It’s a challenging and difficult task to create the second film in a trilogy. For every Empire Strikes Back, we get a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The keys to a successful second film are to advance the story, develop core characters and leave the audience wanting more. The second film in the Divergent series, Insurgent, delivers on a variety of those fronts but falls short because of pacing and not utilizing their star-studded cast.

The Divergent series is often compared to that of other popular young adult novels that have been translated to the big screen, including, The Hunger Games and more recently, The Maze Runner but with this second film, Divergent, had a chance to be something different. This sequel was a chance to differentiate themselves from these other adaptations and prove that they have an original idea, story and direction. Despite best efforts, the movie doesn't set itself apart from the other adaptations and feels like a story audiences have already seen.

Neil Burger, who directed Divergent, did not return for this sequel. Insurgent was directed by Robert Schwentke, despite the direct change this feels like a continuation of the first film. It keeps the same visual style and feels like a fluid continuation.

Insurgent, picks up right where Divergent ended. We see Tris, played by Shailene Woodley, currently hiding out because of her unique status within this society as a divergent. This film focuses on Woodley’s character facing her inner demons and advancing as their own group of Divergent’s during a hostile time for the main government, controlled by Jeanine, played by Kate Winslet.

The desire of Jeanine is to open a box that was left behind with a message from the original founders of this society. The only way to hear the message, is to have it unlocked by someone who can related to all of the different fractions within the society and pass each simulation. This is the catalyst that results in a war between the current fractions and divergents.

Woodley shines playing the role of Tris. She commands the screen and proves that feature films can be lead by strong female women. She takes the time to develop her character and shows the growth that has taken place emotionally within Tris between the two films. Those small details and her powerful presence on screen help to make Tris a memorable leading lady who also has the ability to fight and hold her own with the leading men.

The cast of the Divergent series has a wide range of talent. From Oscar winner, Kate Winslet, to up and coming star Miles Teller, this film contains the talent of many film generations but when it comes to developing the non-main characters, Insurgent fails.

Seeing Woodley interact with Winslet on screen is a delight, both women command the scene and emerge the audience into this world but this doesn't happen often. Key characters are left underdeveloped and given poor dialogue. If these additional characters could have been further developed and expanded, the story would feel more real as a whole and would make it feel different compared to other young adult films.

The leading men, including Theo James and Miles Teller, also give decent performances but their characters both feel thrown into the mix and don’t develop. James and Woodley keep their chemistry from the first film but their relationship doesn’t grow or progress. A sequel is the time to explain the backstory of characters and explain their passion behind their actions, Insurgent, falls short in this regard repeatedly, despite incredible acting talent from both James and Teller.

Despite a slower first and second act, the highlight of the film is the action packed and exciting third act. The build up and adrenaline kick into overdrive and it’s a non-stop thrill ride. The action and special effects feel natural throughout Insurgent. The effects don't take away from the thrilling third act but they do help to elevate this world on screen. Being that it is a sequel, it's no surprise that the ending of the third act leaves the audience with questions and sets up the third and final chapter in this series.

In the end, Insurgent needs to embrace what makes it different compared to The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner, Insurgent needed to be more divergent.

Watch the trailer for Insurgent here:

Image courtesy of Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com
Image courtesy of Kristin Callahan/ACE/INFphoto.com