The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Like Harry Potter, Twilight and Hunger Games, this adaptation of Veronica Roth's popular YA series divides its conclusion into two separate films. As this first installment begins, a voiceover explains, “We designed your city as an experiment.” Chicago's citizens were rigidly divided into behavioral factions, such as Amity, Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, and Dauntless. After a revolution that abolished these divisions, militant Evelyn (Naomi Watts) takes charge, opposed by Johanna (Octavia Spencer), whose former Amity cohorts become known as Allegiant. Beatrice “Tris” Prior (Shailene Woodley), accompanied by her brother Caleb (Ansel Elgort), lover Four (Theo James), friend Christina (Zoë Kravitz), and the ever-duplicitous Peter (Miles Teller), scales the massive concrete wall that surrounds Chicago to explore the post-apocalyptic world outside. Captured in the dystopian wasteland after being drenched by radioactive rain, they are whisked off to the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, a futuristic fortress in what used to be O'Hare International Airport. Here, Tris meets David (Jeff Daniels), the smug head honcho, who relates the history of DNA modification and shows how the Bureau keeps Chicago's citizens under constant surveillance. In addition, Tris learns that because she is “pure,” she has a special mission. Episodically directed by Robert Schwentke with an emphasis on repetitive action, this is a lame entry in an overall disappointing series. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher, the production featurettes “Book to Film” (5 min.) and “Battle in the Bullfrog” (4 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are behind-the-scenes featurettes on “Building the Bureau” (12 min.), “Finding the Future: Effects & Technology” (11 min.), “The Next Chapter: Cast & Characters” (8 min.), and “Characters in Conflict” (6 min.), as well as bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a lackluster entry in an unremarkable franchise.] (S. Granger)