Written by Adam Mast
INSURGENT (PG-13)
A spunky and somewhat reluctant Beatrice “Tris” Prior (Shailene Woodley) returns in “Insurgent”, a follow-up to last year’s “Divergent.” Both movies are based on a series of popular young adult books written by Veronica Roth and while there is clearly a “Hunger Games” vibe going on here, there are enough differences that allow this series to stand on its own.
As “Insurgent” opens, innocent turned outlaw-on-the-run Tris continues to evolve into a source of hope and inspiration in a futuristic society divided by fear and various social classes (factions). Hot on her trail is Jeanine (Kate Winslet), a ruthless faction leader determined to discover the mystery behind a strange box that might contain an answer to what resides beyond the walls of a post apocalyptic city. As Tris grapples with guilt over a tragedy, her relationship with Four (Theo James) continues to blossom.
“Insurgent” benefits from a much quicker pace then its set-up of a predecessor. There are quite a few beautifully conceived set pieces including a high rise attack, a brawl aboard a train, and a creative “Matrix”-inspired simulation sequence. Director Robert Schwentke (RED, FLIGHT PLAN) handles these set pieces with a sure hand, but unfortunately, a lot of information in “Insurgent” simply feels truncated. I haven’t read the books, but as a movie, I couldn’t help but get the sense that there were elements left out in an apparent effort to get this movie to the finish line. Moments that are meant to resonate, including an all too brief bit of business between Tris and her friend Christina (Zoe Kravitz) and a strained reunion between Four and his mother (played by Naomi Watts), don’t really come across because neither of these scenarios are given sufficient time to breathe. Likewise, the introduction of peaceful leader Johanna (played by likable Octavia Spencer) feels like it should be a more integral part of the plot.
Having said that, “Insurgent” does benefit from having the courage to follow through during some of the darker portions of the story. I’m not easily shocked and there were a few moments here that really took me by surprise.
Performance wise, this is Woodley’s show. While her Tris is a little less defined than “The Hunger Games'” Katniss Everdeen, Woodley brings sweetness and a fierce fighting spirit in equal measure. Theo James is a little dull as Tris’ love interest Four, and I found the twosome’s chemistry sorely lacking. Still, James does come alive during the action sequences. Jai Courtney is a ton of fun as Eric, a menacing soldier dispatched by Jeanine to bring Tris to justice. Between his roles in “Jack Reacher” and “Insurgent”, I think it’s safe to say that Courtney is more effective when playing villains. That probably doesn’t bode too well for his upcoming turn as Kyle Reese in “Terminator: Genisys”. Subsequently, I’m all but convinced that Courtney patterned his running and gun firing style in this picture after Robert Patrick’s T-1000 in “Terminator 2.”
Miles Teller is back as Peter, a shifty d-bag who switches sides whenever it serves his own best interests and while I’m a fan of the “Whiplash” star, I never got the impression that Teller was fully immersed in this. Again though, that may have more to do with the somewhat rushed and condensed nature of the plot. Ansel Elgort also returns as Tris’ conflicted brother, Caleb. Elgort is fittingly quiet and restrained but there’s nothing entirely memorable about his work here.
Oddly enough, Woodley has proven to have stronger rapport with her “Insurgent” co-stars in other movies (see her with an alcoholic Teller in “The Spectacular Now” and cancer patient Elgort in “The Fault in Our Stars”).
Whereas young adult post apocalyptic adventures go, I’m still more partial to “The Maze Runner” but
“Insurgent” is entertaining enough. With its political grandstanding, it was certainly far easier to digest than Neill Blomkamp’s similarly themed but far more heavy handed “Elysium.” Furthermore, I’m curious to see how everything wraps up in “Allegiant,” which, not surprisingly, is being split in to two movies. Anyone else tired of this increasingly obnoxious trend?
