The Giver Movie Reviews

Despite the impressive cast (Taylor Swift has a cameo), performances are uneven. Bridges and Streep stand out but the others are somewhat unconvincing. Conceptually, there are also bits reminiscent of *The Matrix* some Orwellian Big Brother ideology and dashes of *Divergent* in an overall attempt to convey the film’s core message – do we sacrifice pain and pleasure in the quest to attain a ‘perfect’ existence?

A film like this provokes us to change the way we think about worlds perfect and imperfect and know there is a hell in every heaven. Compelling points made, but not entirely gripping and a little too simplistic, The Giver isn’t for everyone. You have to give a damn about everything around you to enjoy this one.

A concept film, based on Lois Lowry’s book of the same name, Philip Noyce’s “The Giver” reminds you of Neil Burger’s “Divergent” which was released last April. But unlike “Divergent”, this one is a simpler, one-dimensional story of revolt against the system.

The movie takes an already used concept and gives it a new twist. But in our day and age, we need to know the full worth of what it means to be human. Only then we stand a chance at being human.

The presence of Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep in supporting roles will help draw some attention from grown-ups who don’t know the book, but while the film may see enough success to justify follow-ups (Lowry has written three sequels), this franchise won’t come close to competing with The Hunger Games.

Having the indelible Meryl Streep and the charming Jeff Bridges together in a movie sounds like a casting coup. But even their best talents can’t thaw out the deeply refrigerated treatment. The characters, their situations and their emotions are ice cold. You never feel the much required spike of passion. It just flat lines into an open ending. The young and spirited would just say, WTF.

By the time The Giver ends, you can completely relate to why the Elders didn’t want the Communities to have any memory. We’d definitely be happier if we could forget The Giver had been made.

A relevant tale let down by uneven treatment and performances…