Divergent

****
UK Release Date: April 4th 2014

In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late.

Director: Neil Burger (Limitless, The Lucky Ones, The Illusionist)

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller

If the young adults of the world cannot wait to see the next film in the The Hunger Games trilogy, Divergent is your answer to fill that need. It almost follows the same formula, with a female teen as a lead who's independence shines throughout.

Tris (Shailene Woodley), lives in a dystopian world where society is spilt up in to five different factions; Abnegation, Amity, Candour, Dauntless and Erudite, all with special attributes. All teenagers, once they reach a certain age, have to choose which faction they are to be in for the rest of their lives. The majority stay with the one they grew up with, but there is a minority that choose otherwise.

The choosing is reminiscent of the sorting in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Tris' life hangs in the balance over this one decision and her life is already in jeopardy after being told she's a Divergent, a person with the skills of all factions, and someone who's a threat to the well preserved order.

After making her decision and joining her new faction members, Tris and her close friends must go through physical challenges in order to join the faction. These are run by seasoned, hardhearted peace-keepers Eric (Courtney) and Four (James). If they don't pass these then they are cast out of society forever.

This film is a based on a book by Veronica Roth with the same name. Being part of a trilogy of books, the Divergent series will follow The Hunger Games and have a two-part third act. Lionsgate films have the rights to both, but after being a more than acceptable action/adventure, it's looking positive that this saga will keep the YA's preoccupied way after THG ends next year.

Divergent is a set-up film for what's to come. Too much time is spent with Tris and her new companions trying to survive the training that's before them. This is one minor problem in a vast, open world. If there's to be another three films, then we'll have plenty more of Tris to see.

Kate Winslet is the leader of the Erudites, and word has gotten out that they're attempting to overthrow the Abnegation as the lead faction. Woodley is solid as a lead, giving Jennifer Lawrence a run for her money, and Theo James' Four as support keeps things interesting... not just as Tris' love interest (which gets a little cheesy) but a great source on the dystopian world.

The CGI, costumes and make-up are all breathtaking. It's easy to be hooked on the scenery alone, and with a strong stroyline, being absorbed in this is essentially a great surprising. A zip-wire scene will show you exactly what Neil Burger has introduced us to and the potential in what's to come.

Overview: If, like me, you thought this would be a cheap alternative to THG, you're mistaken. This is a great starter that's on par with it.