Matt’s Review: ‘I Am Number 4’ is Entertaining, But Nothing More

GRADE: B-

In my mind, I Am Number 4 resembles the Twilight films; lots of action, well-executed special effects, and most of all, a teenage boy with unnatural traits who loves and protects a hot feeble high school girl. While I didn’t particularly like any of the Twilight films, this project is one I had a hard time hating. It isn’t going to be a film anyone merits for its originality, but it was enjoyable until the end.

I Am Number 4 is a film about a teenage boy named John Smith (I know right?) who is not who he seems to be. He is actually one of the few surviving members of an alien race seeking refuge on Earth. John is one of nine extremely gifted young ‘aliens’ being hunted down by a band of merciless Mogadorians looking to kill off these special individuals. The reason for the conflict between these two sides isn’t explained, nor is the reasoning for hunting down the gifted teens in order — but should one really expect that from a movie like this?

John moves around the country hiding out here and there with his protector played by Timothy Olyphant. As John settles into a new school in an Ohio community, he cozies up to the blonde beauty Sarah (Dianna Agron). Many of you will know her from her role as Quinn from Glee. With the previous three gifted aliens killed by their evil adversaries, John is the fourth on the list, set to be taken down where he now resides. Can you feel the conflict building? I was being somewhat sarcastic.

I will say Agron impressed me in her role; part of it because she was so pleasing to look at, but mostly because she really pulls off the innocent high school hottie to perfection. She has to be practiced in playing a high schooler (I am aware of Glee). Agron reminds me very much of Hayden Panettiere — a decently talented actress who seem to be typecast into the role of a high school girl. Here is to hoping Agron expands her acting abilities so we can see her in a wider variety of roles.

Ok, on to the film itself. First off, who titles a film I Am Number 4? The film is based of a book with the same title, but seriously, what a long and lousy title for a movie. Why not, Four? Or Number Four? Or I Am Four? A five syllable title is too much in our movie culture. As you can tell, I hate the title of this film very much. A person’s first impression of I Am Number 4 comes from hearing this ridiculous title — this cannot bode well for people who are not already aware of what this film is about.

I have now spent entirely too much time rambling. The male lead, Alex Pettyfer, had his moments where he was good and others where he was stale. The supporting cast worked in their roles, but no one turned in a performance worth praising. Director D.J. Caruso has a feel for the teenage plight. Caruso helped focus on the young characters struggling through their ‘out of this world’ situation coupled with the typical new guy trying to blend in a new school ruled by jocks.

Overall, I Am Number 4 really is not a film I would recommend to anyone who does not like hardcore Sy-Fy or the Twilight films. The background and the core of the story are light in favor of teenage romance. The story never veers from the predictable and lacks originality. I rolled my eyes countless times thinking, “Of course that would happen.” While that didn’t make me dislike it, it really didn’t help me love it either. But for movie goers who want the run of the mill action flick and aren’t seeking anything ground-breaking, this could be a movie they could enjoy.

What Should You Do? This is worth a matinee showing or someone looking to be entertained with a run-of-the-mill action story. If you go see a movie this weekend, see Cedar Rapids. Absolutely brilliant flick.