So here’s the backstory. It’s very similar to the Hunger Games. Once the kids reach a certain age they have to choose a faction to go into. Woodley, who plays Tris, comes from Abnegation (which is the selfless tribe) but switches to Dauntless which is the brave tribe. The book is also loosely based on Clans of the Alphane Moon and Divided Kingdom.

First of all you have to get over the fact that Tris looks nothing like book Tris. After that the movie follows most of the books premise. They really do spend a good amount of time focusing on training. Which is great. But some of the characters get left behind in the movie versus the book.

I don’t think this franchise compares to the Hunger Games. One, because I feel like it’s somewhat of a rip off. Two, Jennifer Lawrence is the better actress. Three, the love story in Hunger Games made more sense. Falling for someone you grew up with and then meeting a new love interest works. Getting shipped off to a new faction and then falling for someone there? Nope I would have been too petrified to want to hook up with anybody.

Kate Winslet though adds a lot of street cred to this movie. I need more of her because she can actually act. There were parts in the movie where Woodley wasn’t quite Tris.

It just feels like a new trend. Watered down dystopian world with teenage heroine. If you’re a hardcore sci nerd- you might like but not love this movie. Also hate to say this, because I say it all the time, but no not as good as the book. But is it ever? Also I won’t tell you if Al’s scene is in it or not. I said no spoilers!

I give it 3.5 Duffies. Hunger Games is better. It blows sparkling Edward out of the water. If you want a teenage dystopian drama- this Bud’s for you!