Review of Insurgent (2015) by Foxgrove — 05 Apr 2015

A rather padded and meandering second instalment for the Divergent series that is definitely not as good as the first film. The problem in the main is that the earlier movie was more interesting as it was setting up the scenario.

This one just becomes a kind of futuristic chase movie that is far too long. Plot points often lack clarity and whilst the film is eminently watchable the middle section drags noticeably. Shailene Woodley is a major asset as well as being a great little actress into the bargain.

She out acts everyone else on screen even if Kate Winslet and Miles Teller have their moments. To get the most from proceedings it is advisable to have seen the earlier film if just for context. Naomi Watts is introduced here as a potential baddie but she doesn't really come into her own here.

However, if the rather good ending is anything to go by, we can look forward to seeing a lot more of her next time when hopefully this film's failings are sorted out and improved upon. Finally, the special effects aren't bad, but there isn't really anything here that hasn't been seen before.