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Yet another young adult novel gets squashed into a bland, Saturday afternoon time-waster. Brenton Thwaites ( Oculus ) stars as young adult Jonas in a grey-colored world where emotions are seeped out of people’s lives via medication, resulting in a harmonious but humdrum existence for all.

Jonas is chosen to become a “Receiver of Memories” – the town historian, basically – and pays a visit to the titular Giver (Jeff Bridges, mustering what gravitas he can), a loose cannon who proceeds to blow the kid’s mind. With little in the way of spark or surprise, you won’t be so lucky.

Ken McIntyre is a freelance writer who has spent years covering music and film. You'll find Ken in the pages of Total Film and here on GamesRadar, using his experience and expertise to dive into the history of cinema and review the latest films. You'll also find him writing features and columns for other Future Plc brands, such as Metal Hammer and Classic Rock magazine.