I Am Number Four (2011)
Brief review: D.J. Caruso, brings this sci-fi thriller about an extraordinary teen with superpowers, John Smith, who is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Far from great, yet hardly boring, "I Am Number Four" is an enjoyable no-brainer, that succeeds in certain areas but fails in others. Immediately after its taut and spectacularly-shot opening sequence, the movie loses its brisk tempo and starts dragging almost towards its breathtakingly entertaining finale. Sadly, its middle part is basically a corny teen romance, that is neither touching, nor exciting, nor very believable. Alex Pettyfer does a fair job as No.4, and though he comes across as a bit stiff at times, he certainly possess the likability factor. Olyphant stands out as the Protector, the gorgeous Dianna Agron pleases the eye, and Teresa Palmer gives a bold and downright cocky performance as No.6. Although Caruso's direction lacks focus here and there, he manages to provide us with plenty of stupendous action set-pieces, high speed stunts, and some striking imagery, that make the movie worth seeing on the big screen. Speaking of visuals, the design of the creatures is truly impressive, and the CGI work itself is on par by today's standards.
Overall summary: Light on plot and substance, but heavy on action and cool special effects, "I Am Number Four" is a decently-crafted sci-fi action flick, that requires you to switch off your brain, sit back, and enjoy the fair amount of mindless entertainment it provides.
13 comments:
This one didn't do well at the box office last weekend.
Alex, it did in my country :)
Give it a shot.. I think you might enjoy it. It was a pure popcorn entertainment!
I wrote a preview article for this for Static Multimedia, I'll have to email you the link since I can't make it work here. :) I've been wanting to see this, though the writer of the book was only paid 500 dollars and sent on his way. Great review. :)
I have to be honest I didn't have any interest in seeing this. However, it does sound like it would be watchable despite my initial impression. I'll definitely have to see it, especially since you mentioned that that the creatures are impressive....that's good enough for me my dear. ; )
Thanks, dear. ;)
I thought it was quite entertaining, without being too silly. You should check it out. It's in theaters now ;)
A preview article? So cool! Mail it ASAP, I can't wait to read it.
Nicole, I liked the previews, so I went to see it yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it was decent, despite the poor feedback it received. Critics have become so pretentious lately. What's wrong with those guy? What the hell they want? :)
Oh, the creatures look great, though they appear a bit late in the movie.
Good stuff. Sometimes all I want from a movie is "pure popcorn entertainment," ya know, the escapist mentality!
I find it comical though that this movie was sort of marketed and reviewed under the guise of Twilight with testosterone. Such a narrow and short-sighted expecation doesn't excite me much. I am still dubious.
Matty, me too. It helps you release the stress ;)
"Twilight with testosterone" sounds ridiculous! :) Thankfully it wasn't as cheesy and sappy as this terrible vampire saga.
So you're not sure you wanna see it or what?
I'm on the fence about seeing it in the theater. More likely, I will Netflix it upon its DVD/Blu-Ray release.
Good to know it's not a Twilight imitation for guys!
I have no regrets about seeing it in the theater. Some of the action scenes were quite spectacular, so watching them on big screen made the experience better.
Hello, Keith And Lolli, and welcome to CineMarvellous! :)
I completely agree with you guys, it borrows ideas from many other sci-fi flicks, and it lacks any kind of originality, but it was entertaining nonetheless, which is arguably the most important factor about a movie:)
I will definately be giving IAMN4 A go, if not just for some really cool action which I imagined it would be. Great fair review George
Thanks, Demps. It deserves a shot for the action and cool CGIs. Definitely not as bad as critics claim it is.
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