The film adaptation of Lois Lowry’s novel “The Giver,” in which a youth in a futuristic society is chosen to receive all memories of choice and emotion from the past, is very much like its counterpart: It’s ambitious. It’s full of the same fascinating ideas that made the novel so enthralling.

With Oscar winners Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep playing the title role and the Chief Elder, respectively, and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift appearing in the supporting role of Rosemary, the film’s characters are visually appealing. While the motivations of each character were mostly clear, I couldn’t help but wonder after seeing the film if I felt invested in any of the character’s progression or achievements.

The plot of the film covers the main events of the novel and expands on them in the movie. However, in a film where emotion is one of the central themes, the film failed to evoke emotion in its audience. The movie itself felt similar to other young adult film adaptations such as “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent,” making it hardly unique.

However, the film did make use of production technology very well. The use of the black and white filter in scenes where Jonas had yet to discover color was a nice artistic touch.

_MOVE gives “The Giver” 2 out of 5 stars._