Divergent (2014)

In a post-apocalyptic closed-in Chicago divided by factions based on virtues, a young teenager learns she's Divergent and won't fit in.

Fairly well made sci-fi thriller for teens thrills only in parts and the paramilitary brouhaha is disturbing; Shailene Woodley does her job well, though, in the lead role.

Maltin**1/2: "Enfrossing-enough adaptation..., although these youth-empowerment stories set in a dystopian future, like THE HUNGER GAMES, are starting to blur."

X: First Class (2011)

In 1962, the United States government enlists the help of Mutants with superhuman abilities to stop a malicious dictator who is determined to start World War III.

Typical modern-day superhero extravaganza: great production value and some good bits, but very slow to get started and the heroes' diverse superpowers seem silly and arbitrary.

Maltin**1/2: "Good story tries to cover too much ground and introduces an abundance of characters...but the appeal of Marvel's X-Men remains intact, especially in the solid perforances of McAvoy and Fassbender. Newcomers Lawrence and Hoult score while Bacon seems miscast. A couple of surprise cameos will please series fans."

After Earth (2013)

A crash landing leaves a young boy and his father stranded on Earth, a millennium after events forced humanity's escape, and since the father is injured, the boy must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.

OK, but unremarkable sci-fi adventure does offer some nice settings, but leaves very much of its future vision unexplained.

Maltin**: "Juvenile adventure yarn...may appeal to younger viewers, but the script...is downright awkward at times. And what's with the oddball dialect?"

 

Good Kill (2014)

A family man begins to question the ethics of his job as a drone pilot.

Well-intentioned drama with a great lead performance by Ethan Hawke does give some shocking insight into the drone warfare, but falls short of showing any political implications.