Divergent

There are a few vague thematic similarities between The Hunger Games and Divergent, but the most glaring equivalence is the effort to target the same teenage demographic and launch another epic blockbuster science-fiction franchise.

So Divergent doesn’t have timing on its side in that regard, nor does it have the same level of visual spectacle or narrative depth. Such comparisons are unfair, you say? Well, this adaptation of the first in series of — you guessed it — three best-selling post-apocalyptic fantasy books by Veronica Roth doesn’t transport viewers on the screen the same way it does on the page.

The story takes place in Chicago, after a devastating war that has left its citizens divided carefully into four factions based on human virtues — one each for bravery, honesty, charity and intelligence.

Tris (Shailene Woodley) doesn’t fit any of these categories. Instead, tests reveal her to be a Divergent, meaning she faces persecution by the authoritarian regime if she reveals her true identity. Instead, when it comes time to choose her faction as all teenagers do, Tris defies her Abnegation family of givers for a more daring life in Dauntless, reserved for rebels who must endure a military-style initiation, which consumes the bulk of the movie.

The final hour hints not only at conflicts between the factions but of dividing loyalties among the Dauntless, with an instructor (Theo James) showing kindness to Tris against the wishes of his superior (Jai Courtney).

As directed by Neil Burger (Limitless), the film creates an intriguing dystopian futuristic world of segregation, blind allegiance and conformity, making for a cautionary tale about acceptance, loyalty and embracing differences. But it seems like a lot of huffing and puffing for such a simple message.

Woodley (The Descendants) is a versatile young actress who blends strength and vulnerability in her performance. Yet her character feels familiar, as though we’re watching the cousin of Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen.

Despite some moments of excitement, the screenplay fails to establish a deeper emotional connection for Tris outside of a casual rooting interest. And the reliance on exposition tends to obscure the darker sociopolitical subtext.

Of course, the built-in popularity of the source material guarantees financial success for the forthcoming installments in the inevitable trilogy. For those not as familiar with the books, the end-goal for the characters remains muddled and Divergent feels like more build-up than payoff.

Rated PG-13, 139 minutes.