Divergent

The film is more interesting than the average bad movie precisely because it so gratuitously, and even thematically, fails to fit together.

This is a rite-of-passage film, with action, romance and self-realization woven in. But unlike some others of this genre, Divergent is thought-provoking teen sci-fi.

... Divergent, despite multiple claims otherwise, tries to capture the format of The Hunger Games but completely phones in almost each element.

Dramatically, Divergent wanders, but over rich philosophical soil.

If I had to join a faction, I'd be looking for one called Bafflement or Exasperation. After spending the best part of five hours watching Divergent and Only Lovers Left Alive, I understand why audiences are flocking to see the Muppets and The Lego Movie.

Science fiction it may be, but the essence of the film is that timeless adolescent conundrum: who am I?

There have been far more compelling metaphors for the trials of adolescence.

This slick-looking, but shallow slice of sci-fi features a certain amount of Harry Potter-esque HufflePuff...

Divergent is Hunger Games light, but Woodley and James bring some heat to the leads and it's fun watching Kate Winslet sneering her way through a villainous role.

Falling victim to the same problem of many science-fiction or fantasy epic startups, the story is 90% introduction.