Synopsis:
Number 4 is one of 9 aliens sent to Earth to escape an invading race (the Mogadorians) who exterminated the population of Number 4’s home planet (Lorian). Number 4 is protected by his guardian, as are the other eight. But the Mogadorians have discovered that the Loriens came to Earth and are hunting them down in order. The story evolves as we follow Number 4 as he comes to terms with being a teenager discovering powers, fitting in at school, falling in love and being hunted down by an hostile race.
My friend said this was like Twilight crossed with Superman and I can see what she means, there is even (deliberately or not) a Superman line repeated by Number 4 in this film. But to compare it to those franchises not only overstates this films appeal but also does a disservice to two established film thoroughbreds with proven pedigree. D.J. Caruso wishes it was Twilight crossed with Superman!
The film is based on the book of the same name that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List. Fine, but the book was only published in 2009 and the movie rights were bought before the book was even finished. Furthermore it’s the first of a proposed six book series. But with a very underwhelming box office thus far it seems unlikely we’ll even get to number 2, as it were. Hollywood is too desperate to find the next Harry Potter cash cow.
The problem is it’s not really anything new. Last year we had the catchy titled Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief AND the Sorcerers Apprentice. Both feature a hero teen, unaware of their abilities, unable to control them without guidance from a father figure to coach and school them in the ways of their people. You can add a number 3 to that list. I Am Number 4 has even borrowed Teresa Palmer from the Sorcerers Apprentice! In my opinion it’s not a coincidence that the first of those movies to be released had the highest box office and the most recent the lowest.
That’s not to say it’s a terrible film. But it does seem the vast majority of the $50 million budget was mostly spent on one 15-20 minute action sequence. I’d suggest Dreamworks use the next $50 million to find an original idea.
