Adult novels are a hot commodity in Hollywood these days, so it is no surprise that the latest hot title for children, I Am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore, is the latest novel to make its way to the big screen.
The story is quite simple and takes it cues from a show on the CW network, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) is a teenager from another planet trying to get by on planet Earth by consistently changing his identity, and moving from town-to-town with his guardian. Henri (Timothy Olyphant). Their latest move lands them in rural Ohio where John starts to experience his alien powers as well as finding his one true love Sarah (Dianna Agron). Aside from the typical problems a teenager has to endure, John also has the added issue that there is another race of aliens on planet Earth that are on the hunt to kill him.
With a top notch cast, including supporting actress Teresa Palmer (Take Me Home Tonight) and great Director, D.J. Caruso (Disturbia), the film shines as much as the source material will allow -- providing for a slick, glossy film that has all the right pieces on the outside, but lacking heart and soul. As much as the actors try their hardest, they cannot seem to add any depth to the shallow character created by Pittacus Lore. However, at the same time, the film production provides enough entertainment to keep you occupied for its full run-time of 125 minutes.
There was speculation before they ever finished filming this film that I Am the Number Four would become a franchise, especially with a Pittacus Lore sequel novel coming out this August. However one can only hope that if this film does indeed become a sequel, it is only loosely based on anything Pittacus Lore is currently writing now or in the future.
As with most current films, the Blu-ray release of I am Number Four does not disappoint. The video transfer is top notch allowing full spectrum of the color palette Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro used in the original filming. The audio pumped out by this Blu-ray's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack is full and crisp allowing you to get the full experience of each explosion on screen and off.
Aside from the now common DVD and Digital copy of the film, the special features are a bit sparse – including only a featurette entitled, I Am Number 6. It is about Teresa Palmer's character, and a set of deleted scenes.
If you are a fan of shows such as 90210, Vampire Diaries, or One Tree Hill, then I Am Number Four is a movie for you. If these types of shows make your stomach turn, then I would suggest passing on this title in your collection.
