Movie review | ‘Insurgent’ surprisingly good, if you’ve seen ‘Divergent’

Insurgent ****

I was expecting to write off “Insurgent” as just another YA (young adult) sci-fi flick, more concerned with style over substance.

“Divergent,” the first in the series, also adapted from the hugely popular YA fiction trilogy by Veronica Roth, sets up this newest release. For those who did miss the first flick in the series, released in 2014, do yourself a favor and rent “Divergent” before you see “Insurgent.” The complicated interplay between the characters will make for a richer and more immersive experience.

Also do yourself a favor and see “Insurgent” in 3D, as the FX are outstanding.

The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic Chicago where the population is divided into five factions of predisposed temperament, intellect and personality. Think of high school cliques enforced by goons with hi-tech weaponry. The jocks are known as “Dauntless,” the brains and geeks Erudite, the stoners Amity, the do-gooders Abnegation, and narcs Candor.

In Roth’s world, all adolescents reaching the age of 16 are tested, ripped from their families, and sent to live wherever they’re best suited; unless of course, you’re divergent. All hell breaks loose when the Divergents and their Factionless pals become insurgents against the system. To my surprise, this was really entertaining, thought-provoking sci-fi, and a better film than the “Divergent.”

This story was originally published March 25, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Movie review | ‘Insurgent’ surprisingly good, if you’ve seen ‘Divergent’."