Film Review - Divergent

That Feeling of Déjà vu

Film: Divergent

Cast: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet

Directed by: Neil Burger

Duration: 2 hrs 20 mins

Rating: *  *  *  

Pretty much on the lines of The Hunger Games, here is another film set in a futuristic dystopian society. Based on the novel by Vernoica Roth, unfortunately for this film (and the novel) The Hunger Games has already captured the imagination of young adults and hence this appears like a clone.

Leaving the broader similarities aside, there are some interesting allegories in the plot which one can relate to and it also keep the wheels turning as far as the narrative is concerned. Much like the caste system that we are familiar with, in the future, the citizens are divided in different factions mainly Amity (the peaceful), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave) and Candor (the honest).

Beatrice (Shailene Woodley) a 16 year old something is the equivalent of Katniss Everdeen, while most people qualify in one category, she possesses all the above qualities to a high degree and that makes her a Divergent. But the authorities running the show led by Jeanine (Kate Winslet) see them as a threat and hence want to liquidate them. Beatrice has to hide her identity and she is supported by a fellow Divergent called Four (Theo James) while Ashley Judd plays her mother. 

The plot is predictable and while it doesn’t hit too many lows, there is nothing very exciting either. The coming of age story may appeal to youngsters but otherwise this is a middle of the road kind of a film. Shailene Woodley may not a be a Jennifer Lawrence but she has put her best foot forward and fares well while Kate Winslet is a miscast in the role. 

The target audiences for this film are young adults and they won’t be disappointed with it, for the rest, it is a not so bad affair.

Published in The Navhind Times on 13th Apr 2014

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Film Review - Hunger Games: Catching Fire

                                       

                                Game On

Film: The Huger Games: Catching Fire

Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Directed by: Francis Lawrence

Duration: 2hrs 25 mins

Rating: * * * 1 / 2

Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games lives upto its expectations – it slightly on the longer side in terms of its length, but the build up to the finale is solid. As it has been happening with trilogies or final parts lately, the last book Mockingjay will be split into two films scheduled for a 2014 and 2015 release respectively.

  

Catching Fire starts off where the previous film finished. Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) the winner of the games along with Peeta (Josh Hutecherson) are quietly revolting against the system. The two are forced to make public appearances as heroes but she takes every opportunity to show her discontent. That makes President Snow (Donald Sutherland) very angry and he comes with an ingenious plan, forcing all the previous winners of the games to compete with each other. That is one easy way to quell the rebellion and ensure that all previous heroes die in the contest.

Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the game controller and designer while Woody Harrelson returns as the alcoholic mentor. An almost unrecognizable Elizabeth Banks also makes an appearance along with always impressive Stanley Tucci.

The story builds up steadily, till the mid point the groundwork is being laid but once the games start it gets engrossing. The structure of the story is as such that in the end, you are asking for more.

The cast has done a terrific job. Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland and Philip Seymour Hoffman are all seasoned actors and play their roles with conviction. The film is yet another triumph for actress Jennifer Lawrence who is clearly amongst the best on the scene today.   

Catching fire is eminently watchable, the next two films hopefully will be even better. 

Published in The Navhind Times on 8th Dec 2013

www.twitter.com/sachinchatte