REVIEW: Let go of literary expectations when checking out 'Insurgent'

The second installment of the highly anticipated Divergent series, “Insurgent,” premiered Friday, March 20, and was packed with action as the story of Tris Prior continues.

The story picks up with Jeanine (Kate Winslet) informing the rest of the factions of Erudite’s rise to power.

Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James), Caleb (Ansel Elgort) and Peter (Miles Teller) are on the run, moving around as they try not to get caught by Jeanine.

Getting into the logistics of the movie, I believe some parts could have been done better, but the overall flow was not bad.

I do think they could have constructed better opening scenes. I felt it was rushed to get as much information in as possible to insinuate understanding without actually having to explain.

There was one part in particular that bothered me, which was a conversation between Tris, Caleb and Four.

They cut the scene to a different angle and there was a very noticeable audio difference in Caleb’s voice.

I found it distracting; however, that was the only instance that I noticed an issue of that sort.

The acting should not really a surprise at this point. We have seen all these actors in the first installment, “Divergent.”

It was hard to me to picture Woodley in such an action-heavy role during the first movie. However, that all changed for the second movie. I was really impressed with how she handled the action and for a while, I even forgot about her previous roles that I could not seem to let go before.

There was one actor that I was particularly impressed with, and that was Teller. Peter, who is the rebel of the group, will do anything to save himself. He has a character turn that should surprise. Throughout, I was never confused by what his intentions were. He started out with himself in mind.

And not giving too much away, but you can tell by his face when he starts to have a change of heart.

I was not particularity impressed with James. I cannot deny that there is a clear chemistry between he and Woodley, and he performs well in the action setting. I just think the character could have been portrayed better.

For someone who has not read the books, you will most likely think it is a good movie.

If you have read the books you might think differently, for some details we love from the book did not make the cut in the movie.

I learned long ago to not let the book version of a movie destroy my movie going experience. With that being said, I would give this movie a 7.5 out of 10.

Ending with a bang, I can almost guarantee you won’t be able to wait to find out what happens next.

Megan Findley is the managing editor for The Spectator. She can be reached at (814) 732-2266.

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