FILM: I Am Number Four

I AM NUMBER FOUR staring: Alex Pettyfer, Diana Argon, Timothy Olyphant, Callan McAuliffe and Teresa Palmer.

Ever though aliens existed, only, they lived light-years away or you believe you've been abducted by them, because there's a moment in your life that you just can't recall or, they're so close, that they could be the boy or girl sitting next to you right now.

Well, if you're sitting next to a "John Smith" and he's new to your school as of - well today, then your alien experience may just be heightened to new level. He may look human, sound human and even smell human, but he's not.

Actually, he's from the planet Lorien - one of the planets in the nearest galaxy to that of the Milky Way. If he looks like he's hiding or avoiding you, he is. He doesn't want to be found. A precaution - don't take photos of him (these photos won't last), don't take videos of him (their memories worth forgetting) and don't talk to him (it may come at your own cost).

Number One was killed in Malaysia.

Number Two was murdered in England.

Number Three was hunted down in Kenya.

I am number FOUR.

***

The Story

Based on the novel written by "Pittacus Lore" (aka. Jobie Hughes and James Frey), I Am Number Four takes the theories behind other life-forms in other galaxies to a whole new level. Seeing as its producer is Michael Bay (director of the Transformers Saga), it's not inevitable to have such a well adapted film from the pages of one of New York Time's best sellers.

Alien life forms settling on Earth to preserve their race, trying to runaway from another alien race who destroyed their planet is not an uncommon story-line. What drew me to this movie though, is that fact that all the nine aliens (not counting their 'Keepers') from the planet Lorien are all connected by charms that are covered by enchantment that cannot allow them to be killed out of their numerical order. In both the book and the film, we never see Numbers One and Two, but we do see (and read about) the murder of Number Three. It is this close countdown that makes this film different to other 'extraterrestrial films'. What makes this film as thrilling as it is, is the fact that you never know what to expect. Characters are not what they seem and situations are not what you hope for.

I'm currently half-way through the novel and the parallels are fantastic - granted their are more explanations in the novel than the movie, but the changes are necessary. What Alfred Gough, Miles Miller and Marti Noxon have done is simply taken the book and traced out the story and outlines what could be translated into the screen. Things like: running away, legacy formations, high school life vs. alien life and even love. Too be honest I though the film focused a lot on the relationship between Sarah (Argon)and John (aka. Number Four) but only when I started reading the book did I realise how important their relationship really is - but I won't tell you, because that would just spoil both the film and the novel for you.

Before you do see the film, I recommend reading the book, that way you get a gist of what to expect in terms of missing information about Lorien, Legacies and the difference between Henri (Olyphant) and Four (Pettyfer). Reading the book after the film is not too bad either, like I said, the parallels are fantastic that no matter which order you go (book then film or film than book), you get the full picture and satisfaction of I Am Number Four. Otherwise, if you're not a reader, all i can say is: this film is jam-packed with action, romance and almost believable alien powers that you would wish you inherited after puberty.

Casting

Deborah Aquila and Mary Tricia Wood receive TWO THUMB UP from me. Besides the occasional accent falter from rising British star, Alex Pettyfer (Stormbreaker andWild Child), he did an incredible job in bringing this character to life. Pettyfer's incredible looks are overshowed by his incredible talent in bringing this character to life. He was able to portray a confident, yet vulnerable teenage alien trying to fit in. One of my favourite scenes would have to be when he's having dinner with the Harts. In this scene Pettyfer really brings out the longing that John/Number four has to be 'normal' and to really 'blend in' here on Earth. Pettyfer has the ability to speak with expression rather than with wordsm which is important in a film like where there's far more meed for action than words.

Supporting Alex, is Timothy Olyphant (Meet Bill) who plays Henri, another 'Loric' from Lorien. Henri is essentially John's 'Keeper' or guardian here on Earth. Olyphant's character delivers much of the comic relief in this film. He seems to have all the one liners that got the entire cinema laughing. But in the serious moments, Olyphant was able to bring out that father-like figure that John needed during the times he chose to be careless. Glee's Diana Argon never fails to deliver when it comes to beautiful ex-head cheerleader roles. Argon shows that she's more than a show-tune queen by taking on a role of a small town girl with dreams of going beyond the borders of Paradise, Ohio. She really inhabits the character by being down to earth and natural in her acting styles - a big difference to her fierce, full-of-attitude character, Quinn. She's actually likable in this film. (:P)

The big hits for me are Aussie actors Callan McAuliffe (Packed to the Rafters) and Teresa Palmer (December Boys). McAuliffe plays Sam, John's only friend, who is a Type-A nerd and typically "at-the-bottom-of-the-food-chain" in high school character. Sam and John's friendship is vital to the story due to Sam's father's theories about the Loric race here on earth, along with the Mogodorian (aliens from Mogodore - the 'evil' race) who have come for them. McAuliffe, much like Olyphant, carries one-liners that had the cinema laughing out loud. Not only that, but he also made his character believable whenever he was picked on - you were moved to really feel sympathetic towards him. He played well against Pettyfer, but in saying that, he was able to hold the American accent much better. Palmer sticks to her Aussie accent as she puts Megan Fox to shame with her role as "Number Six". Angelina Jolie should be scared, because Palmer did an incredible job with the stunts and gun-action that she did in this film. You were forced to join Pettyfer when he asks, "Any other Legacies I should know about?" She did an incredible job - I can't wait for, "The Power of Six" to see her to shine.

Cinematography, Special Effects and Music

Without a doubt, this film had one of the best camera work (although I wish I could say the same with the guys operating the projector when I went to see this film - one scene I was forced to simply assume that the head were cut off!). The mise en scene towards the end of the film really gave that 'breath taking' effect when you realise the war has just begun (and then you smile at the thought of a sequel!). The music in this film was great, particularly during the Haunted Hay Ride scene. The music complemented the sene so well that I was literally screaming! The special effects in terms of the Legacies (their powers) were well done and were very believable - especially whenever Six became invisible! But my disappointment is in the rope work. Whenever either Pettyfer or Palmer were suppose to use their ability to defy gravity, the rope work was just too obvious - they may want to perfect what for the next film. Other wise this film was great!

Alyssa's Thoughts...

Alyssa and Moi

I took my friend Alyssa with me to the preview screen at Event Cinemas, and she had a few things to say about the film:

"It was such a great watch! This movie is one I would go back and watch over and over again. Of course Alex Pettyfer is a very good looking boy to look at, but other than that it was a mix of fast paced action, romance and...action and more action! Oh! I forgot to mention suspenseful. You'll be laughing in parts of the movie. It is definitely a must see movie so...

GO WATCH! BE AMAZED! AND ENJOY!" Alyssa's rating: 5 Stars

An I completely agree:

sL Star rating: 5 stars.

Like we keep saying, "Go see it!"

Next on sL: Where the story began, "I AM NUMBER FOUR" the book.

FILM: Black Swan

Black Swan starring: Natalie Portman.

WARNING: This film is rated MA15+
It has has: Explicit Sex Scenes, Images of Self-Harm and Psychological Themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

***

All Nina Sayers wanted was a chance to show the world that she was the next prima ballerina, but she's all techniques and no heart when she dances. But, she is given the chance to prove everyone wrong - the lead in the dual role in the famous ballet, Swan Lake.

Thrilled with the opportunity, Nina has always been the perfect choice for Odette (the White Swan), but in her endeavour to be the perfect dancer, she is ironically ill-equipped to dance the part of Odile (the Black Swan).

In order to prove her director, Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel), that she is capable of playing both roles, Nina must experience what it means to inhabit the role. But in her path the of character-discovery, competition (Mila Kunis) becomes fierce and suddenly everything she's worked for and everything she was, crumbles. If there was a ever a moment in her life where she felt like Odette, it's in the moment where she fights her inner Odile.

***

The Story

I was bewildered by this psychological thriller. Putting my Christian beliefs to the foreground, I will talk about the story by momentarily ignoring the sexual scenes and themes. The story as plain to see is very simple: a talented girl with a dream is given the opportunity to live out that dream, but in doing so, makes personal sacrifices and mistakes that are impossible to take back. Simply stated, it's your typical tragedy. The added element of psychological unrest only adds the thrilling aspect of Nina's pursuit towards perfection. In a psychotic mindset EVERYONE is the competition, everyone is out to get you and in a world where opportunities come and go, the pressure is twice as much, hence even the competition being the person in the mirror.

Overall writers, Mark Heyman, John McLaughlin and especially Andres Heinz should be pleased with the overall story.

Cast

Mary Vernieu did a brilliant job in terms of casting. Natalie Portman was a brilliant choice, she delivered a believable portrayal of a tortured soul. Kudos to her excellent ballet work (yes, guys she trained for a year to get those feet moving!) and her amazing duality when it came for her characters to play both swans. Mila Kunis should not be left unmentioned due to her excellent work in supporting and playing the devious character, Lily. She did well in playing the complete opposite, and therefore the better choice for Odile - not to mention the fact the she was able to portray a character that really got into Nina's head. Vincent Cassel was a brilliant supporting actor too. His ability to place onto the screen what it means to have a relationship that is completely professional and yet at the same time completely sensual was a brilliant and stomach turning (which I think is the point). But you can't go past the small supporting roles of Barbara Hershey and Winona Ryder. Hershey playing the role of Erica, Nina's mother, was both believable and irritatingly accurate of a concern mother for her daughter. Ryder portrays a washed up prima ballerina that plays a big role in teasing Nina's mental breakdown.

Cinematography and Music

The camera angles and transitions within this film is absolutely brilliant. They aided Nina's mental creations when her mind slowly destroys her identity of being her mother's, "Sweet girl." Obviously in this film the music is everything, not just which songs are chosen to define the swans, but also the moments which Nina is both just Nina or Odile-Nina. The camera work, editing and music all complemented each other well and made this film a wonderful thrill.

***

Nevertheless...

I was horrified by the idea that in order for her to inhabit the role of Odile she had to morally and physically defile herself. Keeping in mind that this is a MA15+ film, I still stand by the fact that Nina didn't need to seduce herself in her imaginations in order to fulfill a role that is not as dark as one would have you believe. Although, I do understand that this movie is called Black Swan - obviously meaning that Nina is consumed by her inner Odile (which is beautifully displayed in the scene where she is seemingly fighting with Lily, only to find out that she is only fighting with herself), I believe that in the world of art, it must be remembered that even though there is a fine line between artistic and graphic if there is a need for the two world to ever combine, people are not paying for porn! They're paying for quality and excellence. Which this movie had, if it did not allow it's own Odile consume it's storyline.

sL Star Rating: 5 stars for the basic story-line and 2.5 stars for the overall film.

Next on sL: Preview Screening Experience: I AM NUMBER FOUR

TELEVISION SHOWS: Jack and Bobby

(Previously on air in: 2004-2005)

Starring: Christine Lahti, Matt Long, Logan Lerman, Jessica Pare and John Slattery

It's 2005, Jack (Long) and Bobby (Lerman) McCallister are gearing for their new year in high school. Jack's a track star and Bobby's an eager eighth grader trying to gain members for space club. In the McCallister household it about pushing yourself - or in Grace McCallister's (Lahti) case, it's about being better than the rest. Although she can keep her own house old in order (most of the time), work is a whole different story.

As an democratic activist and a feminist, Grace likes to express her mind in a very vocal manner - especially when it comes to changes in her previously perfect work space. When Peter Benedict (Slattery) and his family move into town to take the President role in the university, Grace is hysteric. His changes are absolutely "unethical", in other words, "He's a money grabbing whore."

Though the Benedicts' presence at the university is not welcomed by the great Grace McCallister, her son Jack has other plans. The aim was simple: talk to her. Courtney Benedict (Pare) was a block of ice before Jack made his move (with unwanted help from Bobby). But things stay on "friendship mode" until Courtney finds her feet in her new town and her new companionship, much like Bobby's experience with high school.

Bobby finds that ending middle school and entering high school is not an easy transition. You have to go through so many initiations where the ultimate goal is to become "cool". Meaning: smoking, holding awesome parties and getting a girlfriend - that's a lot of pressure for a fourteen year old.

But this show is not only about high school and mum's bad day/s at work. Jack and Bobby is the story behind modern day (i.e. 2041) President Robert McCallister - 36 years after these experiences.

***

This is a really good show. And no I don't mean that because it has Bradley Cooper in it (although I will admit that it is an added bonus). No, it's a great show because it combines politics with reality. What I mean is, it's a great balance of "mock-documentary" and classic television dramas - but it is of course a drama series. I tip my hat off to the screen writers, Steven A. Cohen, Erik Oleson, Barbie Kligman, Brad Meltzer, Greg Berlanti and Vanessa Taylor. I also clap my hands in order the give to the directors, David Petrarca, Perry Lang, Michael Schultz, Peter Markle and David Nutter, a standing ovation. Without these people Jack and Bobby would not have brilliantly displyed the delicate balance between past, present and future.

In terms of casting, Liz Dean did an incredible job. Christine Lahti does is a a brilliant job playing a marijuana addicted University professor, with a lie that hovers over her home. Lahti brings that intellectual bite into her character, but beautifully "tones-down" her character with a mother's touch. Her performance showed the hardship of what it means to be a single mother and a successful woman as well. John Slattery supports Lahti in his counter role of a successful single father of two girls. Dealing with the death of his wife, Peter buries his feelings along with his wife. Slattery understands his character well as he portrays Peter as a confident President on the outside, but a tortured widow on the inside. Jessica Pare is the beautiful ice-queen, Courtney. Pare plays against her male counter part, Matt Long, brilliantly in her display of both iciness and later, a thawed loving heart. She encapsulated the difficulty of being a teenager and a mother-sister persona well through her beautiful balance of maturity and "child-likeness".

But the show hangs on the success of those who play Jack and Bobby.

Matt Long's scree presence displays a clear understanding of his character. Jack is a popular jock who is beloved by his friends, but at home his a brother as well as a father-figure. Long gives Jack an enigmatic quality that allows viewers to identify with and empathise with Jack. One particular feature that Long has is the ability to speak with his facial expressions rather with the dialogue written. In saying that though, he's not afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to heated moments between Grace and Jack, almost to the point where you forget that he's the child and she's the adult. Kudos to Mr. Long, he really knows how to deliver a believable performance.

Logan Lerman on the other hand beautifully plays out the awkwardness of 14-year-old Bobby. Bobby is Grace's crowning glory, groomed to be different and to be the best intellectually, he is that easily manipulated child that needs to get out of mum's arms and into reality. Lerman perfectly adds mannerisms, such as occasional stuttering and an over-the-top grin to Bobby. I love it when Jack says, "You get too excited about things," because it completely describes Lerman's portrayal of Bobby. Lerman is not afraid to add that flavour of annoyance into the scene or innocence either. Since he was only 13 when he shot these series, Lerman understood Bobby's struggles at school, but even he, like Long, wasn't afraid to push it when it came to heated moments with whomsoever. My applause to Mr. Lerman for creating a lovable and resonating character.

Overall, it was an excellent television series that gripped the heart and added a great outlook on the initial journey of a man who goes from the ordinary to the Presidency.

Token Line: "'Cause you're my littler brother. No matter how big you get, you'll always be smaller than me."

sL Star Rating: 5 Stars

Next on sL: Black Swan: A Warning