Monday, March 14, 2016

Review of ALLEGIANT: Numbing Narratives

March 14, 2016




I had rated the first two films in the Divergent series favorably. The first film "Divergent", I rated a 7/10, noting that it was a good film interpretation of a not-very-good book (MY REVIEW). The second film "Insurgent", I actually rated even higher at 8/10, calling it a satisfying and spectacular sequel (MY REVIEW). After watching this third film though, I'd advise fans not to expect too much.

Angry mobs rule in Chicago as the factions have dissipated after the death of Jeanine in the last film. Four,Tris and friends decide they do not like this system so they climbed out of the city walls to seek the truth on the other side. Outside, they were brought into an oasis in the irradiated landscape called the Bureau of Genetic Warfare, under the leadership of David. There, they learn about how their history. Tests reveal that only Tris possessed the genetic purity required to restore the social condition that existed before the purge. When he was assigned to the rough Fringe though, Four discovers that things outside were not as ideal as they thought they were.

The production design and visual effects were at par with the previous two films as they impressively created the new contrasting environments outside the wall -- the sterile Bureau and the barren Fringe. However, beyond these technical aspects, there was little else to love about this latest episode in the saga. I felt that the story was too overstuffed with political and sociological details that did not translate too well to the film medium. The storytelling felt slow and turgid. Events may be confusing if you miss out on something important mentioned in some boring conversation you tuned out of earlier.

Shailene Woodley remains to be the best actress among the young stars as Tris because of her intensity, but she certainly had her share of dull scenes. Theo James looked like he had but one stern expression on his face throughout as Four. Ansel Elgort appeared as ill-at-ease as ever as Tris' brother Caleb. Miles Teller had very embarrassing lines to deliver as the impertinent Peter. 

Among the senior actors, Naomi Watts looked miscast as Evelyn, leader of the Factionless. Her son Four even looked to be the same age as her. Octavia Spencer looked unconvincing as the leader of the Allegiants who broke away from Evelyn's leadership. Jeff Daniels gave a dignified performance as David, though the story arc of his character is simply overdone and too familiar already. 

Overall, I felt that this film simply could not tell its overblown story effectively nor engagingly. The issues about the genetically "pure" vs. "damaged" were too vague or nonsensical to hold one's interest in the unfolding events. Just when you thought the whole story had come to an end with this episode, David ominously appears in the final frame to open the doors for the next film in the series entitled "Ascendant" coming to cinemas by June next year. Even now though, I feel this story had already gone on too long. 5/10.



20 comments:

  1. wow too vague??okay maybe you didn't understand the whole story..

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  2. Oh man... I was looking forward to the third installation. Haha, I like the way you put it: that Theo Hames' expression as Four. I felt that he had the same expression during "Insurgent". Thanks for sharing your thoughts on "Allegiant". Really contemplating whether to catch this or to give it a miss..

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  3. I liked Insurgent so I'm looking forward to this installment. But if it's not too great, I'd rather wait for this to hit the TV screens then. I'll check the trailers if it would compel me to go to the movie theaters.

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  4. I dunno why. This happens with sequels a lot. Happened with Hangover, and also Matrix... We expect better than ever with sequels and the films fail to reach such a high expectation...

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  5. I think I will skip this movie coz there are many more good ones on the way.

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  6. I was never a fan of this series. I didn't even bother reading the books either. That's a pretty bad rating and idk if I want to invest my time for this movie.

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  7. This is really disappointing. I love how Insurgent was made, and how it was so much better than the book, so seeing how you described this one makes me a little sad. Nevertheless, watching it with my sibs this weekend!

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  8. The third movie had a higher expectation since the first two were highly rated. I guess with the complex nature of the movie, it was difficult to establish the story the 3rd time around.

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  9. I have seen the first movie only. The first film was really painful to watch. I am a fan of other dystopian films, but not of this series. Thanks for sharing your review. Not watching here.

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  10. I can't wait to see this!!! I have some free movie passes but I can't use it on the first week of screening AND on weekends. I'm taking a "day off" from motherhood on Monday! :D

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  11. I am so excited for this movie! I have read all the books and am up to date with the movies, so bring it on. My daughter and I will see it together.

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  12. I am not following the series, but I am familiar with the films. I watched the first one and that was it. Now I'm a tad curious because this one has such a low rating from you.

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  13. For me, I will still watch this no matter what because I have watched the first 2 :) Let's see if it's similar to the book!

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  14. I really have no idea about them as didn't follow their earlier series as well. Usually we have high expectations from a sequel.

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  15. I am too excited to watch this movie. Simply love Four and Tris. Thanks for the review though I don't want to read it too thoroughly..LOL

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  16. Sadly, the Divergent series itself isn't really a solid story which is probably why it was weak up until the third installment. :(

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  17. Darn, 5/10. I trust your reviews and I understand that the story has gone on too long, buuut i'll probably still see it! haha. Thanks for the review :)

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  18. I haven't watched any of the movies and now i am wondering if i should bother if this release is that bad. Thanks for the candid review!

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  19. I have to start from divergent. I had the sequel with me. Thanks for sharing your reviews.

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  20. I have only watch the divergent. Its good though. And i still have to warch insurgent bfor this film

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