I finally saw the Divergent movie on Tuesday, and overall I really enjoyed it. Divergent wasn’t my favorite book of all time, but I felt really engaged in the series. The film follows the book pretty closely. Of course some things were edited out for time, but there are no major departures (that I noticed) from the text.
As someone who’s watched more Secret Life of the American Teenager than I would like to admit, I was a little worried when I heard Shailene Woodley would play Tris (and frankly more worried about her playing Hazel Grace in TFiOS), but she was fantastic. Even better, was Theo James as Four – who was pure perfection. I’m going to keep this short (and relatively generic) because I don’t want to put any spoilers in. To me the earlier parts of the movie while Tris is training with her faction are a little less developed than in the book (especially getting to know the different characters), but the final scenes in the movie were much clearer and simplified.
Overall, I think fans of the books will be happy with this adaptation. I was happy to see the movie have a strong opening weekend, especially since some other YA adaptations haven’t done as well in the last year.
If you’ve seen the Divergent movie, what did you think? If not, do you think you will go see it? What other movie adaptations are you looking forward to?
I’m pretty excited to see The Fault in Our Stars this summer, and was thrilled earlier this week to learn about the Paper Towns movie.
Alison Doherty 
I thought Shailene was magical and genius. Phenomenal job. And Four. Yum. -Kaitlyn 🙂
Agreed on both accounts!
I loved Shailene in Secret Life! Though I stopped watching her work after that plotline went south for me and not nearly as authentic as in the beginning, but I’m so scared of watching Divergent because well, I’m a fradey cat! Haha, but I’m glad to know it does not suck.
Fair enough on Secret Life. I obviously liked something about the show because I kept watching it! I was really frightened to see Divergent. It is definitely scary, but I would say it isn’t as intense as the book. I mean it still is really violent and scary though.
I totally agree with you, and I had the same worries about the production and especially about Shailene. But when won me over. And Theo James–hubba hubba. Every female in the theater gasped whenever he walked onscreen.
Hubba hubba is right. I’ve had a HUGE crush on Theo James since he was in just one episode of Downton Abbey. Even though it was just one episode, it obviously made an impression. Glad you enjoyed the movie and Shailene as well!
I haven’t read the book(s) and thought this was a decent movie in it’s own right. Theo James is possibly too much of a man babe for the role, just couldn’t believe their relationship and the speed at which it developed.
Yeah, it definitely felt like insta-love. In the book their relationship is a little more drawn out. What I do like about it is that it feels like for both of them it starts out as an intense physical reaction that builds into love … which feels more real than love at first sight.