MOVIE REVIEW - I Am Number Four

Low expectations sometimes can be a very good thing when you go to the movies.

Mine were low for this one, I am Number Four new this week. It's in a long line of fantasy pieces that have been en vogue the past decade or so. Young people gifted with non-human like powers. There are no vampires or wolves here, this time it's alien beings. But the formula is exactly, and I mean exactly the same as Twilight.

Very handsome young high school boy with alien superpowers, meets independent beautiful, loner high school girl. He of course is a rebel, and constantly bemoans his elders who are trying to protect him from being killed by rival members of their old planet. Our hero John, is number four in a list of nine that is trying to stay alive and continue their plight and protect earth from harm. The chosen aliens one through nine are being killed in order. The first three are dead. He is next.

I know this all sounds a bit silly. But actually as a movie, this one has to be judged on what it is and who it's for. This is basically for teens and tweens and very young adults who have grown up with this style of film making. This is right up their ally, with the wild special effects, and the over the top story line. And the formula that young love is very nice and very special and triumphs all. It's the exact formula again as Twilight. But IANF has something else really going for it. It's NOT Twilight. It's a new road for movie goers to travel down and go in the same, but different direction at the same time.

This movie will strike a blow right in the heart of its target fans and be a big hit. I have to admit, it was for the most part fun, and interesting to follow. IANF does come out of the gate slowly, and does pick up to a better pace as the movie goes on. A huge battle finish that is entertaining, but in fairness, a little too fast paced, herky-jerky and hard to follow visually at times. And I will tell you, this will come as no surprise, there are obviously more of these to come as the story is not wrapped up nice and tidy. The long term shame is that this could wear out it's welcome in years ahead and become Twilight-y.

I Am Number Four. It's certainly is not everyone's cup of tea. But if you know those that are into this whole fantasy, space alien thing, this is right on the money. You can see this is regular, Real 3-D and IMAX as well. For the most part visually great, and overall good fun.