Divergent « We Are Movie Geeks

March 18, 2016

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT – The Review

Filed under: Review — Tags: Allegiant, Divergent, Miles Teller, naomi watts, Shailene Woodley, THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT, Theo James — Michael Haffner @ 1:07 am

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the DIVERGENT series isn’t anything new. Shocking, right? Of course the DIVERGENT films like many of these dystopian-set young adult adaptations borrow from the same classics that I won’t go through for the umpteenth time. But the series has reached a point where they are aping one another to the point of parody. It even goes beyond me thinking it was called INSURGENT when I was walking into ALLEGIANT. As much as I (surprisingly) enjoyed the coming of age, journey of self-discovery story that was the basis of the first film DIVERGENT, the formula of each are all so closely related that you could call this series “Convergent.”
All three films constantly fall into the same plot structure as our sharp-shooting but not so bright heroes Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) join up with a new group of similar rebels that seem to be against the baddies. Of course, just like the last two films, you suspect that you can’t trust this new group and their intentions.

Just like THE HUNGER GAMES films and THE MAZE RUNNER films, the DIVERGENT series also takes itself way too seriously as it tries desperately to present a foreboding and unique adventure series, even though they all could potentially be set in the same universe to create a Marvel shared-universe. On the bright side, the DIVERGENT series at least offers a few positives. Chief among them is the cast. Sure this series doesn’t have quite the same level of talent as that other known series like Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne Moore, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, but this series has a strong cast of underdogs including more unknown actors like Theo James and Zoe Kravitz who more than hold their own alongside the name talent like Naomi Watts, Shailene Woodley, and newcomer to the series Jeff Daniels (who delivers line a practically comatose state).

One of the other positives that sets this above those HUNGER films is the visual imagination that occasionally breathes new life into the film. Whether it’s raining blood on a Mars-esque nuclear wasteland or it’s the design of a high-tech tower that that looks like a cross between Vahan Misakyan’s “Evolving Skyscraper” and something out of the Jetsons, the film is consistently intriguing looking even if its meager budget prevents the CGI visuals from really coming to life.

ALLEGIANT is frequently silly and its dialogue might be the clunkiest the series has given us yet. However, the story is relatively self-contained for newcomers, focusing mainly on being a concise tale of a group of outsiders believing in themselves. The most frustrating aspect is that the characters don’t ever seem to grow or change very much. In fact, they often face the same problems just with a new villain of the week running the show. On the other hand, at least each of the three stands on their own without having to worry about sprinkling crumbs and clues to hint at a big final battle. Each has a clear story arc, albeit one that feels far too familiar.

OVERALL RATING: 2.5 out of 5

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT is now in theaters everywhere

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March 19, 2015

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT – The Review

Filed under: Review — Tags: Divergent, Insurgent, Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT, Theo James, Zo — Michael Haffner @ 4:00 pm

I walked into the first film DIVERGENT with much apprehension. Some were quick to call it a poor man’s THE HUNGER GAMES – a series I haven’t been a huge fan of – and so I ended up leaving the theater feeling guilty for liking it more than I should. This is in large part due to Sahilene Woodley adding some depth and compassion to a character that might have been just a cliché on the page. DIVERGENT tried hard to give meaning to Tris’ journey of self-discovery, which I ultimately bought into. Her trials to become accepted into a new group felt like the problems teenagers often face. Because of this emotional and physical journey, DIVERGENT is very approachable as a stand-alone film. Any previous knowledge of the book series by Veronica Roth is not really necessary – unless you really want to know all the kooky details about the different factions that don’t really make a whole lot of sense. Than again, I have to remember that this isn’t trying to be high-brow sci-fi either.

Sadly that’s not the case with the occasionally lumbering sequel, INSURGENT. Gone is the journey showing Tris as a quiet, unsure, weakling turning into a self-reliant and confident warrior woman, and in its place is a film about the power of guilt and how important it is to accept one’s “flaws.” You would think that INSURGENT would carry with it a deeper sadness given what happened in the first film and because of the heavier themes at play, but the film gets a little too bogged down in plot and prose to feel the impact of the film’s themes. Sure, we see Woodley cry…and cry…and cry again on screen in her struggle to accept the path she chose for herself in the first film, but keeping track of all the different factions and what they stand for and who is working alongside whom created more exhaustion at times than adding to the drama. Maybe fans of the book will have an easier time following it all or maybe I just don’t have the ability to retain the info as well as some (that may or may not be a trait in one of the factions – I’m only guessing at this point), but I never felt this way while watching DIVERGENT. There’s an ease and simple cohesion to how that film plays out that is missing with this follow-up.

Following the tragic events that culminated at the end of DIVERGENT, the film opens with Tris struggling to cope with the death of her mother and father at the hands of the manipulative leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet) and the militaristic coup she led to overthrow other factions in this dystopian society. Tris is on the run with former Dauntless leader and now new boyfriend Four (Theo James), her brother Caleb, and the snarky Peter (Miles Teller), as they attempt to avoid being apprehended and punished for stopping Jeanine’s plan. Their journey begins in the quiet Amity – the hippie, peace-loving faction run by Johanna (Octavia Spencer) – but is quickly disrupted by pursuing forces, leading them to a group of factionless outsiders led by Evelyn (Naomi Watts). She also has a plan to overthrow the corrupt leader and is hoping that Four and Tris will gather other Dauntless members to fight alongside her group. Jeanine’s hunt for Tris soon is given new meaning when she uncovers a mysterious box that is said to hold a message from their founders. The catch is that only a special type of person can open it. How Jeanine knows what’s inside the box is not really explained, nor for that matter the fact that she miraculously knows that only someone who possesses the traits of all five factions (a divergent) can open the box. That being said, I’m sure you can guess which divergent is going to be captured and forced to open the mystery box. Hint: it’s not Caleb.

Shailene Woodley makes the experience much more enjoyable than it should be. In fact, the whole cast is quite spectacular, even if Kate Winslet comes across as statuesque in both looks and in her wooden performance. Her character is given more screen time than the previous film, which sadly isn’t the case for the grossly underused Zoe Kravitz. A potential setup for a subplot is even established early on between her character and Woodley’s but is forgotten far too soon. Then again, this is Woodley’s show and her take on Tris feels like a richer character because of her genuine personality. Even some sorry and vacuous lines are excusable thanks in part to her emotive eyes and heart-on-her-sleeve persona.

As is the case with most sequels to young adult novel adaptations, the budget to INSURGENT looks like it has at least doubled. The post-apocalyptic world is shown in greater detail, new locations and environments are revealed, and CGI is more pervasive than before. This is both good and bad. Dream sequences that show Tris’ bottled-up guilt are utilized more frequently to great effect. Tris’ nightmares revealing her fear of losing her friends and family sneak in and out of reality in subtle ways like Freddy Kruger. (“Watch Tris survive in the new post-apocalyptic horror film ‘A Nightmare On This-Now-Grass-Covered-Once-Inhabited Street.’”) The bloated budget gives way to some cool imagery including seeing Four disintegrate into a million floating pixels. Then that image is used over again. Then buildings disintegrate before our eyes in the same way. Then more buildings explode into little 3-D bits. A once neat little idea is blown out of proportion extremely fast. What makes it more disappointing is that you would think the 3-D presentation that I saw the film in would add depth to these images and increase the “wow” factor, but it’s not the case. Watching the final CGI fight made me actually want to read the sequence in the book, as I assume what I would visualize in my own head might be more stimulating than what was on the big screen.

Over the past 5 years, a number of young adult books have been adapted for the big screen, with the most popular of course being THE HUNGER GAMES. Looking at just THE HUNGER GAMES and the DIVERGENT series, I have to admit I’m slightly partial to DIVERGENT. Neither are brilliant examples of sci-fi or young fiction done right, but when putting both worlds and characters next to one another, I would rather visit this faction-filled world that Tris is trying to find herself in then the tired games Katniss is trying to survive. There’s a sense of drive to Tris. She’s a complicated character that embraces violence and revenge as much as she values loyalty and love. Most importantly, Tris can show young viewers that it’s ok to be different – to think, feel, and act outside a generic label. Having a film structured around the idea that the differences that set you apart from others is all well and good. Some might say that the idea is rather hackneyed and trivial, but you have to remember we are dealing with a predominantly young adult fanbase. I can see where teens might take away something positive from Tris’ journey of self-discovery and acceptance of her skills and gifts, even if the journey is paved with distracting CGI and a convoluted story. INSURGENT has a muddled plot that gets way too caught up in detailing all the specifics of the book, but the heart is there, thanks in large part to Shailene Woodley’s casting. Fans will no doubt flock to see this new installment and adamantly enjoy every minute (an occasionally laborious 2 hours), I’m just not sure adult viewers will be able to look past some of the film’s weaker traits.

Overall rating: 2.5 out of 5

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT opens in theaters everywhere March 20

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March 17, 2015

Photos: INSURGENT Stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Octavia Spencer, Ansel Elgort, Zoe Kravitz At New York Premiere

Filed under: General News — Tags: Ansel Elgort, Divergent, Insurgent, Jai Courtney, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Miles Teller, Octavia Spencer, Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Zo — Michelle McCue @ 11:47 am

The cast of THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT took NYC by storm last night at the U.S. premiere.

Stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award Winner Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Daniel Dae Kim, Keiynan Lonsdale, Rosa Salazar, Suki Waterhouse, Jonny Weston, Ashley Judd, author Veronica Roth, and director Robert Schwentke walked the red carpet at the INSURGENT NYC Premiere.

Download the Insurgent Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featuring M83, Zella Day, Woodkid & more on iTunes HERE.

From now until March 23rd at 12pm ET/9am PT, FANDANGO is offering a bonus download of the DIVERGENT eBook for the NOOK Reading Appas a gift with each ticket purchase. http://www.thedivergentseries.com/#tickets

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.

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT opens nationwide in 2D, Digital 3D, IMAX^® 3D and RealD™ 3D on Friday, March 20th.

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February 25, 2015

Composer Junkie XL Creates Score for Warner Bros. Thriller RUN ALL NIGHT

Filed under: Composers,General News,Scores,Soundtrack — Tags: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Divergent, Junkie XL, mad max: fury road, RUN ALL NIGHT — Michelle McCue @ 3:31 pm

Grammy nominated producer and composer Junkie XL provides the raw, gritty score for Warner Bros. crime thriller RUN ALL NIGHT starring Liam Neeson, Ed Harris, and Joel Kinnaman.

Directed by Jaume Collett-Sera, the film follows Brooklyn hit man Jimmy Conlon (Neeson), who finds himself haunted by the sins of his past when his estranged son becomes a target of his longtime best friend, mob boss Shawn Maguire (Harris).

The film opens in theaters nationwide March 13th, 2015. The RUN ALL NIGHT original motion picture soundtrack will be available on Water Tower Music on March 10th, 2015.

Junkie XL‘s recent credits include the box office hits DIVERGENT and 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE. Junkie XL’s upcoming projects include the highly anticipated MAD MAX: FURY ROAD in theaters on May 15.

He is also re-teaming with Oscar winning composer Hans Zimmer to score the upcoming film BATMAN v. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE. Junkie XL will score the music for Batman with Zimmer composing the score for Superman in the film.

Inspired by the film’s storyline before being brought on as the composer, Junkie XL created a 55 minute sketchbook of music that he envisioned for the movie. “First, Darren Higman (Vice President of Music at Warner Bros.) explained the story to me in detail. He did it so well that I got very excited and was inspired to start writing music for the movie. The suite became a musical sketchbook that I later could pull from. After five days of writing, I was able to see the film. Funny enough, it felt like all of the music I wrote would work very well for the film. When I met with the director, Jaume, and played the music for him, he was very excited. All of the main themes that I came up with ended up in the film,” explains Junkie XL. This sketchbook will be included as a bonus feature on the RUN ALL NIGHT soundtrack release.

Junkie XL musically approached the film as a character study, creating a layered score for Run All Night that goes beyond the traditional musical genre of the crime thriller. “I wanted to write music that was reflection of the psychological state of the characters as opposed to just the action on screen. The music needed to underscore the characters’ wide range of emotions. To accomplish this, I incorporated deep, brute feeling drums with cello solos,” explains Junkie XL. Channeling the classic “hit man” thrillers of the 60s and 70s, the composer didn’t want the score to overwhelm the action sequences. “There is a great chase scene in the film where I purposefully didn’t want to use any music. The action and sound effects drive the scene, so the score came in at the end of the sequence to put you inside of the character’s mental state in a way that is not typically explored in modern action films,” explained the composer.

Junkie XL (Tom Holkenborg) has built a reputation on musical experimentation. The Grammy-nominated multi-platinum selling producer and composer’s versatility puts him on the cutting edge of contemporary music, as well as at the vanguard of film composition.

Holkenborg’s music career began when he founded the industrial band NERVE, while producing bands like Sepultura and Fear Factory. Drawn by electronic breakbeats he became Junkie XL debuting with the album “Saturday Teenage Kick.” Junkie XL went on to produce five more albums while headlining shows worldwide. The producer/remixer scored a number 1 hit in 24 countries with his rework of Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation”. Following the success, Junkie XL collaborated with celebrated artists including Dave Gahan, Robert Smith, Chuck D, and remixed artists including Coldplay, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake.

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September 16, 2014

15 Young Adult Novels Turned Into Movies

THE MAZE RUNNER will finally hit theaters this Friday, September 19th.

Published in October 2009 and based upon the first book in a bestselling series by James Dashner, the novel became a New York Times Best Seller and captured the imaginations of readers around the world. Fans have described it as a combination of Lord of the Flies, The Hunger Games, and the legendary television series Lost.

Books to film – especially young adult adaptations – are big bucks at the box office. Lionsgate’s THE HUNGER GAMES and THE TWILIGHT SAGA franchises have collectively grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office, and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is the 10th highest-grossing film of all time.

Over the weekend, Variety reported:

The 20th Century Fox release racked up a strong $8.3 million across five markets last weekend, with debuts that compared favorably to another young adult hit, “Divergent.” “The Maze Runner” is expected to make $30 million when it touches down stateside on Sept. 19.

While some missed the mark and others were successful in their crossover from page to screen, here’s a look at 15 Young Adult Novels that were turned into films.

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

(June 6, 2014)

Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) are two extraordinary teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them — and us — on an unforgettable journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous, given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, based upon the number-one bestselling novel by John Green, explores the funny, thrilling and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Review

Trailer

THE GIVER

(August 15, 2014)

The haunting story of THE GIVER centers on Jonas, who lives in a seemingly ideal, if colorless, world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. The film is based on Lois Lowry’s beloved young adult novel of the same name, which was the winner the 1994 Newbery Medal and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide.

Review

Trailer

THE HUNGER GAMES Series

(March 23, 2012; November 22, 2013)

In the film versions of Suzanne Collins’ best selling futuristic young adult novel THE HUNGER GAMES, a dystopic Capitol requires its twelve subjugated districts to pay tribute in the form of a teenage boy and girl who are forced to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. When Katniss Everdeen’s little sister is chosen in the lottery, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Although persevering through hardship is commonplace for Katniss, she must start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love in order to win the games and return home.

The success of THE HUNGER GAMES and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE marked the first time the first two installments of a franchise have each topped $400 million at the domestic box office, and both films now rank among the top 15 domestic film releases in history. CATCHING FIRE also grossed $428.8 million internationally for a worldwide box office total of $838.2 million in its first seven weeks of release compared to $691 million worldwide box office generated during the entire run of the first Hunger Games film.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 will be released worldwide on November 21, 2014 and THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 opens November 20, 2015.

THE HUNGER GAMES Review

CATCHING FIRE Review

Trailers

THE PRINCESS DIARIES

(August 3, 2001)

Starring Oscar winners Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, and Hector Elizondo, THE PRINCESS DIARIES is a cool, comical Cinderella story that will touch your heart. For teenager Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway), just surviving each school day is an adventure. Then the shocking news arrives that she’s a real-life princess! So begins a comical transformation towards poise and princess-ness, including a media storm, jealous schoolmates, and a plot to take over her country. Based on Meg Cabot’s 2000 novel.

Trailer

DIVERGENT

(March 21, 2014)

The thrilling action-adventure film is set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James) and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late.

The first film in the DIVERGENT franchise grossed $117 million at the domestic box office in its first three weeks of release, and it continues its international rollout this weekend with openings in France, Germany, Russia, Australia, Scandinavia and other major territories. Book sales of the best-selling Divergent series continue to skyrocket with total sales nearing 20 million worldwide.

Lionsgate will release a total of four DIVERGENT films on its Summit Entertainment label, with the next film, INSURGENT, which begins production next month, slated for release on March 20, 2015 and ALLEGIANT — Parts 1 & 2 scheduled for release on March 18, 2016, and March 24, 2017, respectively.

Trailer

Review

HARRY POTTER

(Eight films: 2001 – 2011)

“Dark and Difficult Times Lie Ahead“

It all begins when Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned first son of two powerful wizards and possesses magical powers of his own. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.

Fans watched as Harry’s, Hermione’s and Ron’s lives were filled with the Triwizard Tournament, dragons, the high-flying sport Quidditch, a thrilling game with living chess pieces, platform nine and three quarters, Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley, Death Eaters and Horcruxes – all the while facing the threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Based on the seven novels by J.K. Rowling, it all ended with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2″ – the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalated into an all-out war.

A Look at the Films

ERAGON

(December 15, 2006)

In a mythical time, a teenage boy becomes a dragon rider with the help of a wise old man, and with his newly-hatched dragon, avenges the murder of his uncle, rescues a beautiful warrior, and battles a tyrannical king. The film starred Ed Speelers, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Guillory, Robert Carlyle, Djimon Hounsou, Garrett Hedlund, Joss Stone, Rachel Weisz and John Malkovich. Directed by Stefen Fangmeier, the film is based on the novel of the same name by author Christopher Paolini from his Inheritance Cycle series.

Clip

NICK AND NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST

(October 3, 2008)

Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a comedy about two people thrust together for one hilarious, sleepless night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, late-night living, and, live, loud music. Nick (Michael Cera) frequents New York’s indie rock scene nursing a broken heart and a vague ability to play the bass. Norah (Kat Dennings) is questioning pretty much all of her assumptions about the world. Though they have nothing in common except for their taste in music, their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to find a legendary band’s secret show and ends up becoming the first date in a romance that could change both their lives.

Screenplay by Lorene Scafaria, based on Rachel Cohn and David Levithan‘s book.

Trailer

TWILIGHT Series

(2008 – 2012)

THE TWILIGHT SAGA film series stars Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together…even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story Twilight, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the film franchise, The Twilight Saga: New Moon, was released November 20, 2009, followed by the third installment The Twilight Saga: Eclipse on June 30, 2010. The final two installments, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2, were released on November 18, 2011 and November 16, 2012 respectively. All films, which together grossed more than $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, were written by Melissa Rosenberg based on the novels in author Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series.

Watch how it all began HERE.

PERCY JACKSON Series

(OLYMPIANS: February 12, 2010 and SEA MONSTERS: August 7, 2013)

In PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, a trouble-prone teen Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of school — but that’s the least of his problems. The gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters seem to have walked out of the pages of Percy’s Greek mythology texts and into his life — and they’re not happy. Zeus’ lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Now, Percy and his friends must return Zeus’ stolen property and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves.

Based on the publishing phenomenon, PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS continues the young demigod’s epic journey to fulfill his destiny. To save their world, Percy and his friends must find the fabled and powerfully magic Golden Fleece. Embarking on a treacherous odyssey into the uncharted waters of the Sea of Monsters (known to humans as the Bermuda Triangle), they battle terrifying creatures, an army of zombies, and the ultimate Evil. Based on the series by Rick Riordan.

OLYMPIANS Review

SEA MONSTERS Review

Trailer

VAMPIRE ACADEMY

(February 7, 2014)

Based on author Richelle Mead’s worldwide bestselling series, VAMPIRE ACADEMY tells the legend of Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) and Lissa Dragomir (Lucy Fry), two 17-year-old girls who attend a hidden boarding school for Moroi (mortal, peaceful Vampires) and Dhampirs (half-vampire/half-human guardians).

Rose, a rebellious Guardian-in-training and her best friend, Lissa – a royal vampire Princess – have been on the run when they are captured and returned to St.Vladamirs Academy, the very place where they believe their lives may be in most jeopardy. Thrust back into the perils of Moroi Society and high school, Lissa struggles to reclaim her status while Rose trains with her mentor and love-interest, Dimitri (Danila Kozlovsky), to guarantee her place as Lissa’s guardian.

Rose will sacrifice everything to protect Lissa from those who intend to exploit her from within the Academy walls and the Strigoi (immortal, evil vampires) who hunt her kind from outside its sanctuary.

Trailer

I AM NUMBER FOUR

(February 18, 2011)

Three are dead. Who is Number Four? From director D.J. Caruso (Disturbia), producer Michael Bay (Transformers) and the writers of TV’s Smallville, comes this gripping, action-packed thriller. John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) is an extraordinary teen masking his true identity to elude a deadly enemy sent to destroy him. Living with his guardian (Timothy Olyphant) in the small town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events — his first love (Dianna Agron, TV’s Glee), powerful new abilities and a secret connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Based on the novel I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore.

Trailer

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

(August 21, 2013)

Clary’s life is turned upside down when her mother is kidnapped and it’s revealed that she and her mother are actually shadowhunters – billed with protecting the world from downworlders such as vampires, werewolves and demons. Clary must discover her talents and save her mother. Based on the Best-Selling YA series by Cassandra Clare.

Review

Trailer

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES

(February 14, 2013)

A strange recurring dream haunts Ethan Wate in his sleep, but he prefers anything to his waking life. Trapped in a small, conservative Southern town with his withdrawn father, Ethan desperately wants to escape. Then the beautiful Lena Duchannes arrives at his school, and mysterious events begin to occur. Lena has a secret: She is a Caster with powers beyond her control. Worse, when she reaches her 16th birthday, she will be claimed by either the Light or the Dark…and there is no escaping her fate in this supernatural love story. Based on the young adult novel written by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and the first book in the Caster Chronicles series.

Review

Trailer

THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS

(June 1, 2005)

Coming of Age Adventure based on Ann Brashares’ best-selling novel about a special 16th summer in the lives of four lifelong friends who are separated for the first time. On a shopping trip, the girls find a pair of thrift-shop jeans that fits each of them perfectly and they decide to use these “magic” pants as a way of keeping in touch over the months ahead, each girl wearing the jeans for a week to see what luck they bring her before sending them on to the next. Though miles apart, the four friends still experience life, love and loss together in a summer they’ll never forget.

Trailer

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May 27, 2014

INSURGENT, Second Installment of DIVERGENT Franchise, Begins Production

Filed under: Movies — Tags: Akiva Goldsman, Ansel Elgort, Brian Duffield, Divergent, Insurgent, Jai Courtney, kate winslet, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Miles Teller, neil burger, Octavia Spencer, ray stevenson, Robert Schwentke, Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Zo — Michelle McCue @ 4:03 pm

Lionsgate announced today that principal photography has commenced in Atlanta on the feature film adaptation of INSURGENT, the second installment of the blockbuster DIVERGENT action adventure franchise, starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Oscar Winner Kate Winslet.

Academy Award Winner Octavia Spencer takes on the role of “Johanna” and joins returning cast members Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer.

Based on author Veronica Roth’s New York Times best seller, the film is being directed by Robert Schwentke from a screenplay by Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman.

Lionsgate will release INSURGENT theatrically in North America through its Summit Entertainment label on Friday, March 20, 2015. The third and fourth installments in the series, ALLEGIANT – PARTS 1 & 2, are slated for release on March 18, 2016 and March 24, 2017, respectively.

INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the dystopian 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.

“Divergent” was written by first time author Veronica Roth and has topped The New York Times Best Seller list since being published in April 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers. Book sales of the “Divergent” trilogy have surged to nearly 22 million copies worldwide, up from 17 million at the time of DIVERGENT’s March 21 release.

DIVERGENT has already grossed more than $260 million at the worldwide box office, making the film Lionsgate’s highest-grossing domestic box office release outside THE HUNGER GAMES and TWILIGHT franchises.

Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher are producing the film through their Red Wagon Entertainment banner along with Pouya Shahbazian. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are executive producing through their Mandeville Films banner along with Neil Burger and Barry Waldman.

To stay connected with all updates related to the film, follow the official Twitter handle (www.twitter.com/Divergent) and like the movie’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Divergent).

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April 11, 2014

3rd Installment Of DIVERGENT Trilogy, ALLEGIANT, To Be Released As Two Separate Films

Filed under: General News — Tags: Allegiant, Divergent, Insurgent, Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Veronica Roth — Michelle McCue @ 10:35 am

Lionsgate has announced that it will produce and release ALLEGIANT, starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James and based on the third book in Veronica Roth’s best-selling Divergent trilogy, as two separate films.

The Company will release a total of four DIVERGENT films on its Summit Entertainment label, with the next film, INSURGENT, which begins production next month, slated for release on March 20, 2015 and ALLEGIANT — Parts 1 & 2 scheduled for release on March 18, 2016, and March 24, 2017, respectively.

After the cataclysmic events in INSURGENT, Tris and Four enter a dangerous new world in ALLEGIANT – Parts 1 & 2 that they no longer recognize. As new truths are revealed about the past and future, Tris must face impossible choices about courage, allegiance and love to protect the people closest to her.

The first film in the DIVERGENT franchise is off to a fast start, grossing $117 million at the domestic box office in its first three weeks of release, and it continues its international rollout this weekend with openings in France, Germany, Russia, Australia, Scandinavia and other major territories. Book sales of the best-selling Divergent series continue to skyrocket with total sales nearing 20 million worldwide and sales of the three-book boxed set and three-book e-bundle increasing 55% last week. The three books ranked one-two-three on the USA Today best-seller list for 2013.

The Company’s THE HUNGER GAMES and THE TWILIGHT SAGA franchises have collectively grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office, and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE is the 10th highest-grossing film of all time.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – Parts 1 & 2 will be released on November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015, respectively.

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March 23, 2014

DIVERGENT Takes No. 1 Spot At The Box Office ; NOAH Brings In $14M

Filed under: Box Office — Tags: 300: rise of an empire, Box Office, Divergent, Need For Speed, Noah — Movie Geeks @ 2:45 pm

The top-12 domestic weekend box office estimates for Sunday, March 23, 2014 are in. Rentrak is reporting DIVERGENT was No. 1 with a huge $56 million. MUPPETS MOST WANTED came in second with a less than stellar $16.5 million.

Rentrak’s Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian commented, “The international marketplace clearly has the NEED FOR SPEED as the Disney release has become something of a sensation adding another $29.2 million in 55 territories and a global cumulative to date $126.5 million. Warner Bros.’ action-epic 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE continues to conquer the world with $21 million this weekend in 63 markets and boosting its worldwide total to over $280 million.”

Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures’ NOAH brought in an estimated $14 million from it’s opening in two countries – Mexico ($5.7M) and South Korea ($8.3M). Director Darren Aronofsky’s epic tale opens next weekend in the U.S.

1. Divergent – Lionsgate – $56.0M
2. Muppets Most Wanted – Disney – $16.5M
3. Mr. Peabody And Sherman – 20th Century Fox – $11.7M
4. 300: Rise Of An Empire – Warner Bros. – $8.7M
5. God’s Not Dead – Freestyle Releasing – $8.6M
6. Need For Speed – Disney – $7.8M
7. Grand Budapest Hotel, The – Fox Searchlight – $7.0M
8. Non-Stop – Universal – $6.3M
9. Lego Movie, The – Warner Bros. – $4.1M
10. Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms Club – Lionsgate – $3.1M
11. Son Of God – 20th Century Fox – $2.6M
12. Monuments Men – Sony – $1.0M

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March 21, 2014

DIVERGENT – The Review

Filed under: General News,Review — Tags: Amy Newbold, Ansel Elgort, Ashley Judd, Ben Lamb, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Christian Madsen, Divergent, Jai Cortney, kate winslet, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Miles Teller, neil burger, ray stevenson, Shailene Woodley, Theo James, tony goldwyn, Veronica Roth, Zo — Michael Haffner @ 6:19 am

It’s no wonder a studio like Summit Entertainment would be interested in bringing Veronica Roth’s book series to the big-screen. Between the theme of government control set amid a sci-fi setting and the focus being on a young woman discovering who she really is amidst a growing rebellion, it’s not a stretch to see that DIVERGENT might be the next THE HUNGER GAMES. To put it simply, GAMES doesn’t have to worry about any sort of competition from this new young adult rival, but those interested in that world shouldn’t completely dismiss this entertaining coming of age story either.

Where THE HUNGER GAMES has somehow been able to appeal to readers and film fans of both young and old, this new young adult series may not be as lucky. This is mostly in part to the focus on romance rather than substance. When so much attention is paid to whether the two good-looking leads will kiss or not, you begin to see what really is most important in this series. Thankfully this budding romance isn’t nearly as agonizing as say the TWILIGHT films, but make no mistake, this is clearly a young adult series. And with that warning, be prepared to witness precocious teens try to catch cutesy glances at one another. So much so that you almost forgot that you are supposedly watching a science fiction film interested in bigger ideas.

In DIVERGENT, the Chicago of the distant future is separated into different factions. Each faction – don’t you dare try to make me recount all their names and what they stand for – is comprised of individuals who share specific personality traits that are unique to that faction. When you get to a certain age, a mental test is conducted that probes the mind to find out who you should belong to. Of course, the choice is always up to the individual, but no person should have all of the traits that make up the five factions. Only in very rare instances does this happen. Those individuals whose tests come back “inconclusive” are called Divergents.

Tris, played with all heart and gusto by Shailene Woodley, happens to be one of these individuals. When she is told to hide her test results, she is forced to decide what faction she wants to belong to. She ends up choosing “Dauntless” even though it goes against her family tradition. The Dauntless are known for their heroics and athletic ability. Through her training she meets a ragtag group of teens who are all striving to be officially accepted into the group. Only if you pass all of the tests and are in the upper percentage of the new recruits will you get accepted. One of her mentors, mysteriously named Four (the smoldering Theo James), seems to take a liking to Tris but also sees her as a potential problem due to some of the other traits she exhibits that other Dauntless members don’t possess. Four and Tris soon discover that they share more than just an emotional connection and that there lives may be at risk due to mounting pressure between the factions.

The film seems to suffer from being a slave to the source material. Even if you look past the bloated running time, so much effort is put into the training sequences and Tris “finding herself” amid the diverse group that you spend the majority of the film waiting for the plot to kick into gear. I will say that these coming of age scenes have a breezy easiness to the way they are laid out even if they become repetitious after awhile. The trials and obstacles she must face even seem to carry some minor symbolism as they act almost as stepping-stones showing a naïve girl transforming into a strong woman. It’s only when the film finally decides to deal with the larger issue of the story that everything suddenly feels rushed. Everything in the final 20 minutes feels like narrative overload, abruptly tacked on to make way for the subsequent films in the book series. By the end of the chaotic finale, you may find yourself looking back and appreciating some of the quieter moments from earlier in the film – especially a soaring scene where we see Tris literally soaring above the city set to a song by the band M83.

Director Neil Burger (LIMITLESS, THE ILLUSIONIST) takes such great care setting up these characters but wastes his calculated handling of the story in its finale. One could argue that the story could function much better as a TV series. Even though a similar book series has been adapted and made quite a splash at the box-office recently, I feel the deliberate pace that is spent to get to know each of these characters – which I can only assume is also present in the books – could translate to the small screen more efficiently. The entire ensemble seems appropriately cast and all are captivating on screen thanks to some impressive cinematography (Alwin H. Küchler). Burger’s direction mostly elevates the teen love affair into something slightly more just through his approach to this story. However, I would be remiss not to warn those unfamiliar with the books that this truly is an adaptation of a young adult novel. That being said, don’t be surprised if the film inspires even more young people to join the DIVERGENT fan faction.

3 out of 5 stars

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March 10, 2014

Win Tickets to The Advance Screening of DIVERGENT in St. Louis

Filed under: Contest — Tags: Divergent — Movie Geeks @ 2:15 pm

DIVERGENT is hitting cinemas and IMAX on March 21st and WAMG has your free hookup to the St. Louis advance screening.

The movie features Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Cortney, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller, Tony Goldwyn, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Ben Lamb, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Christian Madsen, Amy Newbold and Kate Winslet.

DIVERGENT is directed by Neil Burger from a screenplay by Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor,

The DIVERGENT screening will be on Tuesday, March 18th at 7PM in the St. Louis area. Each pass is good for 2 tickets.

Head over to gofobo.com to enter for a chance to win. Winners will be chosen on Monday, March 17.

http://l.gofobo.us/DsVS20yz

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

This film is rated PG-13.

For more updates on DIVERGENT:

Official Site: http://DivergentTheMovie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Divergent
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Divergent
Instagram: http://instagram.com/Divergent
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Divergent/
Google+: https://google.com/+Divergent

Interscope Records will partner with Summit Entertainment to release the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to the action adventure film Divergent on March 11, as well as the Original Score on March 18. The soundtrack features a brand new song by multi-platinum British singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding entitled “Beating Heart” as well as songs from Goulding’s sophomore album, Halcyon. Goulding will also contribute vocals to the film’s score composed by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum electronic artist Junkie XL and executive produced by Grammy and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer (The Dark Knight, Inception). Pre-order on iTunes today: iTunes.com/DivergentSoundtrack.

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