone was just making the worst decisions possible in the moment. Overall, I thought it was a neat movie, and definitely more interesting than the first; I expect I'll see the final installment in theatres, although I can't imagine I'd line up opening weekend for the chance.… Expand

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5

ghashmogMay 1, 2015

The film definitely not following the book.I also find that Uriah is not highlighed in the film, compared with the book where he has an important place

Le film ne suit absolument pas le livre. je trouve aussi que Uriah n'est pas mis enThe film definitely not following the book.I also find that Uriah is not highlighed in the film, compared with the book where he has an important place

Le film ne suit absolument pas le livre. je trouve aussi que Uriah n'est pas mis en valeur contrairement au livre où il a une place importante… Expand

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6

thewindowseatMay 18, 2015

For the love of God, can we please not compare this series to The Hunger Games?! Yes, is still makes a handful of filmmaking errors, but it does a great job on improving the original's un-originals.

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6

Stargirl04May 15, 2016

The movie was pretty good. hated the Woodley cut her hair. but it was nice to see the continuation of the story. haven't read the books so I can't compare if they are like one another. looking forward to the next installment.

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4

Movi3R3vi3werMar 29, 2015

Don’t be surprised if Shailene Woodley and her stupid haircut doesn’t return for the next film due to back problems because she carries the entire movie on her shoulders giving the most real performance in the movie. Insurgent is filled withDon’t be surprised if Shailene Woodley and her stupid haircut doesn’t return for the next film due to back problems because she carries the entire movie on her shoulders giving the most real performance in the movie. Insurgent is filled with flat, emotionless characters, boring and pointless action scenes. Filled with numerous plot holes and inconsistencies and of course, slow motion.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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4

dougaussieMar 24, 2015

This is one of those movies that will keep you entertained for two hours but u will quickly forget, unless your doing a movie review of it...like here. I found the lead girl dull, even the badguy and two leading ladies dull, and theThis is one of those movies that will keep you entertained for two hours but u will quickly forget, unless your doing a movie review of it...like here. I found the lead girl dull, even the badguy and two leading ladies dull, and the story...dull. But in all the dullness the few fight scenes and matrix like special effects were okay. Is movie about her guilt over her mom, who cares. If you have armoured cars and your chasing someone who jumps on a train you can't figure out where their going or how to catch them? U can shoot people with suicide spiders but cant track them down? Whats in the box, turn aside now, theres people outside the wall, I couldn't figure that out, are the people inside the wall like the maze the good people or bad people or what? What are the people outside the wall? Maybe they all evolved over 200 years into?… Expand

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6

TVJerryMar 23, 2015

Like so many YA series, the 2nd episode spends more time advancing plot than adding much action. Shailene Woodley and Theo James are back leading the revolution in their oppressive post-apocalyptic world. There's lots of drama and discussionLike so many YA series, the 2nd episode spends more time advancing plot than adding much action. Shailene Woodley and Theo James are back leading the revolution in their oppressive post-apocalyptic world. There's lots of drama and discussion sprinkled with a bit of uninspired action, until the "sims" begin. At least they offer some splashy visuals. Other than that, there's little new or cool about this sci fi world. Those dedicated to the books will want to continue for continuity. Otherwise, it's not worth much.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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5

ThegodfathersonMar 21, 2015

Insurgent fares better on the action side, than on the story side. The characters are not explored on, the guns are fired more often and Tris got a boy cut. That is the difference between Divergent and Insurgent. The flabby writing holds theInsurgent fares better on the action side, than on the story side. The characters are not explored on, the guns are fired more often and Tris got a boy cut. That is the difference between Divergent and Insurgent. The flabby writing holds the movie down but the "ohmygosh" scenes factor rises and it delivers good acting from Woodley, James and Elgort. What doesn't click, is that the story is rummaged through the action scenes, which makes Insurgent another science fiction action flick that features, a bad score, cheesy twists and a flabby, yet interesting plot. Kate Winslet has lost all her charm, Four is less badass, and Miles Teller is in this again for some reason. Director Robert Schwnetke improves over his horrible, R.I.P.D and directs better, with slick camera shots are more emotion as an extra. Overall, Insurgent is a step down from it's complex predecessor, that features flabby writing and story, okay acting and a bad music score. There is a lot of action though.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

Jess_HillJul 12, 2015

hard one to rate, as my opinion is so coloured by having read the books. The timeline is compressed to an almost ridiculous degree, with the events covered comprising both the second and most of the third novel, making for a fragmented andhard one to rate, as my opinion is so coloured by having read the books. The timeline is compressed to an almost ridiculous degree, with the events covered comprising both the second and most of the third novel, making for a fragmented and oftentimes unbelievable series of apparently ill-conceived decisions resulting in totally hole-filled plot. The performances are solid, but unremarkable, though some of the action sequences are quite good. Cinematography is occasionally excellent, though other moments are difficult to focus on. The pacing is very fast, and the storyline and exposition feel rushed and incomplete. It's not entirely without merit, but if you haven't read the novels, I anticipate the experience would be disengaging and confused. I still enjoyed it on one level, but it's not a particularly worthwhile cinema experience. 6.11/10.… Expand

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5

MattBrady99Mar 28, 2015

F**king teens.

The story to Insurgent is about the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), theF**king teens.

The story to Insurgent is about the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris's family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

To those who haven't seen my first review of Divergent basically I thought the movie was alright and I was kind of surprise that I didn't hate it as I thought I will just because of these stupid books adaptations that we get today trying to catch some money or try to be the next Harry Potter which normally backfires. I wasn't like full on excited for Insurgent just because the trailer looked pretty bad and really laughable with it's goofy CGI. But that didn't stop people getting really excited for it and that's most of the teens or just the people who have read the book are here to support or b'tch about the film, whatever comes to they minds. But I came across an old friend that I use to hang around with that has seen the movie and told me that, "It's the best movie ever. I think it's a five out of five star's rating for me", oh that same person is the same person who give Fifty Shades of Grey a positive rating and give the great Whiplash a negative response. After seeing the movie myself I have to say that I'm not really impress at all with the film, actually to be honest I think this movie is a bloated mess.

Let me just get the positive stuff out the way first: Shailene Woodley in the movie did a decent performance and performed some of the action scenes very well but most of it is performed by a trained stunt woman.

Octavia Spencer was really good in this movie. She's in a couple of scenes in the movie and it's a same as a brilliant actress she is only getting small parts in recent movies. But anywhere was great for what scenes she had. The rest of cast like Miles Teller, Theo James and Ansel Elgort all three did great in the movie as well.

Now for the down falls: Kate Winslet all through at the movie dose nothing really treating just standing behind a computer screen ordering attacks on people. A complete was of talent from another great actress.

The visual effect's at times look fine and okay for the most part, but for most of the movie the effect's look a bit unfinished like it's only one more thing to do before the visual effect's are done. It looks laughable and over the top during it's action scenes. So overall visual effect's not so good.

I'm not going to spoil the ending to the movie but let me just say it ended in a way that it's trying to be like Inception, actually the whole film is trying to be Inception when you think about it. The book came out around the time Inception was out maybe the author cope cat the groundbreaking elements from Inception. If fans of the book see this review let me just say this is the second book feels like Inception, correct me or not.

Overall Insurgent sometimes doesn't know what it wants to be at times with it's mess plot. To those who like the movie that's fine but to me I will forget this movie about a couple of weeks time.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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5

FallsDownzMar 20, 2015

"The repetitive of science fiction movie that comes from best selling novel "

Here we go again , having another science fiction movie that based from the best selling novel just like The Hunger Games and Maze Runner. Honestly i don't"The repetitive of science fiction movie that comes from best selling novel "

Here we go again , having another science fiction movie that based from the best selling novel just like The Hunger Games and Maze Runner.

Honestly i don't know what to expected from Insurgent and that's from a lot of reason , first off the Divergent ( 2013 ) movie last year is not exactly a good movie i mean it's not bad but it's not good or memorable either , second is the director which now is Robert Schwentke personally i really like his RED ( 2010 ) movie but i'm also really really hate R.I.P.D ( 2013 ) i mean i don't even know why Lionsgate decided to choose him , since his latest movie is really terrible.

Insurgent is a movie that has a lot of problem for sure but there's three positive thing about this movie that i have to say.

first is the CG of this movie is pretty good , second is Shailene Woodley is still giving us a great performance and the last one is director Robert Schwentke himself looking pretty okay with his directing.

But in the end Insurgent has too much problem that just drag this movie down a lot and that problem is the screenplay which is terrible.

I understand the reason they have to change stuff from books to movie but this screenplay is really really bad , first off the movie is really over the top i mean our main character is basically she can jump slide smash thick glass without putting much effort and that's making the movie kind of a meaning less because the main character can do pretty much anything she wants without much of a problem.

the second problem and probably the biggest , is the repetitive of the plot and screenplay especially if you watch this science fiction movie lately like The Hunger Games or Maze Runner ( 2014 ) you can pretty much guest everything about this movie especially the ending which is really really predictable and it's not even that smart either.

I mean i don't even sure that the Insurgent movie problem because this problem is a lot about these science fiction movies that came from novel , it is just so similar in a lot of ways that just makes me kind a boring about these type of movie and i don't think Hollywood will stop this train soon (especially the next movie of Divergent series is separate into two parts) so we will have to hope for a better science fiction that based from best selling novel movie.

To be fair Insurgent is not a bad movie but it's just so repetitive so predictable and the characters is too powerful that just make everything in the movie meaningless .… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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6

wornoutspinesMar 20, 2015

Divergent - the first book - was interesting but the first movie was even better, way better if you ask me. They managed to cast great actors and make a realistic futuristic movie. Despite having a different director Insurgent looks familiarDivergent - the first book - was interesting but the first movie was even better, way better if you ask me. They managed to cast great actors and make a realistic futuristic movie. Despite having a different director Insurgent looks familiar I easily slipped back into a world I was already familiar with. The movie is visually impressive, even though it looks a bit too CGI-ish for my taste, making the film not as grounded as Divergent was so at times it feels like watching a video game or an animated version of it.

The acting is OK, I mean it's a good cast so what they bring to the table fits the story and the emotional journey these characters have been through. But - because of course there is one - Theo James' (Four) age is seriously starting to show. I know he's only 30 - and Teller is 28 - but in the first movie it didn't seem as weird that he's with Tris (Woodley) but next to 46 years old Naomi Watts, who looks 35, maybe forty, it's really weird. They look like brothers and sisters at best, they could have aged Watts or cast someone else completely because how young was she when she had him? 12?
It will be even weirder to see her playing opposite Ray Stevenson (Marcus Eaton) - Four’s dad - who'll look like a dirty old man next to her, which is probably why we’ll see very little of that.

I wish these aspects of the film were the only ones I had a problem with but on top of all of that Insurgent lacks rhythm. It's missing the slow, intense build up in which the tension and the action grows to an entertaining climax but it never doesn't. Don’t get me wrong it is action-packed, a rich adventure of a film but whenever the tension builds up it quickly dies down to go back up again at some point and that's how it is throughout the movie. It comes and goes in waves but never rides on the high the previous action scenes gave you.

Although, it's faithful to the book Insurgent was a bit of a disappointment I expected better. It’s only slightly more entertaining than the book, they could have done better. @wornoutspines… Expand

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6

SchroederRockOct 15, 2015

Insurgent, part two of the Divergent Series, picks up almost immediately where Divergent leaves off. The point of this movie is to discover why the events of the first movie have transpired and, when the movie ends, leaves you wondering howInsurgent, part two of the Divergent Series, picks up almost immediately where Divergent leaves off. The point of this movie is to discover why the events of the first movie have transpired and, when the movie ends, leaves you wondering how things are going to unfold in the third and fourth movies (if you haven't read the books). Most of the good of the first movie still plays here, but I couldn't help but feel like Insurgent sold itself short. The big reveal toward the end is intriguing, but the problem I had was I wasn't as invested in the story by the time I got there. If the Divergent Series is going to avoid disaster, the folks in charge of making this movie need to push the cast and writers harder. There are too many inconsistencies in the acting performances to sell the emotional turmoil that is supposed to be eating up Tris and select other cast members. Basically, there is no anchor as Tris is no Jennifer Lawrence and thus the film doesn't force audiences to be immersed into this fictional world. I'll still watch the rest of the series, but it will be a tragedy if the next pair of films can't learn from the mistakes of this particular chapter.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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4

nafeesOct 30, 2015

Divergent series was really a good watch, interesting plot. But this one, Insurgent really damages the plot with weak script. 1st one was better, 2nd one damaged the coming of the 3rd.

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6

csw12Jul 9, 2015

Insurgent isn't a horrible movie but the similarities it has with a few other movies are beginning to overwhelm the franchise. No matter what you think of this movie and series, it will always live in the shadow of "The Hunger Games" withInsurgent isn't a horrible movie but the similarities it has with a few other movies are beginning to overwhelm the franchise. No matter what you think of this movie and series, it will always live in the shadow of "The Hunger Games" with it's bland characters, less intelligence and the fact you don't feel like a larger issue is at stake. Given all that, its watchable.… Expand

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4

EspeonaterMar 23, 2015

I think I'm just going to keep this review short and just say this, if you like the book, go see this movie, you will enjoy it. Anybody else, just pass.

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5

dyshpoMar 20, 2015

Waterlogged by slow pace and not much focus on Ideology of factions , barely touch amity or candor this time like first were it barely touched on all factions. Can we ever see a movie that gets involved in source material mythos. Weak CGIWaterlogged by slow pace and not much focus on Ideology of factions , barely touch amity or candor this time like first were it barely touched on all factions. Can we ever see a movie that gets involved in source material mythos. Weak CGI probably budgetary reasons so no concern . I was hoping for more character development on secondary characters but NO.… Expand

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5

REVIEWERWILLMar 22, 2015

it like the first divegent but worst the acting is so awful and only half of it is a good movie not spending on the movie again even when comes too redbox

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4

WheelzFourReelzMar 27, 2015

Insurgent has some enjoyable moments, but the convoluted plot, the wooden acting from the supporting cast, the uninteresting characters, and the general boredom of the entire product makes this film very meh. I definitely like the originalInsurgent has some enjoyable moments, but the convoluted plot, the wooden acting from the supporting cast, the uninteresting characters, and the general boredom of the entire product makes this film very meh. I definitely like the original better, and the original isn't even good.… Expand

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6

duncan1964Mar 23, 2015

The sequel to Divergent, this is a more exciting instalment but just as confusing. Now on the run, the Divergents look to join forces with others to topple the ruling faction, but all is not as it seems and the true nature of the DivergentsThe sequel to Divergent, this is a more exciting instalment but just as confusing. Now on the run, the Divergents look to join forces with others to topple the ruling faction, but all is not as it seems and the true nature of the Divergents is not what anyone expected. A game cast do their best but they are all a lot better than the material they are working with. Glossy and fast paced it may be, but the thing that is missing is substance.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

TheQuietGamerAug 27, 2015

It's better than the first movie, but still just a poor man's Hunger Games. Unfortunately there isn't much of a reason to get invested in it's characters or world. It's generic dystopian world is filled with talented actors playing genericIt's better than the first movie, but still just a poor man's Hunger Games. Unfortunately there isn't much of a reason to get invested in it's characters or world. It's generic dystopian world is filled with talented actors playing generic archetypes we've seen before. Thankfully they did do a good job at ramping up the pace from the first movie. It doesn't happen too much in the plot department, but there is some visually impressive action to hold audiences attention this time around. Just hold in your disbelief that the only people capable of aiming around here are our heroes.

The movie definitely has excellent performances all around. It's a shame the cast isn't giving more to work with. Woodley is left to mope about how "deadly" she is, Theo James is left to mindlessly follow her, and Winslet is just there so the film can have a villain. With all of these actors left with little interesting to do, the only character worth rooting for is Miles Teller's, who was annoying and pointless in the last film. Here he is the comic relief character and really the saving grace of the cast.

With the plot there isn't much to say. It isn't only until the end where things actually happen. Until the last few minutes all we get is a seemingly endless build up to a revolution while "Tris" (Woodley) deals with her new sense of regret. Maybe it would have been more interesting had either side of the plot been more interesting and less generic. Unfortunately things here feel familiar. That's because we've seen it before.

The movie is made more watchable than it's predecessor though thanks to the increased amount of action. The enemies the heroes face might be incapable of proving to be an actual threat, but at least there's some flash onscreen, and what pretty flash it is. Stunning visual effects create some really cool looking scenarios. These scenes add some much needed life into the overall movie, as well as the series as a whole.

"Insurgent" is a slight improvement. Unfortunately though it is just another dystopian future YA novel turned movie. The same themes and even the same characters are presented once again only in a less interesting package. One that's going to have a hard time pleasing even it's intended audience. It lacks the punch of Hunger Games, the mystery of Maze Runner, and the heart of any of it's competition. It's not bad, but it can get pretty darn boring. The few bits of added flair can't save it from mediocrity.… Expand

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4

Gamed2longMar 30, 2015

I will say this about the movie, for all the gaping plot holes, and bits that make no sense it was better than the book. I also think Shailene Woodley may go on to be an excellent actor one day. When the right role finds her that is. FinallyI will say this about the movie, for all the gaping plot holes, and bits that make no sense it was better than the book. I also think Shailene Woodley may go on to be an excellent actor one day. When the right role finds her that is. Finally the actor who played Four's mom is super miscast. She looks young enough to be his sister. They couldn't have aged her up a bit with makeup? And no a throwaway line of duologue about having him "young" does not fix it.… Expand

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5

AttentiveCriticApr 16, 2015

“The Divergent Series: Insurgent Review”

(Introduction) Insurgent is the next installment in the Divergent series which is another series comprised of young adult novels turned into movies. This particular installment changed directors“The Divergent Series: Insurgent Review”

(Introduction)

Insurgent is the next installment in the Divergent series which is another series comprised of young adult novels turned into movies. This particular installment changed directors and is directed by Robert Schwentke who's last film was R.I.P.D... yeah that's not a good thing. Last year's Divergent was bad. It did nothing to separate itself from another popular young adult series The Hunger Games and on top of that, the film ripped off The Hunger Games with a very similar rebellious female lead Beatrice “Tris” Prior played by Shailene Woodley. The movie suffered from lack of action, dull characters, and a plot that ultimately wasn't explained. In other words, if you didn't read the book, then the film didn't do much to persuade you to do so. So how does Insurgent stack up against its predecessor? Well I'll tell you now, it's a better movie but not by much.

(Presentation)

The presentation for Insurgent is just as boring and uninspired as the presentation for Detergent, erm, excuse me, Divergent was. Yeah Mr. Schwentke, it was a very good idea to have the “Insurgent” title plastered on screen while we watch a needlessly slow motion opening shot of Tris running through the woods. It was a good idea to have the movie start with an opening monologue by Kate Winslet's character, Jeanine Matthews. It was a good idea to just thrust the viewer into this story with absolutely no build up at all. So if you didn't watch the first movie, you'll have no idea what's going on. Not that it matters because what's going on isn't clear or interesting anyway so... well, it is what it is. Presentation's bad, period.

(Characters and Actors)

So just naming the important characters and actors, Shailene Woodley returns as Tris, Theo James returns as Four, Ansel Elgort returns as Tris's brother, Caleb, Miles Teller returns as Peter Hayes, and Kate Winslet returns as Jeanine Matthews. Some other characters return from the first movie with actors such as Zoe Kravitz and Jai Courtney but because they're given so little to do in the movie to the point of irrelevance, I'm not even going to mention them at all. A notable actress to mention is Naomi Watts whom plays Theo James's mother in the movie. Ultimately however and insultingly for a performer of her talent, her character is wasted in the movie, may as well have been cut entirely.

Performance wise, everyone in this movie besides Shailene Woodley looks bored in this especially Kate Winslet who gives a terrible performance. However, I'm not going to place the blame on Winslet because when you have bad material to work with on top of an mediocre to average director on the project, you're guaranteed to be bad. George Lucas's Star Wars prequels became proof of that. As another word for Shailene Woodley, she really showed her acting prowess in The Fault in Our Stars. That movie for me in regards to her skills as an actress was definitely needed considering the only two movies I saw her in prior to this film is Divergent and White Bird in a Blizzard, both of which are bad, the latter of which is terrible. In here, she gives an acceptable performance and unlike everyone else who appear as if they just showed up to receive a paycheck, Woodley does seem as if she's actually engaged in the scenes she's in but like I said with Dakota Johnson in Fifty Shades of Grey, she's not saving the story in this movie.

(Story)

The most important part of any movie, the story in Insurgent is ridiculously forgettable. This is one of those films where if the film has nothing to offer you as the viewer in regards to character development and cohesive story telling, then it manipulates its audience by chucking a bone at them, that bone being an action sequence. I'll just say it right now, the action in this movie doesn't offer anything that's already been seen before and like the majority of the movie, it's boring. From the train sequence which should've been cut down to the nighttime sequence, when they're being ambushed, it's all boring. The story in this movie is boring and not only is it boring, it's damn hard to follow. When I say that, I mean that this movie and the ultimate problem that I have with the Divergent series to begin with as someone who's never and will never read the novels, I still don't know what they're ultimately trying to achieve. You look at other young adult series like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. It's very clear, crystal clear what those stories are about. Here, I'm lost as all hell.

Why separate this population into factions? Well to try and control society of course but to what purpose, why? Who's really pulling the strings? What's the true purpose of the factions? Why do these Dauntless jack***** run around randomly performing parkour? Why do these factions seem like a ripoff of the Harry Potter Houses? Why does Tris come off as a try hard Katniss persona? Why does this world have an uninspired dirty aesthetic look which also appears like a ripoff from The Hunger Games? These are all questions and down right issues that I had with the first film and unfortunately, they still apply here.

So from what I understand, the majority of this movie is about Kate Winslet trying to open this box or whatever the hell it is. Now this box will only open for a Divergent which again is someone who contains qualities representative of all the factions, Abnegation, Dauntless, um, Restless, Erudite, Great Value, whatever the hell you want to call them, it really doesn't matter. Now Kate Winslet can't just use any Divergent, this Divergent has to be one hundred percent pure the representative quality of all the factions. Okay movie, yall are just reaching into bs territory right now but I'm still with the movie. And obviously Tris is this pure Divergent and is the only person capable of unlocking this box or whatever it is, there's no spoiler there, it's only obvious. So my point is, the entire movie is about unlocking this thing which will obviously shed some great revelation. And that's the ultimate problem with the plot in this movie.

First of all, this movie is nearly an hour and fifty minutes going on two hours long. The movie bs you for a long time by throwing action sequence after action sequence at you and oh! Remember this character from the first movie?! Oh you mean the characters from the first movie who actually had a role to play in the plot like Zoe Kravitz's character or Jai Courtney's character? Or how about Ansel Elgort whom by the way like many other performers is completely wasted here. There's a scene in this movie which takes place just after the redundant train sequence in which Tris's brother tells both her and Theo Jame's Four, “you know what guys, I'm not cut out for this”. “All this running around and being a fugitive, the factionless, it's not for me”. “I'll tell you what, I'm going to betray you and go over to the dark side”. “At least then, I can take a shower and get some grub”. Obviously I summarized it in my own words but that's pretty much what they do with this guy and after watching Elgort's performance in The Fault in Our Stars, I wanted to see him have more of a dominant role in this movie. But he essentially plays a coward.

Another actor who's wasted in this is Miles Teller. The entire movie he plays an a-hole but then at the end of the movie, something happens with his character that made me go “What?” “That doesn't even make any sense, who wrote this?” All this crap and Teller you can tell doesn't even want to be in this movie. He looks so bored in this. The man just came off an Oscar nominated film Whiplash with J.K. Simmons. He doesn't want to do this ****. That's one of the biggest problems with this movie. Talent is just wasted. Character potential is just spilled from the script like a dirty bucket of water.

The big revelation getting back to it, isn't even satisfying. While it answers the question of what the purpose was in the existence of these factions which the first film didn't even explain, ultimately it just raises more questions. This is because director Robert Schwentke is directing the last book in this series which like damn Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, and now this bs is split into two parts. Why do we have all these final installments in these young adult films being split into two films. Because these Hollywood producers and executives know that drones will fill the theater and double their income. With Harry Potter, it made sense. There was enough material in the last book to warrant a big two part finale for a franchise that had been around for ten years. Twilight and The Hunger Games though was not/is not warranted a split because it's not necessary. This is no different and it gets back to the point of this movie which feels shriveled in its story because it feels like they're holding back story elements to save for this two part finale. I mean god damn, is The Maze Runner going to do this too? And what's next after that, oh the Fifty Shades trilogy of course tsk...

Another thing that I've heard is that there are many differences between this film and the novel it's based off of, almost to the point where it's a completely different story. I can't warrant this to be true because I haven't read the book but as a film, Insurgent falls well, short. The only thing that I can say was kinda cool was the simulation sequences near the end with the city breaking apart and everything. It was some impressive CGI but it's nothing that was too mind blowing and when Shailene Woodley comes out and she has to randomly fight a clone of herself, that's when the movie lost me completely. Okay movie! I throw my hands up. I surrender, I throw in the towel because clearly this is not for me. Yall want to act like this story is deeper than what it truly is, I'll tell you what, you filmmakers better strip this and show it the way it is because for the people who actually can appreciate good storytelling, you're not fooling anyone with this. Yes, there may possibly be a good story here, but if it is, it's in the novels tucked away somewhere, it's definitely not in the movies if it even exists in the first place.

(Music)

The music, I can sum this up in one statement. Who gives a god damn? It's copy and paste action movie music. Most of the time you won't even notice it's there. I would advise to skip the soundtrack, cause it's not interesting, at all.

(Enjoyment and Verdict)

Well while a better film came out this time around, this is still a boring movie. The plot is still uninteresting and convoluted simply because it refuses to tell what the “point” to all this is. The characters are still uninteresting and having Shailene Woodley cut her hair doesn't make her more of a badass either if that's what they were going for, I don't know. The soundtrack is copy and paste and it's boring. There're too many action sequences in here and they're uninspired. I mean, this is targeted to a teenage audience, the movie doesn't have to be good at that point. Here's my recommendations, this isn't a terrible movie but I didn't really enjoy it and it's not good by any stretch of the imagination. If you read the book and you enjoy the series then by all means check this out but for everyone else, I recommend a rental at best. Otherwise, if you didn't care for the first movie or even if you skipped the first movie altogether, then skip this.

There's nothing special about this. The Divergent films still come off as if they're trying to be The Hunger Games and that's because the producers behind this want some of that Hunger Games money. Commendable I suppose but that castrates your product in quality if you're just trying to copy what something else has already done with little to no meaningful originality.

Pros

• Shailene Woodley attempts to give a decent performance
• CGI can be cool to look at...

Cons

• Characters are still boring and bland, cut and paste young adult novel caricatures
• Wasted, Wasted, Wasted talent from big name actors • Redundant and frequent action sequences • Boring soundtrack which bleeds like a backdrop into oblivion within the background • Still has yet to find an identity, you're not The Hunger Games, stop trying to be that • What is this series about again?… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

CineAutoctonoJan 12, 2016

Insurgent, was a film that unfortunately failed to convince its sequel divergent , followed by The Maze Runner, and very contrary to The Hunger Games , and neither could induce this could be the shortest of Divergent , but lacked action, andInsurgent, was a film that unfortunately failed to convince its sequel divergent , followed by The Maze Runner, and very contrary to The Hunger Games , and neither could induce this could be the shortest of Divergent , but lacked action, and pure emotions .… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

Trev29Jul 17, 2015

The movie is mildly entertaining and isn't boring, but it suffers from some issues. The more this series takes its premise seriously, the more I find it to be total nonsense. Some of the climatic moments of the movie are absolutely laughableThe movie is mildly entertaining and isn't boring, but it suffers from some issues. The more this series takes its premise seriously, the more I find it to be total nonsense. Some of the climatic moments of the movie are absolutely laughable and ridiculous. Bottom line is this. The characters are bland, their is no tension or real emotion, the directing is mediocre, and the story seems like it was written by a teenager.… Expand