Review of 'I am Number Four'

Teenager John (Alex Pettyfer) has all the problems facing young people growing up however he also has the added pressure of actually being from another planet, “Number 4”, and hunted by the Mogadorians, who invalided his homeworld. With the help of his protector Henri (Timothy Olyphant) they spend their lives on the run, moving from place to place at any hint of their being tracked. When their lives take them to Paradise John finds himself growing more and more attracted to amateur photographer Sarah Hart (Dianna Agron) who seems to be determined to win him over despite his reservations. He also finds himself friends with Sam Goode (Callan McAuliffe), a geek whose father disappeared while hunting aliens in Mexico. When the Mogadorians track John down it is up to him: Fight with his new friends or flee?

Based on the book of the same name (see my review here), “I am Number Four” is another “coming of age” story with quite a bit of a twist. Despite all of the teenage angst the film is quite entertaining, with quite good effects, and keeps you guessing though don't expect all plot-lines to be resolved by the end (the book series has 7 books in it). The action never really lets up and there are a few unexpected twists along the way.

Overlooking the cheesy dialogue and mediocre acting (no Oscars here, to be sure), “I am Number Four” is an entertaining film but read the book for the much fuller story.

Rating:

Review Date: 2019-01-26

Directed by: D.J. Caruso

Studio: Dreamworks

Year: 2011

Length: 111 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1464540/