DVD Review: I Am Number Four

Release Date: May 24, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: Approx. 109 minutes

Three are dead. Who is Number Four? From director D.J. Caruso (Disturbia), producer Michael Bay (Transformers) and the writers of TV’s Smallville, comes this gripping, action-packed thriller. John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) is an extraordinary teen masking his true identity to elude a deadly enemy sent to destroy him. Living with his guardian (Timothy Olyphant) in the small town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events — his first love (Dianna Agron, TV’s Glee), powerful new abilities and a secret connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Complete with deleted scenes and more, I Am Number Four is an explosive, suspense-filled ride that will take you to the edge of your seat and beyond.

I Am Number is just as dark as one would expect though not as action packed as the trailers may have made themselves appear to be. But the action that is delivered is incredible. There’s quite a romance that sparks as well though that can definitely be explored more in future films if I Am Number Four continues on to explore the other four of the nine aliens. Really, the entire movie seemed like a set up to the major action for another film or two. As each alien embraces their destiny, more action finds them and vice versa. I have yet to read the best-selling young adult novel by Pittacus Lore that this film is based on…but if more films are made, I will definitely start…especially to make more sense of what I just saw. The film made sense but it seems as though there was so much detail that was left out.

It was great to see Teresa Palmer in a role where she gets to talk in her natural dialect. As you may remember, I first saw her in and reviewed the film, 2:37, and then enjoyed Palmer in The Grudge 2, Bedtime Stories, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, and Take Me Home Tonight. So, as a big fan of hers, it was very exciting to see her in such an action packed role. The guardian, Henri, played by Timothy Olyphant also caught my attention. Olyphant really knew how to carry the story along and deliver the story well. Callan McAuliffe also brings some comic relief to the film, which there isn’t much of overall. Dianna Agron’s character did not have much depth to it, so hopefully if another film is made, we can get more from her character.

Overall, the film’s action sequences were a thrill to see. But the film simply lacked the suspense and depth that I had anticipated. While the actors did their very best with the material at hand, don’t say I didn’t tell you about the dead spots in this film. It’s takes awhile to pick up in the beginning, there’s action, then there’s not for a long time, then there’s action and then comes the end. That’s basically the formula of the film. So if you can deal with that, go out and get your copy today!

DVD Bonus Features:

Becoming Number 6 (11:44 minutes) – This featurette is all about Number Six, played by Teresa Palmer. Palmer does a fabulous job taking viewers behind the scenes as she talks about her character, preparing for the role, as well as working with CGI and wires among other things on set. We see her in every element above which is nice, because it’s not often we get to see so much of the actors in their rehearsal state and working out 6-7 weeks before shooting. Palmer takes direction very well and was very determined to not just get the job done but enjoy every moment. She seems like a dream actor to work with. What also makes this feature stand out from others is that not only do we get to see rehearsals on and off set but the pre-visualization of the hallway scene, sword fight scene, and shoulder kill scene. You’ll want more Palmer and more behind the scenes footage…and you’re also left wanting to know about the status of more films showcasing the other numbers. Needless to say, this is a great feature that you do not want to miss!

Appearing in this Feature:
Actors, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Alex Pettyfer
Director, D.J. Caruso

Bloopers (3:16 minutes) – The blooper reel shows the cast messing up their lines throughout shooting, having issues with props, and making funny faces. Alex’s cell phone rang during one of the takes and the reaction on his face was priceless. Teresa Palmer and Dianna Agron are rarely seen in the blooper reel. The guys definitely had more “moments.” While this is not the most entertaining blooper reel, it is still fun to watch.

Blu-ray Bonus Features:
Everything on the DVD plus…
* 6 Deleted Scenes with Introductions by Director D.J. Caruso
* “Strangers in Paradise” (Extended)
* “Sam’s Mom”
* “Worth Mentioning”
* “Power Prank”
* “Trying to Connect”
* “Extended Warsaw Basement”

Movie Download Bonus Features:
Everything on the DVD plus…
* 1 Deleted Scene: “Power Prank”

Own I Am Number Four on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD today.