“Divergent” – Derivative

Plenty of jumping in “Divergent.”

I have to admit that, at first, I was quite intrigued by the set up of the new science fiction movie “Divergent.”  Sadly though, before too long, I was disappointed (although not very surprised) to soon find myself in a movie that was tedious and whose title could have almost had its letters rearranged to one more fitting, like “Derivative.”

The problems with “Divergent” are many.  The most basic one is an issue many movies have.  There is an interesting premise, which is fine for the first and second acts. After this, the story just does not know what to do with itself and, as a result, follows patterns that are predictable, un-intriguing and easily resolvable.  The malady, referred to in both film and theatre, is called, “Trouble in the third act.” An example is a great premise that is resolved with a standard issue CGI (computer graphics imaging) enhanced car chase and/or shoot out.  Story over, back door left open for a sequel.