Divergent, Hitchcock, Paper Towns

Some newer movies I’ve seen recently –

The Divergent Series – Insurgent (2015) – The battle continues among the factions for control of the city, the last bastion of civilization after the worldwide collapse of society.  Tris continues to battle her inner demons and the power structure that is trying to destroy the faction system. Stars Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslett and Mekhi Phifer.

I was pleasantly surprised by the first movie in the series and seriously let down by the second.  There’s a “reveal” at the end of this movie that is so painfully obvious even I saw it.  Not a waste of a quiet afternoon, but not something to go out in search of either.

Rating – *** Worth a Look (just barely)

Hitchcock (2012) – The iconic film director’s life during the time he was filming “Psycho”, his biggest hit.  His marriage to his long time creative partner (played by Helen Mirren) comes under great strain in trying to create a movie that only he truly believed in.

They tried to make a movie about the making of “Psycho” and about Hitchcock’s marriage and private life.  They ended up with one that isn’t really about either.  Anthony Hopkins is wonderful as the film director and Mirren is equally wonderful as his wife.  I just wish there was some more meat to this one.

Rating – *** Worth A Look

Paper Towns (2015) – A high school senior follows cryptic clues trying to find a girl he has always liked, who has disappeared.  It changes everything about how he sees his present and his future.

This little coming of age/road trip movie hasn’t gotten very good reviews along the way.  That surprises me.  I found it charming and funny and very engaging.  It’s an interesting look at how teens often see themselves (or don’t see themselves).  Enjoyed right to the end, had several laugh out loud moments.  Based on the book by the very popular YA author, John Green, who also has his detractors.  While the ending is the weakest moment in the film, the rest is well worth watching.

Rating – **** Recommended