The beginning of the end is here for the “Divergent” series, but it may be more bitter than sweet.

The third of four films based on the best-selling series by Veronica Roth puts the first half of the last book, “Allegiant,” on screen. It follows Tris, Four and the rest of their friends as they go beyond the wall that has enclosed them their whole lives.

While the first two films did fairly well in the box office and with the critics, “Allegiant” is considered a commercial failure. “The Hollywood Reporter” said it was the second biggest flop produced by Lionsgate this year.

While the beginning of the movies questioned human nature and showed the constant confliction we face, this movie mainly focused on blowing things up. While the books did not excel in the politics and struggles of a dystopian society, this movie dumbs it down even further.

It felt as if the screenwriters did not think the audience would understand anything deep in meaning or beyond an explosion. For a book series that focuses mainly on feeling, existing together and learning to break away from the norms, this movie did not delve nearly as deeply as it could have.

As in the last two installments, Shailene Woodley gave a great performance as strong-willed Tris Prior. Luckily, Tris is a very in-depth character, which gives Woodley more material to work with where the script is lacking.

Theo James also gives a shining performance as Four, Tris’s conflicted boyfriend. James has a promising career ahead of him, if the quick downfall of the movies does not ruin it first (an example: Robert Pattinson before Twilight).

Despite the studio’s greatest efforts, “Allegiant” did not live up to the young-adult novel turned film standard. Sadly, this potentially amazing movie series could end on a bad note and ruin the future of YA movies.

“Allegiant” is now in theaters. 

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