Movie review: by John Delia, Jr.
Third in the series of Veronica Roth’s novels, Divergent: Allegiant Part 1 hits the screen this weekend taking the battle outside the walls of Chicago. Using some exciting CGI, the film continues to impress as the rebels find themselves at bay with the government. Directed at the mid-teen to mid-twenties, the film should hit home even though it leaves a lot to be explained for the next chapter. If you have seen the prequels then it will make a lot of sense, but I recommend either you read the books or rent the first two films Divergent and Insurgent before you attempt to see this chapter.
The factions have withered and we find Evelyn (Naomi Watts) of Factionless and Johanna (Octavia Spencer) of Amity in charge of the government leading to a new adventure beyond Chicago. Their first objective is the decision whether to execute prisoners or forgive their sins against the leaders. Included in the captives Caleb’s being held on criminal charges. Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) are still trying to figure a way to free Caleb when violence breaks out all over the city.
As the film proceeds we find Tris and Four teaming with Christina (Zoe Kravitz), now freed Caleb (Ansel Elgort), Peter (Miles Teller), and Tori (Maggie Q) as they begin a new adventure beyond the walls of Chicago. Director Robert Schwentke expands on the script by giving his viewers a look at what’s behind the barrier. Schwentke provides a lot of detail using special computer graphics and nicely growing the storyline in this new world. Here he delves a little too deep however, slowing the action and working his way to an acceptable ending that will hopefully be accelerated in Allegiant part 2.
The acting here has improved somewhat from the other two parts showing what age will do in the perfection of one’s art. Making their characters more malleable, Schwentke produces a more likable Tris (Shailene Woodley) and a no-nonsense Four (Theo James). Maybe it’s just the freedom they get in this episode of Divergent, but I really think that Woodley grew in the role of Tris because of her dramatic work in The Fault in Our Stars and James as Four with his action work in the Underworld series.
As previously mentioned the computer graphics are astounding in Divergent: Allegiant part 1. The outside world becomes a new playground and the sets show a view of the new world to come. The special effects war scenes are nicely done and combined with apt make-up, costumes and props, the viewer gets a chance to see what writer Veronica Roth envisioned. Add to this a good upbeat musical score geared for the teen to twenties crowed, and it should make for good box office numbers.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense violence and action, thematic elements, and some partial nudity. Please be sure pre-teens are accompanied by an adult as the violence looks very real.
FINAL GRADE: I give this a B- for its well-paced storyline and futuristic special effects.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Jeff Daniels, Zoe Kravitz, Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, Ashley Judd, Keiynan Lonsdale, Maggie Q, and Daniel Dae Kim,
Directed by: Robert Schwentke
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements, and some partial nudity
Running Time: 2 hrs.1 min.
Release Date: March 18. 2016
Distributed by: Summit Entertainment
Release Formats: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D
John Delia, Jr. writes for the Examiner.com and contributed this review to Aced Magazine.
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
