****SPOLIER ALERT- If you don't want me to spoil the story for you, stop reading.****

Our Thoughts...

Sacha (AKA- my hubby) and I were able to get a sneak peek at DIVERGENT at a press screening earlier this week. I had high expectations of this movie, since I am reading the book. I always think it's a better idea to have fully read the book, before seeing the movie adaptation... and remember, what you see on the big screen is just that- an adaptation of the actual story. If you haven't read the book DIVERGENT, by Veronica Roth, you will miss a lot of things in the movie, which aren't explained. Veronica Roth co-produced this film, so if she was happy with what wound up on screen, hopefully fans will be, as well.

The scenery in the movie was pretty much portrayed the way I imagined it in my head as I read the book. Tris, the lead character in this story narrates the beginning sequence, explaining about the post-war Chicago area, and why all of the people who survived are divided into factions. You get a glimpse into (Beatrice's) life, living with her family in the Abnegation faction- these are the people who have been deemed loving, kind, selfless. All of her life, Beatrice has been intrigued by the Dauntless- the brave, the fearless, those who protect all of the factions.

If you've read this story, you know that at a certain age, every child from every faction must take an aptitude test, which will determine which faction they truly belong in. On the day of the annual choosing ceremony, the young adult must choose which faction they want to live in, and belong to for the rest of their lives, even if it means leaving their family.

Beatrice received inconclusive test results, and Tory, he gal who administered her test, tells her she's what they call 'Divergent,' and the test doesn't work on Divergents. Divergents are dangerous, and the government is out to hunt and destroy Divergents, as they can't conform, and are a threat to the government and society. Tris follows her instincts and chooses Dauntless, a completely different way of life.

Leaving her fmaily behind, Beatrice steps forward as a brave girl, jumping into the unknown, jumping into and off of moving trains (as is the Dauntless way). She drops Beatrice and renames herself Tris. With a group of new initiates, she learns what it means to be Dauntless. The initiates train with Dauntless leaders Eric, and mysterious instructor, Four. Tris faces many tests and trials, and she  and Four fall in love along the way.

The story is full of suspense at every turn, and so is the movie. My favorite scenes from the book were, of course in the film- the ferris wheel scene being one of my favorites. If you're a big fan of the book, the fact that Christina doesn't wind up with the flag at the end of the war games may irk you- a lot... it sort of did me.

You may also find yourself irked when Tris' mom just happens to find Tris while loading up supply trucks, instead of their being a family visiting day.

Shaileene Woodley and Theo James play Tris and Four very well. They have a fantastic on-screen chemistry, which will make fans happy. Their relationship doesn't seem to be as strained on screen as it feels in the book. And ladies- if you don't think Theo James is cute with a capital 'C,' you're crazy. Kate Winslet is also awesome in this film, as she doesn't usually play the bad girl- and she plays her well! Ashley Judd gives her usual outstanding performance, as I fully expected. The supporting cast played their roles well, too- and Christina isn't as annoying on screen as she is in the book.

DIVERGENT is action-packed, and keeps you guessing right up until the end. Even if you've read the book, you'll find a few surprises along the way. Everything from the acting to the music makes this movie worth seeing. I have already asked hubby if we could go see it again, and you'd better believe that I'll be purchasing this movie to add to my personal Blu Ray collection in a few months!

Go see it, if you've read the book, and if you haven't, go see what this story is all about!