Writer: Anne Jamaludin

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Watch this if you liked: “Roswell”, “Twilight”, “The Astronaut’s Wife”

Based on the teenage sci-fi novel series by Pittacus Lore, "I Am Number Four" is intended to be a great, memorable sci-fi romance when the sad truth is the movie turns out just like another movie-adaptation of the 1990's "Roswell" television and somehow indirectly draws some unintended inspiration from inter-species romance author, Stephanie Meyer who is famed for her smash-hit novels-turned movies "Twilight". This movie basically moves around the same plot, same type of characters, same drama, same love triangle, same forbidden love and same hunky lead but with the super-talented Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay, this movie has nothing more but the effects to boast of.

Nine infant Lorien aliens were sent to earth right before their home planet is invaded by Mogadorians, a vicious terrestrial species who are hunting down the remaining nine alien descendants along with their designated guardians. Somehow from an unwritten law of the Loriens, the infants can only be decimated according to their sequence. With the first three had been killed, Number Four (Alex Pettyfer) knows that he needs to discard his current life and move to the next state his guardian, Henri (Timothy Olyphant) will bring him to and this time they arrived at Paradise, Ohio. From there, he fell in love and found a few trustworthy allies of his own as he realizes that he needs to stand up rather than continue on an endless run for the rest of his life. Again, it screams "Roswell".

D.J Caruso places a very high stake for the main lead on Alex 'Flashlight Hands' Pettyfer who apparently besides being a model, has no significant movie roles prior to "I Am Number Four". Pettyfer did not disappoint with his acting as well as action scenes though he deserves a much stronger plot for him to at least be recognized as an actor with potentials. His relationship with his guardian Henri is much stronger than his chemistry with love interest, Sara Hart (Dianna Agron) unfortunately. The "Glee" beauty in the writer's opinion appears slightly uncomfortable in a typical damsel-in-distress role in the movie, as opposed to her strong-willed head cheerleader persona she was groomed as in the hit Fox musical television series. Their romance would have been as sweet as the ones in "Roswell" or "The Astronaut's Wife", but the (former) real-life Pettyfer and Agron couple did not bring enough sparks that could sizzle for a romance genre. However, praises can be given to Teresa Plamer who portrays the headstrong Number Six flawlessly and in the movie, Palmer's hard work is visible from her fighting scenes all to her facial expressions. Kevin Durand and Timothy Olyphant are the only two film seniors to act in the movie but nevertheless they bring a lot to the table that would inspire their younger co-stars.

This effects-laden, action-packed movie still has a few questions not concluded which will only be resolved if it spawns a potential follow-up. Recommended for fans of inter-species romances as well as a decent science fiction flick that has creditable visual effects and ones who enjoy extra-terrestrial uncertainties.


Cinema Online, 21 February 2011