Movie Review: “Insurgent” and “Danny Collins”
“Insurgent”
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 119 minutes
Toscano’s Take:
Rating: C
Opening this weekend, the second film in the “Divergent Series” is called “Insurgent” and continues the story of Beatrice Prior, who must confront her fight against a powerful alliance, which threatens to tear her society apart.
As it is with most 2nd films in a trilogy, the middle movie usually is only a transition piece between the first and third. These films usually are more of a bridge between the introduction of characters and dangers they face in the first chapter and the anticipated cathartic braveries in the final film.
Such is the case with “Insurgent.” There really are no big surprises or reveals…and no real action that would make this film stand on its own merit.
All we are left with is a nearly bland second act making us hope that the third and final film will be worth the wait.
For being just a place holder, “Insurgent” gets a C and is rated PG-13
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Starring: Studio:
Shailene Woodley Summit Entertainment (Lionsgate)
Ansel Elgort
Kate Winslet
Naomi Watts
“The Divergent Series: Insurgent” is a 2015 science fiction action film directed by Robert Schwentke, based on Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent trilogy, written by Veronica Roth. It is the sequel to the 2014 film “Divergent” and the second installment in the “Divergent” series. Adding to the existing cast, the supporting cast is filled out with Octavia Spencer, Suki Waterhouse, Rosa Salazar and Daniel Dae Kim.
The plot of “Insurgent” takes place three days after the previous installment and continues to follow Tris Prior; Tris and Four are on the run after evading a hostile takeover from Jeanine and the rest of Erudite. The faction system in post-apocalyptic Chicago is crumbling, and everyone is desperate for power — and answers.
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“Danny Collins”
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 106 minutes
Toscano’s Take:
Rating: B
Danny Collins is an infectious film aimed at the Baby Boomer Generation and examines the life of a superstar singer who has passed his prime and now must examine the ruins and the potholes he’s created in his life.
Al Pacino takes on the role of Danny Collins, who is taking a break from stardom after he receives a long-lost letter from John Lennon. Collins, heading the words Lennon wrote, wants to make a connection with his long-lost son and daughter-in-law, played by Bobby Cannavale and Jennifer Garner.
Along for the ride is Annette Bening as the no-nonsense manager of the hotel he is staying in. The film is genuine and funny with a touch of sadness as we watch Danny try to reconnect.
This is a unique and heart-felt little movie I hope you will see. It gets a B and is rated R.
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Starring: Studio:
Al Pacino Bleecker Street
Annette Bening
Bobby Cannavale
Jennifer Garner
Christopher Plummer
Danny Collins is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Dan Fogelman in his feature directorial debut. Inspired by the true story of folk singer Steve Tilston, the film tells of aging 1970’s rocker Danny Collins (Al Pacino), who can’t give up his hard-living ways. But when his manager Frank Grubman (Christopher Plummer) uncovers a 40-year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, he decides to change course and embarks on a heartfelt journey to rediscover his family, find true love, and begin a second act.
