Last weekend I saw the movie, Divergent. This movie is based on the book of the same name by Veronica Roth. If you haven't heard of this book and/or movie, then you've probably been living under a rock...on Mars.
The Movie: The film left out a few key scenes and minimized roles of some supporting characters (for time reasons I'm sure), but it was fairly true to the book. I thought the casting was good, although I did take a very minor issue with Theo James. Don't get me wrong, he was very easy on the eyes and convincing as Four, he just seemed a bit too old for Shailene Woodley.
It is set in a futuristic Chicago that doesn't have any water surrounding it so that was interesting to see. I have an issue with heights, so there were quite a few scenes that made my palms sweat (especially having recently visited the Hancock Tower and knowing just how high it is at the top).
The first half of the movie was riveting, but the second half dragged a bit. I thought the book did a better job with the climax and conveyed a sense of real danger, whereas it felt like the last half of the movie was just prepping you for the sequel.
My hubby graciously accompanied me. He had not read the book. I could tell by the look on his face that he took issue with something. Turns out it had nothing to do with the movie itself, he just didn't buy the premise. I've heard this from a few other friends also which is why I recommend reading the book first. If you like the book, then you'll like the movie.
P.S. A friend was once asked to describe me in one sentence. He said that I was Jack Nicholson's character from A Few Good Men when he says, "You can't handle the truth!" So as much as I would like to be Dauntless, I'm obviously Candor :)
Labels: Divergent , Dylan O'Brien , The Maze Runner , Veronica Roth , YA books , YA movies , YA Science Fiction