Teen science fiction has a new franchise, and it is rather good.
As 2011 shapes up to be a decent year for cinema, director D. J. Caruso offers a cinematic blockbuster that delivers an intriguing premise that promises some entertaining sequels...if successful.
The story (originally a book) is about a group of aliens hiding out on earth, after their own planet Lorien is destroyed by murderous rivals, Mogadorians. Nine of these aliens are special, they have powers that would have enabled them to protect their planet, but now they are on the run as the evil Mogs chase them. Each of the chosen nine has a guardian, who is tasked with the duty of protecting them. After three on the nine are brutally murdered, Number 4 John Smith (Alex Pettyfur) must go deeper into hiding in order to survive, however, when he arrives in Paradise Ohio, Number 4's life will be complicated even further by high school, bullies, and his first love.
A film that has the appearance of a terrible teen movie, it takes a while to shake that stigma. The opening thirty minutes are a predictable beginning to a sci-fi film aimed at adolescents. It is only when John comes into his powers that the film finds its strength, and we get to experience the possibilities that are entailed by this ET series. As the stunts get bigger and better, the acting seems to become less of a problem, and audiences can just enjoy the ride.
Performances worthy of mention are hard to find is this film. The lead role is more of a swimsuit model than anything else. Although, I would mention that his brooding, stony essence is far more desirable than the cocky quick-mouthed heroes that audiences are used to. As the film develops, Pettyfur's appeal grows as his silence avoids the usual pitfalls of action heroes. Jake Abel as Sam the school bully is worth mentioning, his character is a charismatic leader amongst goons, whose penchant for comedy makes him one of the more engaging people of the story. Dianna Agron as the love interest is excellent, with an understated elegance that makes for more than just eye candy.
Alongside a decent storyline, this film has excellent music, with up-to-date tunes placed perfectly to elicit the maximum response. In addition, the locations of the film create a road-trip America that is murky and beautiful at the same time, and avoids the sheen that so many teen flicks utilize.
BUT, this film is not without drawbacks. The performances are mediocre for the most part, and the script borders on terrible (in the interest of a fair warning, try and avoid listening to John's over-voicing, it is excruciating). However, as a cinematic film that attempts to start a new worthwhile franchise, I Am Number 4 does a half decent job, and I for one would like to see more. Do not expect a revolutionary film, just a movie that tells a good story in an entertaining way.
As 2011 shapes up to be a decent year for cinema, director D. J. Caruso offers a cinematic blockbuster that delivers an intriguing premise that promises some entertaining sequels...if successful.
The story (originally a book) is about a group of aliens hiding out on earth, after their own planet Lorien is destroyed by murderous rivals, Mogadorians. Nine of these aliens are special, they have powers that would have enabled them to protect their planet, but now they are on the run as the evil Mogs chase them. Each of the chosen nine has a guardian, who is tasked with the duty of protecting them. After three on the nine are brutally murdered, Number 4 John Smith (Alex Pettyfur) must go deeper into hiding in order to survive, however, when he arrives in Paradise Ohio, Number 4's life will be complicated even further by high school, bullies, and his first love.
A film that has the appearance of a terrible teen movie, it takes a while to shake that stigma. The opening thirty minutes are a predictable beginning to a sci-fi film aimed at adolescents. It is only when John comes into his powers that the film finds its strength, and we get to experience the possibilities that are entailed by this ET series. As the stunts get bigger and better, the acting seems to become less of a problem, and audiences can just enjoy the ride.
Performances worthy of mention are hard to find is this film. The lead role is more of a swimsuit model than anything else. Although, I would mention that his brooding, stony essence is far more desirable than the cocky quick-mouthed heroes that audiences are used to. As the film develops, Pettyfur's appeal grows as his silence avoids the usual pitfalls of action heroes. Jake Abel as Sam the school bully is worth mentioning, his character is a charismatic leader amongst goons, whose penchant for comedy makes him one of the more engaging people of the story. Dianna Agron as the love interest is excellent, with an understated elegance that makes for more than just eye candy.
Alongside a decent storyline, this film has excellent music, with up-to-date tunes placed perfectly to elicit the maximum response. In addition, the locations of the film create a road-trip America that is murky and beautiful at the same time, and avoids the sheen that so many teen flicks utilize.
BUT, this film is not without drawbacks. The performances are mediocre for the most part, and the script borders on terrible (in the interest of a fair warning, try and avoid listening to John's over-voicing, it is excruciating). However, as a cinematic film that attempts to start a new worthwhile franchise, I Am Number 4 does a half decent job, and I for one would like to see more. Do not expect a revolutionary film, just a movie that tells a good story in an entertaining way.
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