Reviews Literature / Divergent

Is this Writing 101 ?

NOTE: This review may contain spoilers and talks about the movie version. (I'm about 1/3 in the book, so not enough material for a book review)

• Story: it's a Basic dystopian plot that falls down after the initiation (the part I was reading and the only enjoyable part), and if you think about it the story doesn't make a bit of sense, especially regarding the Divergents.
• Characters: The main characters are Designated Protagonist Syndrome at it's worst, while the Ensemble Darkhorse group are actualy kind of fun to watch. (especially Will).
  • Tris is a textbook example of Mary Sue: Everyone against her is either a Jerk Ass or a bad guy, and doesn't have a inch of charisma or interest... She's unique only because she's a Divergent (and I still don't see how it's really a menace for the bad guys)
  • Four went from Stern Teacher to just a cheap plot twist abused child who wanted to be a sort of Divergent, and has a relationship with Trish, because why not ?
  • The bad guys are just dystopian textbook bad guys with again, no charisma or interest. Just a basic: "I'll rule the world by deleting emotion and by pure logic and control, and control an army of brainswashed soldiers".
  • The Ensemble Darkhorse are the only good characters, but you'll need to read the book in order to have some kind of development (especially if you like Al and Will).
• Photography: As much as the story falls down; it's actually good, and some shots really do work. (like the First Person camera when they go ziplining through buildings)
• Acting: I actually think the actors have a decent performance, despite their rather plain characters.
• Music: Let's say it barely does it's job, and sometimes puts Dubstep because it's cool and stuff.

There's also some minor things that made me cringe or laugh (like the Narmy death of MC's Mom with Imperial Stormtrooper Marksmanship Academy, or how Eric, a Drill Sergeant Nasty worse than Four let Mary Sue continue despite forbiding her to continue), and to it's movie credit, there's some funny Lampshade Hanging here and there, but nothing to really save it.

• Verdict: If you're bored and this goes on TV, maybe you'll kill some time, but I don't think it's a great book and definitely not a good movie.