Aliens and their protectors are living secretly among us on Earth. Having left their home world to find peace, 9 aliens living on Earth are now being hunted, in order, by a hostile race. John is number 4 and along with his guardian, Henri, battles the alien killers while trying to protect his new girlfriend and reconnect with others of his kinds.
Alex Pettyfer (John), Timothy Olyphant (Henri), Teresa Palmer (Number 6), Dianna Agron (Sarah), Callan McAuliffe (Sam), Kevin Durand (Mogadorian Commander), Jake Abel (Mark), Jeff Hochendoner (Sheriff).
I Am Number Four starts off a bit slow but builds suspense immediately by jumping into the story rather than delivering any background or in depth character development. Waiting patiently for an explanation the story begins to unfold in real time and gets much more interesting. It isn’t until the end of the film we realize it was never explained how the aliens were numbered, or why if they have such great powers and can dispatch the Mogadorian’s so easily they would need to flee their home planet in the first place. The result is a film that feels like a preview not an entire film or story.
Acting was mediocre with Pettyfer feeling seriously out of place in many scenes and appearing to have difficulty showing emotion. Agron was somewhat better and delivered well but didn’t seem to have the chemistry needed with Pettyfer. Olyphant was good though a bit underused in the film and could have added more. Palmer was a lot of fun and brought good energy and chemistry to the film. Durand was also very enjoyable and did well with his role.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were all nicely done and the film apparently had a good sized budget despite overuse of the hand flashlights to the point they seemed silly. Effects and action were nicely done without being over the top. Makeup and wardrobe were well done, as was sound and soundtrack.
Overall I am Number Four is an enjoyable entry level sci-fi thriller that younger viewers will enjoy the most. Older viewers may feel the story was incomplete and superficial.
This one contains plenty of intense violence and some foul language but should be fine for teens and above.
Official movie site.
I Am Number Four is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.
Released: 2011
Reviewed: 8.13.11
Star rating: 3 out of 5
copyright ©2011 Dave Riedel
Remember to click on Subscribe and leave comments!
