The Divergent Series: Insurgent

Important to note that I haven't read Veronica Roth's Divergent series of books and that is likely to affect my score on this review. However, I did enjoy the first film in the series and the second, Insurgent, keeps up with the first.

Of course, we've seen this all before (the similarities to The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner are extensive) but this is still entertaining enough to stand on its own two feet as a series.

The reason this lags behind the other two is the plot, it's just very difficult to truly invest in (how does dividing people up based on characteristics keep the peace? And why do all people post-apocalypse adhere blindly to these rules?)

It's just all too obvious what's going to happen and that let the first film, and the first half of this one, down.

It's saved somewhat by the brilliant twist ending which is a genuine surprise and, almost, gives reason for the Faction system to exist.

Once again everyone does well with the material that they have but it is Shailene Woodley who carries the entire premise and film. If we didn't believe in her character this would stumble but she shines through.

It's a good job she does because we don't really sympathise with anyone else, too many major characters died in the first film, Peter double crosses more times than any character in movie history and Four is just a little standoffish (and the two together just don't make a believable couple).

Despite this it's a solid middle-parter, lacking the excitement of an origin story but suitably teasing what's sure to be a great conclusion.

I'm sure if you're a fan of the books it's great, for anyone else who enjoyed the first it's worth a watch. 3 stars ***