Thanks for checking out our Jumper review, be sure to check our video review at the bottom of the page!
The General Idea
David Rice (Hayden Christensen) finds out that he possess the power of teleportation and uses it to set out on his own and live a life of privilege and excitement. Life begins to change when a religious sect of paladin hunters headed by (Samuel Jackson) discover his whereabouts and begin the task of tracking him down. David then uses this difficult time to reunite with his grade school crush Millie (Rachel Bilson). An alliance is made with the more experienced jumper Griffin (Jamie Bell) to fight the paladins so they can live again without worry.
The Good
Teleporting is awesome, and the location shots in this film were incredible. They really did a fantastic job with one super-power and when it was in use, the film was very enjoyable. We get to wonder what we would do if we were in their shoes, and most of us would do a number of things these “jumpers” have checked off on their list. The ability to span the globe with a thought is a delightful fantasy, and this film really sold us on the benefits of that power.
When David and Griffin finally hook up, the camaraderie is fantastic and the movie really takes a turn for the better. This is the relationship the film should have focused on; sadly this was not the case. At one point David says that the two of them should join forces like in Marvel Team Up – Griffin smirks and responds well to the comic book reference. The more experienced Griffin also gets David up to speed on stories of other jumpers and the dangers of the paladin hunters that seek to kill them.
The paladins (as headed by Samuel Jackson) are an order of righteous religious zealots bent on killing all with powers only god should possess. They are hunter/warriors with modern gadgetry designed to take out jumpers and prove themselves to be worthy adversaries. Campea was saddened that we never dug into their background, and I agree with him. We are given glancing descriptions of them and their order without a shot of their secret location, rich history and dusty tomes. This was a missed opportunity.
Jamie Bell ruled as Griffin. This character was the best part of the film and Mr. Bell should be very pleased with his performance..
The Bad
This movie starts off with a long voice over that is completely unnecessary. If we just had a chance to watch what was being shown, we would be able to “figure it out,” but instead we have overdubs explaining the obvious. We don’t have voice over for the rest of the film – which is good, and also strange.
The love interest in this film is horrible. It drags the film to a screeching halt on a number of occasions and is never believable. They dive headlong into coupledom and on their first date Millie gives David the gears like they were married for 6 years. No one would put up with this shit. If this was to be a believable story, he would of ditched her ass in a New York minute. When you are on the first date and someone is too nosy and annoying – you run, or in this case teleport! Millie is an insanely annoying character and asks question after question after question. I kept praying for “Questions McGee” to die (but sadly this does not happen).
This movie ends horribly, I obviously cannot tell you what happens – but it isn’t good. All the problems Millie had evaporate in a flash; without cause or reason this annoying nag becomes understanding and behaves as cool as a cucumber. The film sets itself up for a sequel in a manner that is far too obvious with hooks that do not sink in one bit. If you know you have a sequel planned – you better make people hunger for another at the end of the film, this certainly did not happen here.
Overall
I found this movie to be extremely frustrating. It was such a good idea and certainly had some awesome parts to it. If they changed some things around and removed a character or two, it could have been fantastic. The potential was there; it just didn’t turn out right. I felt bad for the film as a guidance counsellor may feel bad for a wayward teen that does not fully realize the consequences a poor decisions can make. I do not think I would recommend this film, and give it a 4 out of 10.
