Let Me In: "A Multifaceted Tale of Seduction that Pays Homage to the True Nature of Vampires"

Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

   
       Let Me In is an enjoyable, intriguing, multifaceted narrative. It successfully intertwines a horror premise with a tender story surrounding two lonely children to showcase the true nature of vampires. The film is a slow paced story of seduction and friendship. The film stars Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Road) Chloe Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass), Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), and Elias Koteas (Defendor).



     A lonely, troubled, young boy is befriended by a little girl with a very dark secret.

     Let Me In is an intriguing, engaging tale that returns the vampire genre to its roots. It is a remake of a 2008 Swedish film of the same name. The film is labeled as a horror movie but it isn’t truly a horror movie in the sense of the title. The film is a convergence of genres as it is part romance, part drama, and part suspense story all of them are interwoven with a horror theme to produce the final successful outcome, Let Me In.

     This entertaining expose is a story that is has a horror premise but it’s actually much deeper as it addresses a number of themes within it. Let Me In filters in themes such as about friendship, romance, seduction, oppression, and isolation just to name a few. It even manages to filter in one of the current problems that surround the youth of today, bullying.

     Let Me In is a first rate seduction story, it harkens back to classic vampire stories, where Dracula would use seduction to lure his victims. The overriding theme of the movie is seduction, as it emphasizes the true seductive nature of vampires. It focuses on the connection between Owen and Abbey. The film shows how Abbey slowly seduces Owen. Not in a sexual manner but seduction none the less. Owen is an extremely isolated and emotionally repressed young boy. He is a low point in his young life and in need of any level of connectivity that he can get. Abbey picks up on this and it opens the door for the seduction to begin. The film eliminates the sexual nature associated with seduction and as it focuses more on the way that seduction involves satisfying a desire or need. Let Me In does this but with a child like innocence.

     The movie uses a number of aspects to accentuate the mood and premise of the story. The director of the movie goes through painstaking efforts to put the audience within the world of Abbey and Owen. He tries to establish multiple moods from oppression, to isolation, to victimization. All of these factors contribute to the budding relationship between Owen and Abbey. The cinematography is also used to accentuate the story’s very dismal atmosphere. The cinematography gorgeously enforces this. It cleverly mirrors the loneliness the two children feel in their lives. The director reinforces this theme by focusing on the level of isolation and the lack of connectivity that Owen has with mother. One specific way that he does this is the faces of Owen’s parents are never shown. Owen’s mother is seen but never her entire face. This establishes a level of loneliness and shows that Owen has no a distant relationship with his mother. It leads the audience relate to the level of isolation that Owen feels. A small but great cinematic touch.

     Let Me In features a duo of standout performances by both of our young stars. Chole Grace-Moretz (Abbey) and Kodi Smit-McGhee (Owen) both deliver powerful performance that drive this bizarre tale of friendship. Moretz and McGhee both show skill beyond their years as they have terrific chemistry with one another. Both are equally adept at conveying the daunting tasks of portraying these difficult characters. McGhee does a wonderful job of depicting the troubled young boy, Owen. His portrayal is extremely well done as he compels the audience to feel a great level of sympathy for Owen. The film requires a large range of emotional scenes and the two young actors deliver. Moretz continues to impress with every role. She hasn't disappointed to date and is quickly becoming a very exceptional young actress. Richard Jenkins is great in his limited screen time as Abbey’s conflicted “guardian.” Jenkins gives surprising depth at feeling torn at helping Abby, particularly in a heartbreaking scene when she touches his face as she can see the weight.

     There are very minimal detractors from this story. The CGI of the film was very poorly done, completely mishandled. The CGI version of Abbey was extremely visible and detracted from the entertainment value of the film. The second is the film moves at an extremely slow pace. The story takes a long time to develop. The film focuses on the innocent relationship between Owen and Abbey but it moves really slow almost to the point of becoming tedious. It nearly loses the attention of the audience during some parts.

     The film exquisitely incorporates many of the original concepts that the vampire genre introduced audiences to many years ago. The name of the film alone, Let Me In, aptly suites the story and is precursor of the one of the original concepts of the vampire genre. The film filters in concepts such as: the concept that vampires must be invited in to their home. Vampires aren’t allowed into the home of a subject unless invited, hence the title. Vampires must be taught to feed initially before they have an understanding of the concept that they must feed on others. Meaning that when a vampire is first turned they have to be shown how to feed. Otherwise they will attempt to feed on themselves.

     Let Me In doesn’t rape, ravage, and pillage the concept of vampires in the way that many of the current vampire trends (Twilight) has. This is a very enjoyable tale that uses one of the longest lasting and most used characters in fiction. It pays homage to the character in a way that it deserves. Fans of horror films as well as those who aren’t will enjoy this clever story.




　

Morning Glory: "An Enjoyable, Jocular Perspective on Morning Television News"

Rating:

***½

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Morning Glory is an enjoyable, energetic, feel good happenstance that is fueled by an all star cast that compliments one another and blends together terrifically. The movie is tells the story of an aspiring young executive producer whose creativity and passion forces a dreadful, decaying morning news show to do a 180 degree turn. The film is highlighted by some outstanding performances by Rachel McAdams (The Time Traveler’s Wife), Harrison Ford (Indiana Jones films), Dianne Keaton (Mad Money), Patrick Wilson (A-Team), Jeff Goldblum (The Switch), Matt Malloy (The Bounty Hunter), and John Pankow (Bride Wars).

     A young aspiring producer undertakes the daunting tasks of reviving a last morning talk show. The show is a complete calamity until Becky Fuller (McAdams) induces some personality and inspires the entire staff to follow.

     Morning Glory is an entertaining, humorous experience. The film premiered in limited release in November 2010. It is an excellent mixture of romance and comedy as it provides a witty, jocular perspective on the cutthroat world of television journalism. This is one of the few romantic comedies that successfully manages to handle the difficult task of finding a balance between the two of them perfectly.

     Rachel McAdams shines from the opening moments of the film. She brings a vibrant, charismatic charm that captivates the audience throughout. Her exquisite portrayal of Becky Fuller polarizes and drives the film. McAdams is adding to her fine list of performances and this is easily one of her top three performances, only being surpassed by The Notebook and The Time Traveler’s Wife.

     This upbeat happenstance is highlighted by a mosaic of Hollywood talent that features a number of excellent performances. Morning Glory succeeds because of McAdams shining performance and the excellent chemistry of the entire cast. Harrison Ford gives one of his better comedic performances as the stubborn, ornery TV anchor, Mike Pomeroy. Pomeroy’s cantankerous, crabby attitude paves the way for much of the comedy in the film. McAdams and Harrison Ford have excellent chemistry as contrasting personalities. Fuller as the youthful, cheery, full of life producer and with an positive outlook on the potential of the problematic morning show and Pomeroy as the aging, crabby reporter whose past glories haunt him adding to his despicable attitude. In addition, Dianne Keaton provides an excellent supporting role as Colleen Peck. Keaton and Ford’s on screen jockeying was some of the most entertaining moments of the film. Each member of it has at least one good comedic moment. Matt Malloy as Ernie Appleby, the weather man, also provides some excellent comedic support as the proverbial guinea pig for a number of the slapstick comedy moments.

     Morning Glory is a feel good, fun film. The movie is comprised of a great cast with great chemistry. The movie is entertaining throughout. The film is stocked with some good performances that highlight a delightful, stylish story. Morning Glory is an entrancing occurrence that is a good vieiwing that will satisfy any hardcore or casual movie lover.

SANCTUM: "An Insideous Waste of Potential"



Rating:

**1/2

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Sanctum is a disappointing, moderately entertaining mishap about a group of cave researchers that become trapped. The film is comprised of first rate cinematography that is heinously interconnected with a second rate story. This is the cruel manifestation of their courageous effort to escape the unfortunate circumstances that fate has tried to deal them. The film stars Richard Boxborough (Legends of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga‘Hoole), Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four 1&2), Rhys Wakefield (Broken Hill), Alice Parkinson (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), and Dan Wyllie (Animal Kingdom).

     A team of cave explorers become trapped during an expedition to uncover the secrets to one of the least explored and least accessible cave systems in the world. It becomes a life threatening crisis as air and supplies are limited. The film is inspired by true events. This is the story of how they try to escape.

     Sanctum is a flim that is a great example of wasted potential and resources. The film had a number of promising positives that could've made it a really good film but it completely squanders it. The film fails on a number of levels but the main issue is that it doesn’t establish the connection with the central characters well enough for it to succeed. Sanctum is a jumbled catastrophe that moves to fast without enough character development to garner the emotional response needed for this type of movie. We never truly care for any of the characters involved. Hence, once the characters begin to face the perils that they must overcome to survive, we are completely uninterested. Nearly all of the characters that comprise the film are disposable. None of the supporting characters are even worth mentioning as most of them are killed within minutes of the initial beginning of the crisis.

     The only reason to watch this movie is the cinematography. It’s the only aspect that is remotely positive about Sanctum. The film is an excellent example of great cinematography. The visuals complete outdo any aspect of this evil charade. The caves are fantastic as well as the underwater scenes. The use of 3D makes the cinematography more amazing. The camera places the audience right in the middle of the crisis. You literally feel like you are in the film. In spite of the spectacular visuals, the story doesn’t compliment the film enough to give the effect that it could’ve had. Great visuals but not enough to justify the enduring of this botched endeavor.

     There is a touching story deeply rooted in this bungled effort. The story of a relationship between an estranged father and his rebellious son who discover one another in the midst of this series of unfortunate events. Their dysfunctional relationship is the central focus of Sanctum. Josh (Wakefield) and his father are at odds from the outset. Frank (Roxborough)
is a driven, uncompassionate man whose only concern is the exploration of the caves. He’s never had time for his son or anything but the furthering of his career. Josh is the stereotypical, rebellious son who is the exact opposite of everything that his father his, unfocused, compassionate, and exhuberant. The two share a number of touching moments as the movie progresses but it’s regrettably mismanaged. When Frank finally opens up to Josh to share his shortcomings as a father, the impact is not as powerful as it should've been because of the film inability to force us to have a level of sympathy for the characters. If these two characters were better established then this story could’ve truly become something special. The revelation by Josh at the end of the film would’ve have solidified the losses during the course of the film.
 

     Sanctum is a mediocre, less than stellar, second rate survivor story.
It is very reminiscent of another film of a similar nature, The Descent. Sanctum, however, is of a slightly different nature as it doesn’t have the same horror premise as The Descent but it is completely mishandled as it isn’t anywhere close to be as enjoyable as The Descent. Sanctum’s mismanaging of the characters prevents this movie from being anything more than a glorified waste of time and resources. No need to continue on about this or for anyone else to endure the torture of watching it.

Love & Other Drugs:" An Enjoyable, Alluring Tale of Love and Determination"

Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Love and Other Drugs is a charming, enjoyable love story about a mismatched pair of lovers that overcome a number of self induced obstacles to find true love. The movie is an alluring tale of love and determination that induces a level of awareness as one of its central characters posseses a mental illness. The film cleverly unites the talents of Jake Gyllenhaal (Prince of Persia), Anne Hathaway (Get Smart), Oliver Platt (2012), Josh Gad (21), Hank Azira (Along Came Polly), and Gabrielle Macht (The Spirit).



     What begins as a casual sexual relationship for two free spirited people quickly begins to evolve into a relationship that redefines both of their lives.

     Love and Other Drugs is a heartwarming, spirited drama that is the tale of two people that find a deep connection. This energetic happenstance is an entertaining, tender story that is superbly commingled with the elements of a romantic comedy to deliver an enjoyable film. It begins as your typical romantic comedy but it soon develops into something significantly more substantial with substance.

     Love and Other Drugs opens with a surplus of sex and comedy. The light hearted nature of the first third of the film is no different then any of the other plethora of hum drum romantic comedies that are released today. However, as the movie progress the layers of the film begin to peel back and then the real story unfolds. This rom-comedy tale induces a level of trickery as it mirrors the relationship between Jamie and Maggie. It seduces you and then firmly grabs hold of you, trying to convince you that it is something other than what it really is. Slowly with each passing moment the film begins to invite you in showing how much depth it actually has. The dramatic nature of it seeps out within every encounter between our sexually driven couple. Love and Other Drugs then transforms into a captivating tale of love, perseverance, and acceptance.

     Jake Gylenhaal and Anne Hathaway given magnetic performances at the core of the film. Jamie Randall (Gylenhaal) is a rebellious womanizer still trying to find his mark in the world. Jamie’s charm and way with women are undeniable. He jumps woman to woman as he never allows for any level of connectivity beyond the physical aspects of male/female interaction. Anne Hathaway is especially exceptional as she steals every scene of the film with her stellar performance of Maggie Murdock. Maggie is a beautiful, free spirited, young woman who rejects any form of substantial emotional connectivity. Maggie has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She masks her desire for true love and connectivity with brief no strings attached sexual encounters. Maggie’s indomitable spirit refuses to let anyone or anything hold her back. She never allows any one to become close enough to her to feel the responsibility of caring for her or aiding with her illness. Oliver Platt and Josh Gad make great comedic cameos in their respective roles.

     Love & Other Drugs is a feel good story about life. The film is enjoyable on a number of levels. It’s entertaining and extremely touching. It displays all of the elements that a good story must have. It shows how no obstacle, large or small cannot be overcome. A movie that will move even the most callous of souls. A must see with high reply value.



Battle: Los Angles: "An Entertaining, Sci-Fi Themed Testament of Courage and Determination that is Firmly Grounded in Reality"

Rating:

***½

By: Da’Mon Guy

     Battle: Los Angeles is an action packed, sci fi themed story of heroism and courage. The movie exquisitely intermingles the sci fi premise of the film with a humanizing perspective in an attempt to bring a fresh approach to one of the current movie trends in Hollywood. The film stars Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Ramon Rodriguez (Transformers 2), Michelle Rodriguez (The Fast and the Furious), Neyo (Stomp the Yard), Cory Hardrict (He‘s Just Not That Into You), Bridget Moynahan (I, Robot), Noel Fisher (Final Destination 2), and Michael Pena (The Lincoln Lawyer).

     After an alien invasion, a group of Marines attempt to rescue some civilians and fight back the invaders.

     Battle: Los Angeles is an action themed sci fi movie that offers a new point of view to the oft used sci fi alien invasion story. This latest usage of the premise utilizes the viewpoint of a group of Marines to add a reinvigorating take on one of Hollywood‘s current trends. The movie feels like a cross between Cloverfield and Black Hawk Down.

     The film unfolds through the eyes of our Marines. This adds a humanizing element to the film. Utilizing this perspective, it enables the audience to become more personal with each of the characters. We feel their loss and sacrifice with every passing moment. The movie also creates a good quality level of tension and anticipation. As the Marines make their way through the decimated streets of Los Angeles, you never know where the next attack may come from. The movie’s action comes right at you, almost like a first person video game. It’s very enthralling, it envelopes you, causing the audience to feel like it is a part of the team.

     The movie is packed with some great action. The film’s action is first rate. Battle: Los Angeles is firmly rooted in reality. In spite of the sci fi premise, the film has a realistic look and feel to it that is only matched by other military films. The film feels more like the next Black Hawk Down as opposed to Skyline. The film has a level of realism that has not been matched by a film of this nature since Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It takes an ultra realistic approach in the delivery of this compelling tale. The look and delivery of the movie is excellent. Battle: Los Angeles compels you to believe that you are in the midst of an invasion in modern day LA.

     There are a couple of aspects that hinder the entertainment value of it. The film’s greatest asset was also its biggest hindrance. Battle: Los Angeles is told from the perspective of our group of Marines. This was a great concept but it slightly mires the film because you never really get a good look at the opposition. Meaning the off world intruders are never really seen. Only brief glimpses or long distance views.

    
     The second detractor of Battle: Los Angles is that the group of Marines is comprised of stereotypical typecast characters. The archetype for each of the Marines has been used over and over again. The aging veteran who decides to quit, the rookie, the soon to be married guy, and so forth. The types have been used in too many military movies. With all of the positives that Battle: Los Angles has going for it, the creators could have used some more creative archietypes to base its characters.

 
     The final detractor of the film is the lack of cohesion that Nootz’s unit has. They are very disorganized as the mission begins. Despite the realistic approach that the film utilizes, the unit seemed very disorganized. They didn’t use much of the “military jargen” that we often bear witness to in a number of military based films. However, the lack of cohesion adds to the realistic nature of the film. New units often don't have the time to gel and Battle:Los Angeles is a great showcase for this. The unit that Nootz is assigned to has little to no field experience together and this is highlited within the film. Nootz’s group’s level of organization as opposed to Arnold’s Schwarzenegger’s team in Predator (1986) almost seems teenage.

     Aaron Eckhart’s performance as Staff Sgt. Nootz carries most of the film. Eckhart’s singular standout portrayal of the troubled but driven Marine is one of the best to date in this type of film. Eckhart’s perfect depiction of Nootz epitomizes everything that Battle: Los Angles is about. Sacrifice, determination, loss, and an unrelenting perseverance. He single handedly propels this film from average to good. The other actors add some level of enjoyment but they never measure up to Eckhart’s outstanding performance.

\     Battle: Los Angeles is a compelling, heroic story then will entertain and inspire. This a terrific testament of the power of the human spirit. The film will satisfy the cost of the ticket. The opening 20 minutes of the movie aside, it never stops. The film maintains a terrific pace that maintains a constant level of interaction with the audience through the building of tension, the use of the action sequences, and the emotionally compelling scenes until the credits. It will keep you engaged throughout. Battle: Los Angeles has a fantastic realistic ending that increases the level of enjoyment as well as the raising the respect and appreciation for Staff Sgt. Nootz and his courageous Marines. Don’t pass this one up as just another one of those sci fi “alien” movies. The film is much more and you should check it out.

The Adjustment Bureau: "The Best Film of 2011"



Rating:

*****

By: Da’Mon Guy

     The Adjustment Bureau is a mesmerizing, inviting love story that is superbly interwoven with a number of themes in order to breathe life into an excellent movie experience. The film incorporates a multitude of plot dynamics to comprise a great film. It is easily one of the best films of 2011. This inspiring escapade stars Matt Damon (True Grit 2010). Emily Blunt (The Wolfman), Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker), Terrence Stamp (Valkyrie), John Slattery (Iron Man 2), and Michael Kelly (Defendor).

     After a chance meeting with a beautiful woman, a man fights against a predetermined plan in order to be joined with the woman that he falls in love with.

     The Adjustment Bureau is an engaging, thought provoking, happenstance that terrifically combines a number of aspects to create a great film experience. The film is easily the best film of the year to this point. The movie is based on a short story by Phillip K. Dick. The movie is cleverly well developed as it interweaves a number of unlikely concepts together. This thrilling extension of the imagination commingles the ideals of religion, aspects of science fiction, and then grounds them into reality to create this delightfully enjoyable narrative.

     The film is a contemplative, mind bending experience that forces you to question the concept of fate and chance. The Adjustment Bureau incorporates many aspects of religion as the story unfolds. The religious concepts that comprise the film are terrifically embedded as the story begins to unfold, these aspects filter into the story. The Chairmen (God) and the adjusters (angels) are the members of the secret organization that checks mankind as it get off course. The adjusters help keep the evil nature of man in check as they allow mankind the appearance of free will.

     Above all else, The Adjustment Bureau is a love story. The movie is a modern day “Romeo and Juliet-esque” love story of star crossed lovers that fight against forces trying to keep them apart. The film has a multitude of aspects intermingled into to this poignant love story but the foundation of it is the undeniable love that David (Damon) and Elise (Blunt) find in one another. The film is an first rate testament of how love conquers all. The movie builds an excellent level of tension. You are frozen in anticipation as David tries to overcome the number of obstacles that the members of the Adjustment Bureau repeatedly try to place in front of David to persuade him from his unrelenting pursuit of Elise. As David begins to overcome the constant, mounting impediments, we are forced to cheer and revel in his sucess because of the great level of suspense that the story creates.

     The movie is comprised of excellent acting. Matt Damon is in his best role since The Bourne Trilogy. He plays David Ross perfectly. Ross’s inspiring passion and unrelenting determination are felt throughout. He and Emily Blunt make a wonderful pairing. Emily Blunt electrifies the screen. She delivers a first rate performance as Elise. Much of her emotion is conveyed subtlely however, her charisma is felt throughtout. Just as David falls for her in the film, her performance will make you fall in love with her as well. The love that David and Elise share is the foundation of the movie and Damon and Blunt’s terrific chemistry make us believe every minute of it. Terrence Stamp, John Slattery, and Anthony Mackie all delivery fantastic supporting performances as members of The Adjustment Bureau.

     The Adjustment Bureau is the first must see film of this year. This is a movie that entertains and invokes thought. I eagerly awaited it’s release and it didn’t disappoint. The movie met and greatly exceeded any expectation that I had of it. The movie is a excellent expose that intricately interweaves a multitude of concepts such as love, determination, courage, choice, chance and fate to captivate and inspire some thought provoking entertainment. This is an enthralling tale that starts and doesn’t stop until the final minute. It will easily have you clamoring for more. A must see!

Unstoppable: "A Captivating, Real Life Tale of Heroism"



Rating:

****

By: Da’Mon Guy

    
     Unstoppable is a captivating, action packed, inspiring testament of courage. The movie is a feel good manifestation that exquisitely showcases some of the best traits of humanity. The film stars Denzel Washington (The Book of ELI), Chris Pine (Star Trek), Rosario Dawson (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief), Kevin Dunn (Transformers 1&2), Ethan Suplee (Brothers), T. J. Miller (She‘s Outta my League), Kevin Corrigan (The Next Three Days), Jesse Schram (American Pie: The Naked Mile) and Lew Temple (Déjà vu).

     An unmanned, 39 car runaway train containing hazardous chemicals speeds towards a populated city. Two men attempt to advert the disaster.

      Unstoppable is an engaging, thrilling story of the courage of two ordinary men that risk their lives in order to save the town of Stanton, PA. The movie is inspired by true events. The film maintains a great pace. The story begins slowly by  introducing the audience to the characters and then it induces the circumstances of the situation very intricately. The film then aptly builds the tension of the circumstances surrounding the events of the runaway train. With each passing moment, the details are slowly introduced to the audience, swallowing your attention into the nature of the event. The story is so captivating and enthralling that you will not be able to look away as you bear witness to the heroism of the unlikely pair of everyday heroes.

     The film establishes a great level of tension within the movie. With each passing moment, the movie transforms this simple everyday form of transportation, into a angry beast of the heartless destruction and devastation. Every scene of the train’s progression toward Stanton raises the level of tension in anticipation of the next calamity that it causes. Your attention is transfixed to the screen as Train 777 races down the tracks like an angry beast of fury invoking a path of carnage and devastation in its wake.

     The movie is features a number of outstanding performances headlined by Denzel Washington. Washington plays Frank, a 28 yr railroad veteran, who is being forced to retire in order to pave the way for younger, more cost effective labor. Washington is at his charismatic best as you feel the passion of his performance in each line of his dialogue. Chris Pine matches Washingtons passionate portrayal line for line as he plays Will Colson, a young union conductor with a number of personal problems. The pair have terrific chemistry together as they portray the rivals that soon become heroes. Rosario Dawson, Kevin Dunn, and Lew Temple each turn in excellent performances as this story of determination and grit unfolds. Lew Temple, in particular, delivers a scene stealing cameo as the cowboy like welder, Ned Oldham.

     Unstoppable is an amazing, feel good story of heroism that will have you glued to the screen throughout the length of it. The action is deliberate and well paced. All of the characters are well portrayed. Denzel Washington delivers one his best performance since Man on Fire. The movie is an enjoyable, captiving view that will make you want to cheer by its end. .

I Am Number Four: "A Trav-Sham-Mockery"



Rating:

**

By: Da’Mon Guy

     I Am Number Four is a trav-sham-mockey (Travesty, Shamble mockery)! This boorish aberration is a mind numbing, sappy absurdity that uses some first rate visual effects to mask the shortcomings of this nauseating teenage drama. The movie is a misleading debacle that stars Alex Pettyfer (Beastly), Timothy Olyphant (The Crazies), Dianna Argon (Burlesque), Kevin Durand (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Teresa Palmer (Take Me Home Tonight), Callan McAuliffe (Flipped), and Jake Abel (Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief).

A teen discovers that he is the last of nine potential saviors for his alien race. After the third one is killed John discovers that he is the next on the list.

     The Twilight saga has raped and ravaged the vampire genre and because of it’s perplexing success, there are going to be a number of films made in its mold. Its petulant touch has now begun to extend into other genres. I Am Number Four is the latest victim of the sickening Twilight formula. This mind numbing coming of age tale tries to emulate the same success that the Twilight saga has had by attempting to apply the concept to science fiction. I Am Number Four is based on a series of teen books written by John Hughes.

     I Am Number Four suffers in so many ways that I don’t know where to begin. Its biggest downfall is the rouse that this inexcusable waste of time attempts to pull off. The film is a trav-sham-mockery as it tries to convince the audience that this is an action oriented science fiction film, but the reality of the film is that it’s a moronic, sappy teen love story. There isn’t anything sweet or entertaining about the stomach-churning, superficial nature of the budding romance between John (Pettyfer)and Sarah (Agnor). The senseless, misguided, melodramatic love story consumes too much of the length of the film. Turning from a promising sci fi tale into another crappy teen love narrative.

     In additon, the film speeds through much of the details of the film that would build plausibility and make the audience care about the character. John is introduced but we never get the opportunity to have any feeling for John as the movie whizzes through any details about his background other than the voiceover at the beginning of the movie and a scene where he burns some photos. Another downfall in the unfolding of this misfortune, is the unexplained ability to control his power. Henri (Olyphant) is supposed to be his protector and teach him to use his abilities but by the midpoint of the film, John has full control of his abilities without any guidance.

     There are very few positives about this misguided disaster. The best part of this life diminishing debacle is the minimal amount of action that it exhibits in its waning moments. The visuals as well as the action are first rate. The limited introduction of the them however, is an enormous detractor from the entertainment value of this teen focused depravity. It also has a limited number of good acting moments within it. Kevin Durand is moderately entertaining in his portrayal of the Moog leader. He is the lone bright spot in an enveloping darkness of disappointment.

     I Am Number Four is a complete waste of potential. The premise of the film had a ton of potential but it is completely wasted as it shifts its focus to the misguided love story. The film completely ignores the promising foundation that it lays in order to divert its focus to the stomach-turning, teen love story and advancing this particular film in order to set up a sequel. That is evidently clear from the halfway point of this disaster. It never yields any clear background about john other than the few words that he talks about in a voiceover at the beginning and the end of the film. It’s bad enough that Twilight has completely devastated the entire concept of vampires and werewolves but now the copycats will attempt to do the same by applying that to other genres and its latest attempt is to destroy the sci fi genre. What’s worse is that this won’t be the last disastrous attempt to steal some of Twilight’s thunder as they’ll be more to come. If you dare to proceed, Kevin Durand as the Moog leader and the action of this horrid disaster are the only reasons that merit the viewing of I Am Number Four, the rest of it should be burned.