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Aug 12, 2014 By Austin Trunick Web Exclusive

Author Lois Lowry’s prize-winning young adult book hasn’t made a smooth translation to the silver screen.

Eighteen-year-old Jonas lives in a (literally) black-and-white world that celebrates sameness across society. For generations, the population has been drugged to the point where emotion has been eliminated; with it went war, cruelty, and anger, but also love and creativity. Reaching the age of maturity, Jonas is selected by the authorities to become the next Receiver of Memory, who is charged with remembering everything that happened before the world became gray. To do this, the memories must be passed on to him by his predecessor, The Giver. But as he learns of the past, Jonas starts to see that there’s a much darker side to his world than those running it let on.

Jonas’ world is well-exacted in director Phillip Noyce’s adaptation: from the subtle, symbolic introduction of colors into the picture to the blank, emotionless expression in the actors’ eyes. Unfortunately, too much screen time is spent establishing rules (and roles) in The Giver—at a little over 90 minutes, the film’s pacing feels wildly uneven. Within seconds of being force-fed the memories that teach him of cruelty—war, primarily—and courage—iconic (and obvious) symbols such as Tiananmen Square and Nelson Mandela—Jonas is off on a valiant, dangerous quest to undo the damage enacted by the egalitarian government. As soon as the action has started, the film starts wrapping up.

Although some moments actually expand on elements that were hinted at in the book, as a movie The Giver feels severely truncated. With a large and talented cast (including Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep) and such rich, beloved source material, it’s a shame that The Giver only feels like an also-ran in the flood of post-Potter book-to-film YA adaptations.

Author rating: 4/10