Divergent/Insurgent/Allegiant

[Tamzin Ashevai she/her]

So, I'm just as swayed by most of the characters in this film as I was by those in The Hunger Games/Catching Fire, and while the Divergent franchise might well be compared to The Hunger Games franchise, I saw Divergent and loved it just as much as I did both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire (and look forward to Mockingjay, Part 1 & Part 2, plus Insurgent, and Allegiant, Part 1 & Part 2). Seriously, though, I thought Shailene Woodley was awesome, Theo James was incredible, Ashley Judd was amazing, and the ending was way more than surprising. (I'll say no more.)

Edited April 13, 2014 by Tamzin Ashevai

[Bloodfalcon he/him]

It exceeded my expectations which were, admittedly, low. I found it to be a much more entertaining story than I had planned. I actually came out of it feeling hopeful for the next film. Divergent is more of a teen book series, so I can understand some of this, but the movie came of extremely cheesy several times. If they catch a couple of those on the next film, it will be fantastic. The characters were pretty good though. Honestly, my favorite actor of all of them was they Dauntless instructor (not the main character one). He was phenomenal and being a jerk - very believable. Considering picking up the other books, but I kind of need movies that I don't already know the story to, hahaha. 

[The Rooster he/him]

I really hated the books. I read the first one and then got about 1/4 of the way thru book #2 and realize "Hey, I don't HAVE to read this!" and quit it. I just think the premise doesn't work for me.

[Awesomeness Summoned he/him]

Haven't seen the new movie but gonna have to go with Rooster on the books. I thought the first one was alright but lost all interest half way through the second. My sister didn't like how the whole series ended so I think I'll wait till all the movies are all out and there is feedback on how they are as a whole before I decide to watch them or not.

[+Quitecontrary she/her]

I thought the movie was well-made, considering the material they had to work with. I've read the three books, wasn't really impressed, and although I knew what to expect, the movie still surprised me in a good way. The cast was chosen well, the villains creepy and easy to hate, the special effects moderately impressive, and overall, it left me with a very satisfied feeling.

I watched it with friends who never read the series, and they were quite happy with it. It was entertaining and mildly violent, and the cheesiness balanced it out.

Am hoping that they will do a great job on the sequel, too.

[Cracknut he/him]

I really hated the books. I read the first one and then got about 1/4 of the way thru book #2 and realize "Hey, I don't HAVE to read this!" and quit it. I just think the premise doesn't work for me.

Same here except I dropped it after reading 1/2 of first book. Hunger Games was better, at least first book.

[Delightful]

Haven't seen the new movie but gonna have to go with Rooster on the books. I thought the first one was alright but lost all interest half way through the second.

 

I thought the first book was okay, although I had the wrong expectations of it due to a badly-written blurb. Second book I HATED (oh the deus ex machina! And contrived fighting between Tris and Four that totally felt like "well I have to give this book some kind of tension".) I've heard the third book is very different though, so I might read it eventually.

[Nepene he/him]

I've read the book and it was good, but it was pretty depressing by the end. I have no desire to repeat that with a film.

[Bloodfalcon he/him]

Yikes, glad I didn't decide to buy the books. I'll steer clear. I think it is safe to say most of us have similar tastes, so don't feel like you ruined a potentially good time or anything. I'm a big boy.

[Tamzin Ashevai she/her]

While I know well that this film is only the first within those, "Divergent," might I please express my own opinions concerning this series?

[Tamzin Ashevai she/her]

Well, I'm into Insurgent now ( though still at the beginning). For now, I'll give the series the benefit of doubt. I've not read much YA fantasy/scifi beyond that of Brandon's and if I remain interested, I'm going to pursue it. Therefore, I press on!

[Moash]

Read first book, good but I'm not too interested in books 2-3 unless someone can promise it gets much better. I'm in the minority when I say I disliked the movie for bad plot holes and deviations as well as not being too entertaining.

[M'Hael]

You guys should definitely finish the second book. It pulls a Game of Thrones move on one of the major characters (not spoiling). 

[Eskridge she/her]

I read the books before watching the movie, but I have to say it did a better job on screen than in writing. I don't think The Hunger Games is as good, though. There's just something about the atmosphere of their innocent trouble-making that makes me enjoy it more. I do like other series and books better than it though.

[ollie99 she/her]

I read the first book and enjoyed it but lost interest after reading the second book. I am torn between reading the final book in the trilogy as closure would be nice, but i'm afraid of bad endings or stories that lose their steam and luster like the Twilight Series or Catching Fire.

 

I do want to watch the movie though. 

[Delightful]

I read the first book and enjoyed it but lost interest after reading the second book. I am torn between reading the final book in the trilogy as closure would be nice, but i'm afraid of bad endings or stories that lose their steam and luster like the Twilight Series or Catching Fire.

Ditto. I'll probably read the third book when I eventually get round to it, probably when it's not reserved at the library anymore. I heard recently that book 3 is very different to 1 and 2 so that makes me slightly more enthusiastic (ie, still not very) to finish the trilogy.

[TwiLyghtSansSparkles she/her]

I loved the first book, but fell out of love when I read the second. I didn't even bother with the third; I just got all the major spoilers from my family.