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Brandon Clutter

Staff Writer

Hollywood has adapted many books onto the silver screen, and some have failed to impress, like “The Scarlet Letter,” or “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” Others however, have done great: the “Harry Potter” series, “The Hunger Games” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Veronica Roth’s first novel, “Divergent,” was one of the film adaptations to impress. “Divergent ” is the story of Beatrice Prior, a 16-year-old in the war-ridden future city of Chicago, who learns she is very different from everyone else in her city.

The movie was directed by Neil Burger, known for directing movies like “The Illusionist” and “Limitless,” was overall spectacular. Everything about the movie was daring, there were plenty of thrilling moments and excellent acting.

The setting was fantastic, giving off the feeling that Chicago was really wasted away after a war.

The movie was very true to the book, with some minor changes that didn’t change anything. This made me happy, as too many movies have had key scenes and characters changed from the book.

By staying true, fans that read the book were happy, and people who didn’t read it were able to see exactly what happened as it written.

“Divergent” had great special effects when needed, with the simulations seeming very real, and a scene with Tris hurdling through the city on a zip line. The cast played very well for their roles in the plot.

Throughout the movie, Shailene Woodley does a great job of portraying Tris Prior, the main character. In the book, Tris is shy, selfless and unpredictable. Not only does Woodley master this, she shows great on-screen chemistry with the mysterious Four, played by Theo James.

The cast all did a wonderful job also, whether in a main or supporting role.  Kate Winslet did a terrific job as Jeanine Mathews, and Jai Courtney played the antagonist role perfectly as Eric, giving everyone the perfect view of him being the hated villain.

I look forward to seeing what will be done with the other two books, “Insurgent” and “Allegiant.” If Burger and his producers can do what they did with “Divergent,” and stay true to the book, the remaining two films will be just as spectacular.

4 stars out of 5

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