"Underworld: Blood Wars" Review by Tim Hellman

'UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WARS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The fifth installment in the popular 'vampires vs. werewolves' horror franchise. It once again stars Kate Beckinsale, as the badass action heroine Selene. In this chapter she's trying to prevent the vampire army, and the lycans, from getting ahold of her daughter; and using both their blood to make themselves a more powerful hybrid. The film also costars Theo James, Lara Pulver, Tobias Menzies and Charles Dance. It was directed by first time feature filmmaker Anna Foerster; and it was scripted by Cory Goodman (who also co-wrote the action/horror flicks 'THE LAST WITCH HUNTER' and'PRIEST') and Kyle Ward (who also co-wrote 'MACHETTE KILLS'). The movie disappointed at the Box Office, and it got mostly negative reviews from critics (but fans seem to mostly like it). I also was disappointed with the film.

Both the vampires, and the lycans, are hunting Selene (Beckinsale). They both want Selene to lead her to her daughter; so they can use both the mother and daughter's blood to make themselves much more powerful. Selene doesn't know where her daughter is though; as she promised her she'd leave her alone. She reteams with the vampire David (James) to fight both armies.

I was a fan of the original 'UNDERWORLD' movie (and it's first couple of sequels), and I especially like Beckinsale in the lead, but this installment did not interest me at all. The action scenes are all still good in it though, and the gore is cool (and Beckinsale is as awesome as ever). I don't find the mythology involving at all anymore though (and I don't really remember the other films that well). Fans of the series will probably still enjoy it though; and Pulver is absolutely awesome (and breathtakingly gorgeous) as the main villain in it. She almost made the movie for me!

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" Review by Tim Hellman

'THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The third part in 'THE DIVERGENT' film series; and the first half of an adaptation on the third (and final) book 'Allegiant' (written by Veronica Roth). This movie has Tris and Four escaping through the wall, encircling the dystopian Chicago, and finding a new advanced society of people, that have been studying them for years. The film has Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q, Jonny Weston, Ocatvia Spencer and Naomi Watts all reprising their roles (from earlier films); and Jeff Daniels joins the cast. It was directed by Robert Schwentke; and scripted by Bill Collage, Adam Cooper and Noah Oppenheim. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

This chapter begins with Evelyn (Watts) taking control of Chicago; after murdering Jeanine (played by Kate Winslet, in the previous movies), at the end of the last installment. Her soldiers prevent everyone from leaving the city, and begin executing Jeanine's conspirators. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) rescue Tris's brother, Caleb (Elgort), from being killed. They then decide to break through the wall, locking them in the city, and see what's beyond it.

I was a big fan of the first 'DIVERGENT' movie, and really enjoyed the second film as well (although not quite as much). I think this installment is about as good as 'INSURGENT'. I'm not sure why the reviews are so harsh (or why the Box Office has dropped off, so much), but I really like it. It's a lot of fun, the visuals are spectacular, and the action scenes are awesome (they're actually an improvement over the previous chapters). Woodley, James and Watts all give great performances (once again), and the story is involving (and mostly fast-paced). I think fans of the series should be more than pleased.

Tear Down the Wall with the New Trailer for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released another trailer for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on March 18th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.movie/#allegiant

Plot Synopsis:

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" Official Trailer – “Tear Down The Wall”

New Characters Posters for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released new character posters for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on March 18th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.movie/#allegiant

Plot Synopsis:

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

 

 

Official Trailer and Character Posters for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released character posters and the official trailer for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on March 18th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.movie/#allegiant

Plot Synopsis:

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

 "The Divergent Series: Allegiant": Official Trailer

First Look at the Upcoming Sequel "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released the first teaser trailer for the "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film is set to star Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, Jeff Daniels, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz and Miles Teller.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on  March 18th 2016.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergentSeries

Press Release:

The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris [Shailene Woodley] and Four [Theo James] into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before.

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant": Teaser Trailer

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" Review by Jim Herling

When it came out last year, I really enjoyed Divergent. I found it pretty lively and action-packed, with smart dialogue and an interesting premise. And of course it helped that Shailene Woodley was fantastic, bringing real depth to her character. So of course you can now imagine my disappointment at discovering just how bad Insurgent is.

Insurgent (directed by Robert Schwentke, screenplay by Akiva Goldsman and Brian Duffield, based on Veronica Roth's novel) continues the story of Tris Prior (Woodley), who is rare to her walled society because she's a Divergent, someone who doesn't fit into the society's factions system. As the movie opens, she and her lover Four (Theo James, who seems to be capable of no emotion except brooding) are on the run from Jeanine (Kate Winslet, who easily puts in the film's best performance), leader of one of the factions who is slowly taking over the system as a whole. The supporting cast is rounded out by people like Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, and Naomi Watts. The problem is that none of them are given much to do except Elgort, who is decent as Tris' conflicted brother Caleb; and Teller, who as Tris' "frenemy" Peter steals every scene he's in, as is his way (it helps that the only time any of the wit and joy of the first installment's screenplay is found in this new installment is in his dialogue). Of course, the rest of the cast is incidental, only existing to help or hinder Tris. This is Woodley's show, and therein lies the problem.

There's a lot less action in this one and even more focus on Tris and her emotional state (whether that's a change the novel makes as well or one stemming from Insurgent having different writers and director from Divergent, and thus different priorities, I don't know) and it just doesn't work. Woodley is usually a very capable, powerful actress but she fell flat for me here, coming across way too thin and reedy for the strength Tris is supposed to possess. For someone who was placed in the warrior faction, Tris needs to be rescued a lot. The whole movie is basically her getting into trouble and being rescued. Between that and the multiple betrayals, few of which make any sort of logical sense, Insurgent just feels like a jumbled mess, and a boring one at that, with the lack of action. I don't like doing it, but I can only give Insurgent 1.5 stars out of 5, and hope the next one will be better.

New Poster and 60 Second Super Bowl Spot for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent"

Summit Entertainent recently released a new poster and 60 second Super Bowl Spot for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent". The spot is scheduled to air during the Super Bowl pregame show. The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award^® Winner Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Academy Award^® Winner Kate Winslet.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.com/

Plot Synopsis:

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four ( Theo James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Kate Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite.  Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them.  Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent": 60 Second Super Bowl Spot

New Character Portraits for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent":

Lionsgate recently released character portraits for "The Divergent Series": Insurgent". The upcoming film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award^® Winner Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Academy Award^® Winner Kate Winslet.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20/2015.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.com/

Plot Synopsis:

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

New Poster, Stills and Trailer for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent"

Lionsgate recently released a new poster ,trailer and stills for the anticipated "The Divergent Series": Insurgent". The upcoming film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award^® Winner Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Academy Award^® Winner Kate Winslet.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20/2015.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.com/

Plot Synopsis:

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent": Official Trailer

First Teaser Trailer and Teaser Poster for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent"

2015 is almost here and here's the teaser trailer for one of 2015's most anticipated films. Summit Entertainment recently released the teaser trailer and poster for the upcoming film "The Divergent Series: Insurgent".

The upcoming sequel stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award® Winner Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, Daniel Dae Kim, with Naomi Watts, and Academy Award® Winner Kate Winslet. "The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20/2015.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thedivergentseries.com.

Plot Synopsis:

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent": Teaser Trailer

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" To Be Released in 2D and 3D

Lionsgate recently announced that "The Divergent Series: Insurgent" will be released in 2D and 3D. The upcoming film stars Golden Globe®-nominee Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award®-winners Kate Winslet and Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer. "Divergent: Insurgent" hits theaters on March 20th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergentSeries

Press Release:

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, today announced that it will release The Divergent Series: Insurgent, the second installment of its Divergent franchise, in both 3D and 2D. The film will be released worldwide on March 20, 2015 through Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label. The Company will also today roll out eight new interactive 3D character posters, with one new poster debuting each hour. For more, please visit https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergentSeries

“The second film in the Divergent franchise takes the story and action to another level and, by partnering with RealD, we were able to blend gripping performances and mind-blowing spectacle to create a unique event on screen," said producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher. “We cannot wait to share this experience with audiences around the world.”

The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

The film stars Golden Globe®-nominee Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award®-winners Kate Winslet and Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer, is based on author Veronica Roth’s New York Times best-seller of the same name. The film is directed by Robert Schwentke from a screenplay by Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman and Mark Bomback and produced by Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher through their Red Wagon Entertainment banner, along with Pouya Shahbazian. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are executive producing through their Mandeville Films banner along with Neil Burger and Barry Waldman.

The first Divergent film grossed nearly $300 million at the global box office, and Veronica Roth’s Divergent book series has already sold nearly 30 million copies around the world. The third and fourth installments in the franchise, Allegiant – Parts 1 & 2, are slated for release on March 18, 2016 and March 24, 2017, respectively.

"Divergent" Sequel "Insurgent" Starts Filming

Lionsgate recently announced that they've started film on "Insurgent", which is the sequel to the box office hit "Divergent". The film stars Golden Globe® nominated Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Academy Award® winner Kate Winslet. Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer joins returning cast members Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer. "Insugent" is slated to theaters on March 20th. 2015.

Press Release:

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF) announced today that principal photography has commenced in Atlanta on the feature film adaptation of INSURGENT, the second installment of the blockbuster DIVERGENT action adventure franchise, starring Golden Globe® nominated Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Academy Award® winner Kate Winslet. Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer joins returning cast members Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer. Based on author Veronica Roth’s New York Times best seller, the film is being directed by Robert Schwentke from a screenplay by Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman. Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher are producing the film through their Red Wagon Entertainment banner along with Pouya Shahbazian. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are executive producing through their Mandeville Films banner along with Neil Burger and Barry Waldman. Lionsgate will release INSURGENT theatrically in North America through its Summit Entertainment label on Friday, March 20, 2015. 

INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the dystopian ruins of a futuristic Chicago.Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

 “Divergent” was written by first time author Veronica Roth and has topped The New York Times Best Seller list since being published in April 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers. Book sales of the “Divergent” trilogy have surged to nearly 22 million copies worldwide, up from 17 million at the time of DIVERGENT’s March 21 release.

DIVERGENT has already grossed more than $260 million at the worldwide box office, making the film Lionsgate’s highest-grossing domestic box office release outside THE HUNGER GAMES and TWILIGHT franchises.

The third and fourth installments in the series, ALLEGIANT - PARTS 1 & 2, are slated for release on March 18, 2016 and March 24, 2017, respectively. Erik Feig, Co-President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and Gillian Bohrer, Lionsgate’s EVP of Production & Development, are overseeing the project for the studio.

 To stay connected with all updates related to the film, follow the official Twitter handle (www.twitter.com/Divergent) and like the movie’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Divergent).

Final Chapter in the "Divergent" Trillogy "Allegiant" to be Divided into Two Films

Lionsgate, a leading global entertainment company, will produce and release Allegiant, starring Shailene Woodley and Theo James and based on the third book in Veronica Roth's best-selling Divergent trilogy, as two separate films, it was announced today by Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger.  The Company will release a total of four Divergent films on its Summit Entertainment label, with the next film, Insurgent, which begins production next month, slated for release on March 20, 2015 and Allegiant -- Parts 1 & 2 scheduled for release on March 18, 2016, and March 24, 2017, respectively.

The first film in the Divergent franchise is off to a fast start, grossing $117 million at the domestic box office in its first three weeks of release, and it continues its international rollout this weekend with openings in France, Germany, Russia, Australia, Scandinavia and other major territories.  Book sales of the best-selling Divergent series continue to skyrocket with total sales nearing 20 million worldwide and sales of the three-book boxed set and three-book e-bundle increasing 55% last week.  The three books ranked one-two-three on the USA Today best-seller list for 2013.

"Veronica Roth brings her captivating story to a masterful conclusion in Allegiant, a rich, action-packed book with material that is ideally suited to two strong and fulfilling movies," said Friedman and Wachsberger.  "The storytelling arc and world of the characters lend themselves perfectly to two films, a storytelling strategy that has worked very well for us on the two Twilight Breaking Dawn films and about which we're tremendously enthusiastic for the two upcoming Mockingjay films of The Hunger Games franchise."

The Company's The Hunger Games and The Twilight Saga franchises have collectively grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the 10^th highest-grossing film of all time.  The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Parts 1 & 2 will be released on November 21, 2014 and November 20, 2015, respectively.


After the cataclysmic events in Insurgent, Tris and Four enter a dangerous new world in Allegiant -- Parts 1 & 2 that they no longer recognize.  As new truths are revealed about the past and future, Tris must face impossible choices about courage, allegiance and love to protect the people closest to her.

Final Official Trailer for the Upcoming Sci-Fi Action Film "Divergent"

Summit Entertainment recently send up over the official trailer for the upcoming Sci-Fi film "Divergent". The film stars Shailene Woodley (The Spectacular Now), Theo James (Underworld: Awakening), and Kate Winslet (Labor Day). "Divergent" hits theaters on 3/21.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official site at: http://DivergentTheMovie.com/.  

Plot Synopsis:

DIVERGENT is a thrilling action-adventure film set in a future where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personalities. Tris Prior (Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, she must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it's too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth.

"Divergent": Official Trailer

New Stills from the Upcoming Sci-Fi Film "Divergent"

Summit Entertainment recently released new stills for their upcoming "Divergent". The film is based the USA Today best seller and stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. "Divergent" hits theaters and IMAX on 3/21.

For more information on this film, you can goto: http://DivergentTheMovie.com

Plot Synopsis: 

DIVERGENT is a thrilling action-adventure film set in a future where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personalities. Tris Prior (Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, she must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it's too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth.