Insurgent (2015)

“One choice can transform you-or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors.War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships. Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.”

Director: Robert Schwentke

Writers: Brian Duffield (screenplay), Akiva Goldsman (screenplay)

Stars: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James

Runtime: 119 minutes

Synopsis:

"The Divergent Series" has always been judged against movie series’ like "Hunger Games" and "Harry Potter". While the concept is a bit alike, the story got its' own plus points. Continuing "Divergent", "Insurgent" isn't really like its' predecessor. It's faster and more thrilling than ever, filled with breathtaking hunts and chases as well as ingenious visuals.

"Insurgent" follows Tris (Shailene Woodley), Four (Theo James), and the others on the run from Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet) who is hunting divergents (first movie is recommended to understand the story that follows in this movie). Another plot that includes a mystery box, which only divergents could open through simulations, is also pretty inventive.

Doubting it would be good, it turns out to be better than expected. Not only the story is faster, the risks are higher and it creates a darker tone. The actors were well suited for the characters similar to the first installment. It is the change of director that marked an advancement over the last one. Robert Shwenke gives more anxiety to the audience with enough visuals that could make your heart race.

Not saying the movie doesn't have any flaws. There's a bit of problem with the script which is either the movie's strength or weakness. Some scenes are not very well executed. But, that doesn't really matter to the experience as a whole. Thankfully, the action scenes overcome its flaws.

Looking too closely into the book series and comparing it to the film, yes of course there will be many things missed and left out but what can you really do about having a limited time span and budget? As true fans, I would believe the love of the books should extend to the love of the film because that’s what true fans do. Not to mention, the effort from the filmmakers to maintain the identity and integrity of the books in the movie, is a job well done.

If you loved "Divergent", there's no doubt you're going to love this. All in all, it’s a pleasing experience.

Cast:

	Kate Winslet	...	Jeanine
	Jai Courney	...	Eric
	Mekhi Phifer	...	Max
	Shailene Woodley	...	Tris
	Theo James	...	Four
	Ansel Elgort	...	Caleb
	Miles Teller	...	Peter

CHAPPiE

Plot Summary:

The story of a self-conscious robot, CHAPPiE, being stolen and programmed to think and feel for itself, takes turn into a high end heist leading to an epic argument of Good vs. Evil.

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Writers:  Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller 

"In the near future, Indian born Deon Wilson (Dev Patel), is a high ranking executive in a Robotic Police Force company. When he comes up with an idea to make a self conscious robot named Chappie to protect better, his higher-ups disapprove it. Nonetheless, he makes it and when the company finds out, scraps the robot. When 2 small time criminals planning a $200 million heist find Chappie, they kidnap Deon and force him to program Chappie to assist them in their heist. When power-corrupted military general Vincent (Hugh Jackman) finds out, he rallies all forces to stop Chappie, at any cost that leads to an monumental showdown between Good and Evil."

Synopsis:

In the near future, crime is patrolled by an cruel mechanized police force. But now, the people are fighting back. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, it becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for itself. As powerful, destructive forces start to see Chappie as a danger to mankind and order, they will stop at nothing to maintain the balance and ensure that Chappie is the last of its kind.

One of the most remarkable scenes was when Chappie asks its creator that why did he put it in a mortal body and creator answers with a confusion that how could he know or anticipate how far Chappie could develop itself. So there is always a question of existence that pertains throughout.

Chappie is a exuberant, witty, enjoyable, and unexpectedly sentimental movie about a conscious robot being raised by gangsters in Johannesburg. Most of the criticisms regarding single dimensional or illogical character choices are valid, but Chappie's character, the CGI, the humour, and the overall theme of the movie more than make up for these shortcomings.

As a character, Chappie is an unwilling action hero that one can both identify with and admire. Its story is gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately some of Chappie's brilliance comes at the expense of the world around him.

Are there plot holes? A few minor irregularities, but no major ones. The graphics are excellent, the sense of humour is evident throughout, and some of the performances are truly memorable. Sigourney Weaver's hilarious head-over-heels exit from her robot manufacturing plant in the face of total catastrophe is comical in the extreme.

Even though there is a lot of violence which may be a reason for a lot of criticism, still it is a story with a wonderful moral ending (good triumphs over evil) and some really outstanding entertainment along the way.

In short, Blomkamp delivered a beautiful futuristic story that ultimately challenges (or may be changes) our views on what consciousness truly represents. Fueled by amazing special effects, interesting character development, and an intelligent use of symbolism towards life, this film falls nothing short of being a true cinematic masterpiece.

Cast:

Sharlto Copley

Dev Patel

Hugh Jackman