EURweb associate, H’erica Thompson was on the scene for the advance screening and press conference with the cast of “Insurgent,” from “The Divergent Series.”
Here’s her review/report:
The latest in the series, “Insurgent,” continues to not disappoint. “Insurgent” is an action movie with many underlying messages.
The film opens up with Johanna (Octavia Spencer) who definitely plays the protector quite naturally. Johanna projected and provided a safe haven for peace, happiness and positivity.
Each cast member from the veteran’s like Mekhi Phifer (Max) and Naomi Watts (Evelyn) to the newcomers Zoe Kravitz (Christina) and Ansel Elgort (Caleb) definitely delivered and all equally played well against one another. The entire cast had great chemistry and all were pitted well against each other. So much so that each character could have a spin off.
“Insurgent” was visually stunning with the special effects, fight sequences and attractive cast. By watching it in 3D as a viewer you feel like you were part of the movie during each attack that Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) encounter and specifically during the SIMs with Jeanine.
Kate Winslet (Jeanine) plays the villain so well especially considering she was polished and poised with her costuming, hair and makeup. It was intriguing to see her play evil without necessarily looking evil. During the time in the movie when Tris and Four were not kicking butt they really were just trying to make their lives better and protect others.
Another message that was noticed was how to get beyond classism and accept not only yourself but others not like you. “Insurgent” revolved around an alliance of the different factions. The characters collectively got to a point where it didn’t matter whether you were a member of their respective faction (class) or not.
From start to finish Insurgent will leave you wanting more. It’s an action movie that makes you think.
H’erica also had a chance to speak with cast members of “Insurgent” including Octavia Spencer and Mekhi Phifer. Here’s the Q&A:
EUR: How would you describe the chemistry between your character Four and Tris?
Theo James: “Her femininity doesn’t distract from his masculinity.”
EUR: How has your life changed from the first installment to now?
Ansel Elgort: “It’s nice to be recognized. I’m grateful because some actor’s never get the chance to be seen.”
EUR: Naomi Watts plays your mom, how was it working with her?
Theo James: “Working with Naomi was different. It was nice. She’s a babe but she’s playing my mom. So I had to get past that. Naomi’s energy and the dynamic she brought were great.”
EUR: How did you go about making your character Max more layered?
Mehki Phifer: ”I had to constantly think and try to portray that onscreen without having dialogue. It was a lot of inner work.”
EUR: How was it working with director Robert Schwentke?
Shailene Woodley: “Robert Schwentke was open to collaboration and hearing what you have to say. We knew our world. He came in ready, positive and committed. He was committed to being creative and having fun while working every day. I’m excited to be working with him.”
Octavia Spencer: “I was walking into him directing. The story was on the page. The script brought us all together. It was special and everyone that previously worked on the first film came in well oiled and welcoming. I’m truly blessed.”
EUR: How excited are you as the writer of the novel and co-producer that started all of this?
Veronica Roth: “I was never focused on the movies getting each scene right but I definitely was focused on the character’s being portrayed correctly and both films deliver that. Now we get to acknowledge women being in action films. We don’t just have to portray damsels in distress.”
EUR: What are some of the messages we can take away from this film?
Veronica Roth: “I don’t think we should diminish from seeing ourselves portrayed in the media. Young people, all backgrounds should acknowledge and see themselves. That’s important to me.”
Octavia Spencer: “The credit goes to Veronica for being strong enough and smart enough to write these characters that are not usually reserved for women.”
“Insurgent” from Lionsgate opens tomorrow, March 20 in North America. For more go to: www.lionsgate.com/movies/insurgent/
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