Today’s quick review: I Am Number Four. One of the last survivors of the planet Lorien, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) lives on Earth, hiding from the alien hunters who killed his people. Following a close call, John and his protector Henri (Timothy Olyphant) move to a new town and adopt new identities. But John’s attempts to fit in at the local high school are threatened by his secret past, his growing powers, and the risk of exposure.
I Am Number Four is a science fiction action movie that follows the teen sci-fi formula to a tee. The movie’s two major plot threads are John’s life in hiding and his relationship with his fellow student Sarah (Dianna Agron). The genre staples are all easy to spot: a handsome protagonist with a hidden secret, a high school romance with its ensuing drama, and flashy action that avoids any real gore.
For all its conventionality, I Am Number Four is a fairly competent execution of the formula. The plot moves along at a rapid clip, lays out its conflicts clearly, and juggles between its subplots well. The setting and characters lack any significant depth, but they do serve the needs of the story. The action is a pleasant surprise when it finally kicks in; the simple stunts and tricks of the earlier movie blossom into a slick and fast-paced finale.
I Am Number Four is worth a shot when you’re in the mood for a bit of light sci-fi action. Only fans of teen sci-fi will find the movie truly compelling, but its competent craftsmanship makes it decent popcorn for sci-fi fans. Skip it if you’re looking for an epic story, rich characters, or an elaborate world. For teen sci-fi that’s more ambitious but less successful, take a look at Jupiter Ascending.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a decent plot and slick action.