Divergent Review

From the page to the big screen, Summit Entertainment's Divergent jumps into theaters.

(All Photos Copyright: Summit Entertainment)

Hey remember when Sony Pictures were putting together the cast for the Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Shailene Woodley was set (and filming) as Mary Jane but then things happened and she wasn't in the movie anymore and then she was working on “another project” well... Welcome to the other project.

As much as I would have loved to have seen her play Mary Jane in the Sony/Marvel film, I am very happy to see her in this film based on Veronica Roth's book series.

In this film, she plays the brave Beatrice Prior. At moments you can see a lot of Katniss Everdeen in this character but that doesn't mean it is the same person/story. What I mean by this is that they are both strong people who won't back down from anything but at the same time are still learning about what is happening in the areas around them. Many people (including myself) most likely were thinking when this movie was coming out, that it is just another Hunger Games. Well, it is the same as Hunger Games... In the following ways.

1. The main character is a strong and brave young female.
2. It is based in a future where their world is being run by a very high class and controlling government like group and the people are broken up into groups.

That is the only two ways that these films are the same, other then that they are each their own stories.

Now back to the actress behind the character aka Shailene Woodley. I don't know what it is but there is something about her which makes you follow the character non-stop til the credits roll and then you are sitting there waiting for the next film just to start, even if you know it won't be out until next year. (That was a plug for the next film in this series “Insurgent”). I think part of it is the way she talks in this film, meaning that the tone in her voice brings a sense of real life into Beatrice's words. Meaning when she is upset, you can't help but be upset for her and when she is excited about what is going on, you can't help but sit on the edge of your seat cheering her on. Shailene makes you want to know what is happening with her on the screen, she truly has a long running time of her bright career ahead of her in film and I for one can not wait to see what she does next.

You know what would be fantastic? If we talk about Miles Teller (Yes, I said it... FANTASTIC... would you like me to say it four more times.. ha).

Miles plays Peter. Now for those of you who have read the book, you know what the relationship is between Peter and Beatrice, for those of you who haven't... You are now wondering what it is and are most likely looking for the next showing of the film at your local theater.

What is funny about Miles and Shailene is that they have been quoted saying that any of the scenes where they are at odds were impossible to do because of their very close friendship in real life. That is something that makes movies work, the relationships between the cast members. If the cast members don't work well together, the movie won't work at all. What would have happened if Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans didn't work together well in The Avengers? Iron Man and Captain America wouldn't have worked and that alone would have thrown off the whole film.

Now we talk about Four played by Theo James. This is Theo's third film and he is great in it. You know, this is the first time that Theo and Shailene have been on the screen together. That being said it is the first time that many of them are working together. Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller co-starred in the 2013 film 'The Spectacular Now', so they knew each other coming on to the set of Divergent.

The world of this film is quite amazing, it truly pulls you into the film. If this is a sign of what is to come, sign me up for tickets to Insurgent now! I can't wait.

5 stars without a doubt.

Thank you to ESSEX CINEMAS and T-REX for being the theater of choice for my movie reviews. When you are looking for the best place to check out a movie, make it ESSEX CINEMAS and T-REX at the Essex Outlets Center in Essex, VT! http://www.essexcinemas.com

The T-Rex Theater is AMAZING!!! With the 60 foot curved screen and 124 speakers which is part of 7.1 Digital Surround Sound, there are 401 extra wide luxury seats with memory-foam headrests making a movie theater trip you will never forget! T-Rex stands for “Theatre Real Extreme” 

Also check out movies in Plattsburgh, New York at Cumberland 12!