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Teen adventures have become a pretty hot commodity—just ask Stephenie Meyer and J. K. Rowling. Now it seems that everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon—including author James Frey, whose novel, I Am Number Four (co-authored with Jobie Hughes under the pseudonym Pittacus Lore) was in the process of being adapted for the big screen long before the book hit stores. Unfortunately, though, the more entries we get in the supernatural teen drama genre, the more they feel the same.
When John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) and his dad, Henri (Timothy Olyphant), arrive in Paradise, Ohio, people take notice. It’s a small town, where everybody knows everybody else, and it’s hard not to notice a couple of newcomers—no matter how hard they try to fit in.
But John and Henri aren’t what they seem to be. They’re not even from this planet. John is one of nine gifted children who were able to escape their planet before it was destroyed by their enemies, the Mogadorians—and Henri is his guardian, a warrior whose job is to keep John safe.
Though Henri insists that he maintain a low profile in their new home, John quickly attracts the attention of pretty troublemaker Sarah (Dianna Agron) and jealous jock Mark (Jake Abel). But while John finds himself caught up in high school drama, a dangerous enemy lurks nearby.
Blame it on Twilight overload, but it’s difficult to watch a movie like I Am Number Four without comparing it to the popular series of teen vampire romances. And, in a way, Number Four is strikingly similar: a moody but handsome high school kid with secret powers falls madly, passionately in love with a pretty human girl—but some powerful enemy threatens to ruin their dreamy love story.
To continue the comparison, then, I Am Number Four is like Alien Twilight on Speed. The two stories share some undeniable similarities—right down to the moody teen drama. At times, in fact, it’s so blatantly melodramatic that even the most hopeless romantic will roll her eyes in disbelief.
The characters, too, are similar—especially “John,” who (like Twilight’s Edward) was fashioned as the perfect guy for young female moviegoers: a strong, handsome, sensitive outsider who will do anything for the woman he loves. But although he’s supposed to be an advanced, superhuman being, he often acts like just another spoiled teenager. He realizes that he’s in danger, yet he’s determined to do his own thing, no matter how reckless or stupid it may be.
I Am Number Four may sometimes be as moody as Twilight—and its characters may sometimes get on your nerves. The story isn’t exactly scientifically logical (or, for that matter, satisfying), either. But there’s at least one thing that it gets (mostly) right: the action. Instead of getting bogged down in the melodrama, Number Four is filled with fights and chases, action and suspense. So while this otherworldly thriller may borrow quite heavily from that other teen series, it doesn’t limit itself to a female teen audience. It isn’t a standout adventure, but it’s a decent pick for high school date night.
Blu-ray Review:
The Blu-ray combo release of I Am Number Four comes with Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copies of the film, as well as a couple of extras.
The Blu-ray disc’s special features menu includes six deleted scenes—all with introductions by director D. J. Caruso. Even if a scene is just a few seconds long, he’s so passionate about explaining what he really loved about the tone, the characters, and the acting that it’s hard not to share his enthusiasm. Of the six, some are playful and fun, some introduce additional characters, and one (the Extended Warsaw Basement scene) is just plain ridiculous.
Becoming Number Six is a 12-minute feature on Teresa Palmer and her tough-as-nails role as Number Six. The feature shows behind-the-scenes footage or rehearsals, training, stunts, and more. It’s all pretty interesting stuff—and Number Six is definitely one of the film’s best characters—but it seems strange that the film’s only making-of feature focuses on a character that plays a pretty small part in the film.
And, finally, the disc also includes a short blooper reel. It’s really nothing new, but it does show that Timothy Olyphant is a pretty funny guy.
Fans of Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron will be disappointed to find that the co-stars rarely appear in the interviews—and fans of the film itself might be disappointed in the absence of a more traditional making-of feature. But the Number Six feature will just have to suffice.
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