I am Number Four

Directed by: D. J. Caruso
Release date: 23 Feb 2011 UK / 13 Feb 2011 US
Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron

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She said:

I was interested to see this film as James had read the original book and was keen to compare. I had heard mixed reviews about it including reading descriptions of it “targeting the Twilight crowd”, which is clearly meant in a derogatory way. Moving swiftly past my annoyance at the way anything remotely sci-fi or fantasy that involves teenagers is now being lumped together into “Twilight-esque” I however found this film actually quite interesting. Perhaps it was due to my low expectations but I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Of course this is not to say I am raving about it. i enjoyed the story but found it rather undeveloped. I am assuming this is the point because the produers clearly have sequel-induced dollar signs in their eyes, however I felt they could have delved a little deeper. The character of Number 6 especially was undeveloped, which was a shame considering she was the most interesting character in the film with her badassness (it’s a word!) I did enjoy Dianna Agron as well though, who proved to the world that she is good at playing someone other than Quinn in Glee.

All in all I find it hard to write about this film. I did really enjoy it but the performances didn’t blow me away and neither did the story. I saw a lot of potential and I hope they do make a sequel so I can get a little more “stuck in” to the plot. I am however glad that I went to see it as had James not read the book I am not sure we would have given it a go. I give this film {{{3 out of 5}}}

He said:

One of the things I enjoy most about reading is seeing the world unfold in my imagination. For this reason I always seem to have mixed feelings about book-to-film adaptations for books that I have read. I actually sought out the I am Number Four novel and read it a few days before the film was released and was fully ready to be indignant about the deviations from the novel.

There are deviations as should be expected, but I was really impressed at how the film captured the over all essence and emotion of the novel. This is not the world’s greatest story, recently it has become very familar with the Twilight craze as well as the recent surge of superhero-romance infused films.

There was a heavy focus on the special effects of this film and with one exception (they could have put a little more effort into a paticular one of the CGI creatures) fit well into the world and never caused me trouble suspending my disbelief.

There weren’t any of what I would term stand out performances and if anything I think we have seen better effort from Timothy Olyphant, the two young leads Alex Pettyfer and Dianna Agron were nothing to write home about but didn’t take anything from the film. Over all this is a fun film and has potential to be a strong franchise. I give it {{{3.5 out of 5}}}

They said: Essentially this film is a sci-fi novel aimed at teenagers is brought to life by “that boy from Alex Rider” and “the one who was preganant in Glee”. It isn’t award-winning but it is a fun watch. We give this film {{{6.5 out of 10}}}