‘Divergent’ appeases fans, may delight audiences
A book-to-movie adaptation is a difficult thing to judge. For one, you’re comparing the book to the movie, and trying to figure out how closely they resemble each other. On the other hand, it’s a film, and the criteria is completely different.
For “Divergent,” the stakes are high, not just for itself but for the future of YA science fiction/fantasy movie adaptations. After the success of “The Hunger Games,” “Harry Potter,” and “Twilight” died down, there have been more flops than not.
So how will it hold up?
What I saw in the theater was promising. For one thing, the movie stayed true to the book. I didn’t feel like any major scenes were cut, and the changes seemed both efficient and reasonable.
I also thought the acting was above par compared to other YA movies. Giving Kate Winslet, who plays Jeanine Matthews, and Ashley Judd, who portrays Tris’ mother, more substantial roles was a smart move. Their performances were incredible.
Other things “Divergent” did well: a well-woven soundtrack that carried moments without dialogue, not shying away from the violence and discomfort of Dauntless initiation, and highlighting cast members of color.
What didn’t I like? Well, I’m biased. One of my favorite lines from the book is “I am selfish. I am brave.” It wasn’t in there. But apart from that, I wish the factionless had been highlighted more. They’ll become more important in later books and I didn’t feel like the audience understood their purpose.
When it comes down to the box office, I really don’t know what will happen. I hope that the turnout on opening day is large. “Divergent” is definitely more like “The Hunger Games” than “The Mortal Instruments: The City of Bones.” But whether or not Tris will be as successful as Katniss will be up to the moviegoers.

This is my fourth year on staff. In the past, I've served as Spotlight Chief and Associate Editor. I spend at least 10 hours a week on journalism through The...