Review: ‘I Am Number Four’ Is First-Rate Sci-Fi

By Michael Lopez

Who are you calling Twilight? Sure, movie studios and marketers would like you to think that I Am Number Four is the extra-terrestrial equivalent of the popular teen angst film franchise, but we’re here to tell you it’s much more than that. Huge explosions, flying wombat beasts, supernatural alien powers and a plethora of over-the-top stunts make this flick a must-see for sci-fi fans of every generation.

Based on a book of the same name, I Am Number Four has talent on both sides of the camera. The cast includes several new faces, including England’s Alex Pettyfer in the title role and Australian natives Teresa Palmer and Callan McAuliffe. Behind the scenes, Four brought together screenwriters from the classic cult shows Smallville and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The story actually contains bits of several science-fiction favorites. Borrowing themes from the Terminator and Superman, Number Four tells the story of John Smith (Pettyfer), a teenage alien on the run from outer-space annihilators known as the Mogadorians. The “Mogs” are determined to wipe out John’s race, having already finished off Numbers One, Two and Three.

Hiding out in the small Ohio town of Paradise, John and his protector Henri (Timothy Olyphant) try to blend in the best that they can. But once his otherworldly superpowers emerge, life under the radar becomes much harder to manage.

The film also ties in a love story reminiscent of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Glee’s Dianna Agron plays an all-American high school student who finds herself in an intense intergalactic romance.

Will it all work out? We can't tell you that, but they do put up one heck of a fight.

Although the movie’s masterminds say they’re going to wait and see how the film performs before greenlighting I Am Number Five, Six and Seven, this writer certainly hopes they do. There are plenty of great characters to explore and interesting questions to answer.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a great post-Valentine’s date movie that blends guy-friendly action and girl-friendly romance (there’s even a cute puppy dog), set your sights on I Am Number Four.

Do you plan to see I Am Number Four this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron, I Am Number Four, Movie Reviews, Movies, Timothy Olyphant