Allegiant Review
RYAN: It’s the third film in The Divergent Series, and should conceivably be the last – but as is popular in Hollywood, they’ve split the last book into two movies. So part 2, or Ascendant, comes out June 9, 2017. But the good news is – I’m bummed to wait that long for it!
CAROLINE: I’m glad you liked it. You’ve enjoyed the previous films, so it’s nice they’re consistent.
RYAN: They are – but one thing really confuses me about this one.
CAROLINE: What’s that?
RYAN: The effects are less impressive, not only for the franchise, but for movies in general. You can actually see outlines around them at times, revealing the use of green screen.
CAROLINE: Unacceptable!
RYAN: Right? They’re the worst effects since Fantastic Four. But all the landscapes and ships are very cool and even some of the stunts look like Cirque du Soleil.
CAROLINE: Did you talk to anyone who read the book?
RYAN: Yes, one of my movie clubbers at the screening is a big fan of the books. She was very disappointed in this adaptation. She said much of it strayed from the novel and almost in an offensive way. It’s difficult to stretch a book into two films unless it’s The Deathly Hallows.
CAROLINE: True that. I hate when movies are so different.
RYAN: But for having not read the books, myself, I was really digging this. I still love that Theo James – he sizzles through the screen. He and Shailene have a passionate kiss. I love seeing Naomi Watts brunette. She’s always so good in everything and then we meet Jeff Daniels in this. The plot really thickens in this installment – many of the political implications in this dystopian future Chicago are reflective of what’s happening in our own political rallies at present. It’s creepy.
CAROLINE: Art imitating life.
RYAN: Or the other way around. Who knows. It’s another good one. I wish they had just made this the final movie but alas, here’s to the conclusion next year!
