The Giver

The Giver

Rated PG-13 and Released in Grand Rapids 8/8/14

Reviewed 8/18/14 at Celebration North Theatre

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

The Giver reminds me of another book-based movie Divergent, which I really loved. In this film everyone is living in a futuristic near-perfect world, where freedom and choices are removed. Your career is chosen for you based on what the elders choose and no one questions any of this. No crime, no lying, no feelings - everything is manufactured for the good of the people. Meryl Streep does a fine job playing Chief Elder. Her role is not quite Oscar contention, but still worthy of her.

Chief Elder wants to keep life and existence status quo. The Giver (Jeff Bridges) who is given the task of passing down the memories to one person, is secretly very radical. Twelve-year-old Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) has been chose to receive the memories. He, like The Giver, feels there is more out there and oppressing the vital information from the rest of society is a big misfortune. But breaking free is more difficult than either can handle on their own. This is an interesting but somewhat odd movie that is not as exciting as Divergent, but it has a haunting edge to it that certainly makes you think about what is taking place.

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJj

Understood story:  JJj

Interest: JJJ

Entertainment:  JJj

Time:  JJJj