'Divergent' Review: It's No 'Hunger Games' But That's a Good Thing

The dystopian future YA movie market is approaching critical mass, what with "The Hunger Games" gearing up for its final two movies and a whole new series starting soon with "The Maze Runner." But don't let that stop you from seeing "Divergent."

For those who haven't read the book, here's the story: Beatrice Prior is a teenager living in a futuristic dystopian Chicago, where the citizens have been divided up into five factions as determined by a mandatory aptitude test. Of course, not everything is as it seems (after all, this is a dystopian future) and Tris finds herself fighting against those who want to take advantage of the system.

The story doesn't sound so groundbreaking at first, but the details of the world, and more importantly the way they are presented in the film, make "Divergent" much more interesting than the synopsis would imply.

But perhaps the most important thing about "Divergent" is the treatment of our female protagonist. In the two other major female-led young adult series to date, "Twilight" and "Hunger Games," our lead character inevitably finds herself in not only a relationship, but a love triangle. Not only is it not enough for a female lead to go without a romantic pairing, apparently we need two to make her interesting.

To the credit of "The Hunger Games," Katniss has little real interest in that side of her story; but still, the plot is thrown at us even more heavily in the movies than in the books.

In "Divergent," a relationship does form for Tris, but it always takes a back seat to her main goals: Prove herself, protect those she loves, save her city. Even more encouraging is the fact that star Shailene Woodley, who is undoubtedly beautiful enough to be exploited for it and made an object to ogle, never is. In fact, the only one who shows skin in this movie is the handsome and ever-so-brooding Theo James, whose shirt removal was met with an audible reaction from the theatergoers at my screening.

There are the inevitable moments of teen angst, mostly forced upon us through the film's at times intrusive soundtrack, and the occasional pieces of dialogue that are a little too on the nose. But both are mitigated by an absolutely stellar performance from Woodley, who chooses her emotional moments carefully and executes them with precision.

Add to that the performance of Kate Winslet who–bless her–does the best she can with what she's given, and what could have been much flatter scenes become thoroughly watchable.

Fans of the books will find this to be a very faithful adaptation with just enough small differences to keep them surprised. Those with no previous knowledge of the "Divergent" world might have a bit of trouble jumping into it...but if your teenage daughter wants to go, take her. You're not likely to find a Hollywood film with a better message or role model for young women.