Now Playing: “Insurgent” a watered down version of original
March 24, 2015
Although it’s an improvement over its predecessor in nearly every way, “Insurgent” is still a watered-down, young adult approach to dystopian fiction that brings no new ideas to the table. Much more tense and engaging than “Divergent”, this movie is still just a “Hunger Games” wannabe.
With a heavier focus on persecution and political conflict, this movie is more entertaining than the original. The insurrection the first movie hinted at is finally here, and it ushers in a quicker pace and more exciting action.
Though the ride is more fun than it was the first time around, “Insurgent” still can’t disguise the abundant weaknesses in its story and characterization. The plot wanders but, thanks to no shortage of too-convenient coincidences, always gets where it needs to. There are several instances where the exact thing the characters need to escape, such as a train or rescue team, appears almost as if by magic.
The movie’s notions of what constitutes good characters are equally lacking. “Insurgent” persists in its belief that having more than one skill is all Tris, played by Shailene Woodley, needs to be a complex character. Meanwhile Kate Winslett’s Jeanine Matthews, the dictator antagonist, wants to eradicate divergents for some nonsensical reason.
Even more so than “The Hunger Games”, this movie takes itself too seriously. Despite its general ridiculousness, I can’t recall a single moment of levity in “Insurgent.” With a PG-13 rating, it can’t attain the level of grittiness director Robert Schwentke clearly wants. With a lot more deaths than in the first film, “Insurgent” is more visceral and action-driven, but gets bogged down in its own suffocating self-importance.
Though better than “Divergent” by leaps and bounds, “Insurgent” still doesn’t have what it takes to separate itself from the young adult flock. If the series keeps improving at this pace, however, there’s a decent chance the third movie will be acceptable.
