There’s one major problem for Divergent, and it begins with T, H, and G. In a world where “Katniss Everdeen” was just a meaningless string of syllables, this teen-centric adventure might just about get by; but with the shadow of J-Law hanging over it, Divergent‘s plot feels derivative and by-the-numbers. There’s nothing new in this story of girl-meets-urban-dystopia.

Its one saving grace is Shailene Woodley. Blessed with natural talent, Woodley’s quiet but capable heroine Tris has (dare we say it) more appeal than Katniss, and her chemistry with Theo James’s Four is more believable than The Hunger Games‘ tiresome love triangle.

A film aimed firmly at fans of the book, go in with low expectations or don’t go in at all. Saved by Woodley and James’ performances, Divergent has every trope a teenage fan could ask for, and not much else.

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd, Zoë Kravitz

DIRECTOR: Neil Burger

WRITER: Evan Daugherty, Vanessa Taylor

SYNOPSIS: In a world divided into factions, ‘Divergent’ Tris and the mysterious Four must find out why Divergents are being hunted down, before it’s too late.