It’s easy to immediately compare the third installment in the **Divergent** series to **The Hunger Games**, and initially, it seems like a fair assessment. However, the earlier films had to demonstrate that this comparison wasn't entirely accurate. Unfortunately, the label of a copycat is justified; this young adult science fiction offering struggles to generate any real excitement with its familiar story of a determined heroine navigating a dystopian world. **The Divergent Series: Allegiant** feels like an overstuffed and mechanical continuation of a franchise desperately trying to recapture the vibrant action and spectacle that characterized its predecessors. As expected, **Allegiant** marks the third film in the **Divergent** series, based on books by Veronica Roth. It's almost amusing to consider whether Roth and Suzanne Collins, author of **The Hunger Games**, are related given their similar creative approaches. While Collins’ work resonated powerfully with audiences, Roth’s attempt felt like a pale imitation trying unsuccessfully to establish its own identity. Essentially, **Allegiant** (like much of the young adult genre) is a teen drama elevated by futuristic technology and cynical commentary aimed at those in positions of authority. Distrust and disillusionment are central themes, and the consequences for being young, attractive, rebellious, and challenging the established power structure serve as a warning. Similar to Katniss Everdeen from **The Hunger Games**, we follow Tris Pryor as she takes action against the forces threatening their post-apocalyptic world. However, unlike Jennifer Lawrence’s Katniss, Woodley's Tris lacks the inherent intensity, compelling challenges, and eye-opening moments that made her character so captivating. At least both characters share a memorable name, right? The plot in **Allegiant** moves slowly as it revisits post-apocalyptic Chicago, where different factions of young people are engaged in conflict. Tension is building among the trapped residents, who are growing increasingly restless. Tris, along with her boyfriend Four and a group of rebels, decide to escape their confines by crossing the wall into an apparently more peaceful area. This journey takes them through dangerous territory to reach what seems like a safe haven—which turns out to be a place controlled by those monitoring everyone’s actions. Fortunately, Tris and her companions discover a seemingly idyllic civilization led by David. However, his intentions are questionable as he seeks to recruit Tris for genetic experimentation. With Tris as his primary subject, David intends to apply this process to the less fortunate young people back in Chicago. It's likely that he’ll extend this testing treatment to "the Fringes" as well—those living outside of Chicago’s walls. For David, Tris represents an ideal vision of purity and perfection to be replicated and transferred to those considered “damaged.” While Tris is intrigued by his plans for improving the population, Four remains wary of David's focus on her. Calling **The Divergent Series: Allegiant** clunky and convoluted—even for a film aimed at older children—is an understatement. Director Robert Schwentke seems to be operating on autopilot as he films drawn-out action sequences, confrontations, and flashy special effects. The predictable plot and familiar theme of “Big Brother” watching over young people feels hollow and repetitive. It’s hard not to see **Allegiant** as a way to keep the franchise alive until the next installment, designed to maintain its box office appeal. So, for those eagerly awaiting **Ascendant**, it's best to be patient because this film is intended to generate anticipation for the next chapter in this lengthy series. If fans are content with more of the same, then go ahead and enjoy it; however, **The Divergent Series: Allegiant** offers little new. **The Divergent Series--Allegiant** (2016) Lionsgate 2 hrs. 1 min. Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Jeff Daniels, Zoe Kravitz and Miles Teller Directed by: Robert Schwentke MPAA Rating: PG-13 Genre: Sci-Fi/Action & Adventure/Fantasy/Romance Critic's Rating: ** stars (out of 4 stars) (c) Frank Ochieng 2016

Source on TMDB