Divergent: movie review

Grade: A-

Date: March 28, 2014

Location: Citadel Stadium 16
Notes: Great casting choices.

I like when I can watch a movie that I’ve just read the book for, especially when the movie has already been cast before I've finished the book. I can then picture the characters and the vision that the author had, while reading the superior storyline that can only come with a book.

This movie adaptation of Divergent did not disappoint! I think it covered all of the bases of the book and included a lot of details, a tough task to do for a movie that is only a little over 2 hours.

My only criticism is that they didn’t go as dark as the book did, and I don’t know if they did that for a specific reason (like the rating?), but I kind of wish that it did. For example, they did not show the girl falling to her death while trying to jump from the train to the roof in the very beginning or how Peter stabbed Edward in the eye because he was first place. 

In fact, if you are not paying attention, you might not notice that Edward just isn’t there after the first initiation rounds. Or you may have not even noticed him at all and I think this was a mistake as he plays a rather large role in the second book, with an eye-patch. I can only assume that he was the tall guy in the background of some of the scenes. Now, I am wondering how they are going to all of a sudden bring him into the picture without any backstory - I guess they could do a flashback. I digress.

Overall opinion is that I think the movie actually described how Tris could beat being Divergent even better than the book did. It made more sense to me as the book has me question some of the things that happen and was a little confusing at times. I think that the movie, even on its own, was very entertaining and the casting was great. Especially Tobias Eaton. ;)

Divergent

If you are looking for a new book to read, I highly recommend Divergent by Veronica Roth. It is an easy read and sort of has that Hunger Games/ Host/ Twilight flair when compared to the action, setting, and love story, respectively.

And Theo James stars in the movie adaptation, so just picture him below...

'Nuff said? :)

The NEW Christian Grey!

OK, so I was wrong here in my predictions of who would be cast as Christian Grey.

Even this was wrong because Charlie Hunnam, for whatever reason, decided to back out.

But that does not make me sad, because wow! Jamie Dornan, maybe best known for playing the sheriff on Once Upon A Time, has been cast as Christian Grey! I am not disappointed at all! I think it is great that they actually chose someone who isn't that well known. This way, we can focus on the, err, character that he plays. :)

Just please please please don't let him have too much facial hair! Not a fan.

50 Shades is Cast!

Well, I was 100% wrong in my casting predictions for this movie adaptation in my last post about 50 Shades. I guess it doesn't necessarily mean that I was wrong, it just means that they made a different choice...

The casting of the two lead roles in E.L. James' novel - 50 Shades, goes to Charlie Hunnam and Dakota Johnson, as stated in USAtoday.

The actors normally look like this, which is why I was confused at first:

 

They don't look anything like what I pictured in my mind while reading the book... but after a quick google search, I think I can be OK with it if they look more like the below:

The big thing for me for Christian is that he looks picture perfect all of the time, something that longer hair doesn't really do for me. I picture him as more of a clean cut type of character. And Anastasia MUST have brown hair... any other way just wouldn't work in my opinion.

Can't wait to see what they do with the storyline! Girls' Night? :)

Casting the "50 Shades" Trilogy

I am a quarter of the way through the 3rd book of the "50 Shades" trilogy and I just have to get into the debate of who will play these characters if they turn the book into a movie. I have heard rumors that some of them have already been chosen, but that didn't stop me... below are my choices!

Christian Grey

28 Year Old Hot, Dominating, and Self-Made Billionaire CEO

 

#1 - Alex Pettyfer 

After seeing this picture, I know who I will picture in my head for the remaining 3/4 of the final book! Alex Pettyfer is definitely my number one choice for his smoky eyes and chiseled features.

#2 - Ian Somerhalder                        #3 - Robert Pattinson

Anastasia Steele

22 Year Old Innocent/Independent College Grad with a Curious Sexual Side

 

 #1 - Emma Stone

The young brunette character is described to have large blue eyes. I also think she should be naturally beautiful and have a whit about her, Emma is my #1 pick.

 #2 - Jennifer Lawrence                       #3 - Amanda Seyfried

Elena Lincoln (Mrs. Robinson)

50s Something Sexual Dominant & Businesswoman (who gets slapped!)

  

#1 - Kim Cattrall

The older blond character is said to have a short blunt haircut and be extremely good looking for her age. Kim's character Samantha in SATC may have been just the training Kim would need to play this sexually dominating character nicknamed "Mrs. Robinson" and this put her at the top of my list.

#2 - Heather Locklear                    #3 - Suzanne Somers

Katherine Kavanaugh

22 Year Old Stunning (albeit Nosy) Blond Friend of Anastasia

#1 - Blake Lively 

She is the only person I picture when I see this character... if Kate Hudson was younger, she would be a close second. Katherine is described as being a rich, beautiful, blond, know-it-all, overprotective best friend of Anastasia.