I AM NUMBER FOUR
RYAN: I’m so excited to report that I Am Number Four was much better than we expected! I love sci-fi movies, and this one is a decent offering for this time of year.
CAROLINE: I went into this movie fully expecting to hate it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s based on a young adult book, and it’s targeted at teens, and yes, it’s totally silly and derivative of Twilight, but somehow I was engaged throughout. I can’t even believe I’m saying this, but I liked it!
RYAN: The lead actor in the film, Alex Pettyfer, is having a big 2011. He’s got another movie coming out soon, Beastly, and then another in the fall, and apparently he’s got the diva attitude to go with it. He’s British and reported to be a terror on set.
CAROLINE: I read that too! I love how these young Hollywood upstarts get too cool for school before they’ve even opened a movie.
RYAN: The female alien co-star in the movie also appears in the forthcoming Take Me Home Tonight, so it’s going to be a very interesting film season for these actors.
CAROLINE: Let’s not forget Quinn from Glee, Dianna Agron, who plays the love interest. She’s very cute but has really thick legs. I’ve noticed that on Glee too.
RYAN: I liked her and cute hats. She might not be on Glee much longer if she keeps getting roles like this. Overall, this is just a really cool, otherworldly, superhero-meets-science-fiction movie. And the special affects are great – much better than in Twilight.
CAROLINE: Yeah, but that’s not saying much. Some of those Twilight movies look like they were slapped together in two weeks. But I agree that it’s an enjoyable flick. I was surprised at how much the story engaged me. It takes you back to high school in the same way the Twilight movies do.
RYAN: It’s a mystery, but it’s not difficult to follow. I was always intrigued and even surprised by what happens. It’s not predictable.
CAROLINE: The opening scene is really intense and thrilling, and I was surprised the movie was able to maintain that level of intrigue throughout. Of course, a lot of this is because I went in with zero expectations. This is a fun film for February, but it’s no masterpiece by any means. It’s a little bit scary too! You actually yelped out loud at one point, and I was grabbing your arm consistently throughout.
RYAN: Some of those bad guys were really freaky! It’s a good length too – about an hour and 45 minutes. I was never bored. The action was consistent and there were these creepy Avatar-esque creatures in it that were great. And the way the aliens die reminded me a bit of how Kirsten Dunst met her demise in Interview with a Vampire.
CAROLINE: Timothy Olyphant also has a featured role, and though he annoyed us so much in Live Free or Die Hard a few years ago, I’m kind of starting to like him. He’s even got his own TV series now – not that I watch it or anything.
RYAN: He’s still a little self-aware as an actor to me. He’s not completely natural, but yes, he’s much improved in the last few years. I liked him a lot in A Perfect Getaway too.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed this teen movie. It has its audience and it’s certainly not for everyone, but I was into it.
RYAN: Though all of the cast looked way too old to be in high school.
CAROLINE: Oh totally. I think Dianna Agron is 24.
RYAN: Nonetheless, I liked the movie and I’m sure there’ll be a sequel at some point. I recommend it on the big screen because the effects are great. If you go in with low expectations, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
— RATING —
