Jumper

A film that attempts to jump into a redefining role for sci-fi movies, but falls short with its lack of organization and weak characters.

rating: C-
stars: Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Samuel L. Jackon
genre: science fiction/action/adventure
year released: 2008

The movie is based off the novel, Jumper. It starts off with the main character David (Hayden Christensen) just happening to realize he has a supernatural power that allows him to teleport or jump as it is referred to in the film. His power allows him to jump into a bank and get rich, but despite all his money his misses his crush from his childhood days, Millie (Rachel Bilson). One day he jumps back to take Millie to Rome, but his actions haven’t gone unnoticed. His jumping has put him into the war between jumpers and paladins, a secret group that hunts jumpers, which is led by Roland (Samuel L. Jackson). The paladins end up tracking David down while on his journey across the earth with Millie. This leads to some action packed scenes, but not enough to salvage the terrible organization of the film. It jumps back and forth and never lets the characters story unfold to make you interested in what is happening to them. The film is ambiguous hard to follow. It simply couldn’t take it to the level it needed to be for the action scenes they wanted to show. It’s a good effort and interesting storyline, but it fails to deliver.

I just watched this movie for the first time. I purchased it about two months ago but I never got the chance to see it until now. Too bad I couldn't put it off until later though. I bought it because the previews were intriguing, but like many other movies those were about the only highlights from the film. I watched it with my girlfriend and we both agreed that the story and the characters were never given a chance to develop. The story jumped back and forth between scenes which made the movie hard to watch and follow. It had potential to be successful but couldn't match its potential. There were some action packed scenes but they couldn't save the film especially with Samuel L. Jackson thrown into the mix. The only other positive thing to take from the film is the fact that Rachel Bilson is very very attractive. Jumper shouldn't be anywhere near the top of your list for movies to see anytime soon.