Insurgent, The Divergent Series (8/4/2015)

Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action throughout, some sensuality, thematic elements and brief language.

Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Maggie Q, Kate Winslet, Mekhi Phifer and Jai Courtney

Directed by Robert Schwentke (RED and R.I.P.D.)

My son and I have watched both of the Divergent films, but I think this was the last one for us.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

Most sequels are a let down…but this was a major letdown.

The whole cast is back and they are continuing the Divergent story, so can someone tell me what went so horribly wrong with Insurgent?

From the opening sequence to the end credits, everything felt off. The acting, special effects, story and pace were are dreadful. Two or three times during the film I leaned over to my son (who has read the trilogy…twice) and asked him, “Is it me or is this movie terrible?” Each time he would look at me with a confused and disappointed look and say, “Dad this is really bad.”

I will admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of the cast in the first film, but I thought they did an o.k. job. This time I was annoyed by everyone. I was annoyed at what they did, what they said and how they looked. And I promise I was not in a bad mood when I walked in to the theater…I was actually looking forward to seeing it.

Maybe it is unfair, but I lay most of the blame at the feet of Director Robert Schwentke, who still owes all of us an apology for R.I.P.D.

Save your money, Insurgent is a “Coaster”…and there is still at least one more of these films coming to a theater near you.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
A couple undresses each other and although the camera cuts away, sex is implied. There is also a woman seen in a shower for about 10 seconds.

There are numerous gunfights throughout the movie as well as other violence.

There is 1 S-word and Peter mutters the F-word to himself.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are some words you would use to describe Tris? Why?


2. What are some words you think people use to describe you?


3. How would you like to be described?

Read Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.


4. According to this passage, how can we be people of high character?