'Allegiant' review: I pledge allegiance to the novels

Score: 6/10

"Allegiant" came out in theaters on Friday, March 18. It is part one of the final installment of the film series, and based on the last novel in Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy.

While the film is certainly action packed, there are moments in which the heart-racing, finger-drumming, adrenaline pumped scenes are marred simply by confusion. It is difficult to keep up if you hadn’t seen the previous two films, and the books provide an incredible amount of pertinent characterization and complexity that is inadvertently lost.

Some would say this series has been on this path since its predecessor, "Insurgent." A movie so drowned in production value that it’s proof you can’t trick people into finding something compelling with special effects.

When people say, the books are better than the movies. This what they’re talking about.

"Allegiant" offers a fast-paced analysis of morality, governance and segregation. What is it to be too much of one good personality trait? What is it to be pure or damaged? What does it mean to make sacrifices in a leadership position? These are all great questions that are introduced, but only semi-answered.

The scenes are visually appealing. It is clear that so much effort was put into the production of this movie.

Every single frame could have been taken and turned into a dynamic painting. The juxtaposition of disparate, decaying land and technological oases is alarming. The images shown effectively represent extremities. As a dystopian story, audiences are shocked to see what life could be, if society progresses in that particular fashion.

It sincerely looked amazing, but you can’t help but feel like there are things that are missing.

For the most part, the actors dutifully embody their characters. They carried the entire movie. They’ve carried the entire series.

Despite changes that have altered the way audiences are able to come to know and understand them, their talent is made clear in the way they convey the weight of story in their faces. Every shift in expression, calculated pause and well-timed one liner was indicative of the dimension their script lacked.

It really isn’t their fault that the elements that have been cut, grossly limit them.

However, the main antagonist in this film can actually be described as oddly passive. His power is obviously demonstrated. He can literally control everything. Which is weird, because he is surrounded by chaos. He just manages to mess up, a lot.

Roth’s novels provide content that has so much potential to deliver necessary messages that could really shake audiences into introspection.

It is a fault of the production team and screenwriters to have severed away minor characters, details and explanations, because I left the theater thinking I just saw merely a cool action film when the stories I read made me feel real emotions.

If you understand the full extent of the potential this movie had, it’s difficult to disassociate yourself from what could have been versus what is.

The film thus concludes with what can best be described as a fairy tale ending. Everything seems wrapped up in beautiful bow. The last mission is successfully carried out, the city is saved and everyone has smiles on their faces before it cuts away to the credits.

Members of the audience who left feeling suspicious, are rightfully so, this is not the end. Although it was visually appealing and the actors certainly worked hard, the absence of substance accounts for possible feelings of dissatisfaction.

Part two, entitled "The Divergent Series: Ascendant" is expected to be released March 2017. As someone who knows what is coming, I have a single sentiment to express: An ending does not have to be happy for it to be great.

This film may pass for good, but it could have been great.

Tidbits

• It is interesting to note that both the mortality rate and the amount of dialogue for people of color have a negative correlation. The former variable increases, as the latter remains low.

• Ansel Elgort’s one-liners as Caleb gave me life: “How’s that for damaged.” I’m excited to see where he can take his character.

• Throughout the film, I liked how I didn’t consistently like or hate these characters. They were human. Not always likeable, not always dislikeable. So much talent on that screen.

• Theo James as Four, captivating on the basis of his delivery as well as his attractiveness. Snaps for Theo.

For more information, contact reporter and Features Editor Aleanna Siacon at aleannasiacon.tse@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @AleannaSiacon