Saturday, February 16, 2008

Jumper Review


What the hell happened here? Doug Liman is supposed to be a solid action director (Bourne Identity is one of my favorite movies). The premise, people who can teleport at will, is pretty cool. Yet the end result is a real piece of junk. Hayden Christensen is NOT a leading man in an action movie. He has sort of a creepy lecherous nature exacerbated by his peering lizard eyes. While it certainly works as a reporter who fabricates his work (in the great Shattered Glass) it's far less effective in pretty much any other role. Rachel Bilson, though beautiful, is stuck working with a ridiculous character. After disappearing for nearly a decade (presumed dead), Christensen's character appears at her bar and they decide to take a trip to Rome together: that day. What girl would do that in real life? Especially with a guy as creepy/sinister looking as Hayden. Samuel L. Jackson is at his hammiest (and most bored) as the villain here. The white hair looks absolutely ridiculous on him as well. I don't know what the hell Diane Lane was thinking but her little part is a mess. Jamie Bell, though, seems to really have fun with the material. Each of his scenes have a bit more life and verve to them. I don't think I'm alone in wishing the whole movie followed him. The ending, as well, is ridiculous and leaves NO closure. I guess the reason I'm giving this such a 'good' review is because the concept is great, the special effects are frequently superb and creative, the action is exciting and the scenery is amazing. I'm really disappointed in this one, with a better lead, more fleshed out characters and a screenplay that isn't garbage it could have been the start to a pretty cool franchise.

Overall Score: 4/10

No comments: