After watching “Insurgent” I have finally come to the realization that novel series made into films are doomed to suffer from a severe case of mediocrity. Long gone are the days where stories are adapted in creative and interesting ways.

Instead, we are left with the rushed and thoughtless product of studio greed. Before this rant gets out of hand, let’s talk specifically about the movie.

Directed by Robert Schwentke, “Insurgent” serves as the second installment of the “Divergent Series,” which follows Beatrice Prior (Shailene Woodley) against the all-ruling alliances which threaten her post-apocalyptic society.

As Tris and Four (Theo James) search for assistance and answers, the leader of the Erudite Faction, Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet), continues to attack the growing rebellion.

Beyond this summary, “Insurgent” does not have much going for it. It plays very similar to its predecessor with little variation or improvement. The biggest difference between the two is probably that “Insurgent” is 20 minutes shorter.

Despite taking place in a dystopian Chicago with factions, war, and a ton of generic CGI; “Insurgent” is a lazy-river type of movie. With slow build up and tame action scenes, I somehow left the theater caring less about these characters lives than I did before.

This is perhaps the most disappointing thing about “Insurgent.” There is so much talent throughout the series between Kate Winslet, Shailene Woodley, and Miles Teller, but there is not a shred of depth within the roles. The interactions and emotions throughout the movie seem so forced, it’s at times hard to watch.

“Insurgent” will be a box-office hit and with two more green-lit sequels, there will unfortunately be more of the “Divergent Series” to come. It’s up to the studio to decide whether or not they want to put their $110 million budgets to use and give fans a proper adaptation.

There are no doubt strong novel-based movies out there. From “Lord of the Rings” to “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games,” there are films that are doing justice to the source material. Unfortunately, however, with series like “Twilight”, “Divergent,” “Beautiful Creatures,” and “50 Shades of Grey,” it seems good adaptations have become the exception, not the rule.

I’m giving “Insurgent” 2/5 kernels.

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