Jumper – 2008

**½ Out of ****

There is a fine line between what constitutes a superhero movie and what falls more within the realm of a supernatural thriller. In different hands Jumper could certainly have been the former, but with little hero work actually being performed, this picture is more about the jumping and less about such a powers implication on the world. This label may change however with the obvious arrival of sequels as the ending is so open, not a single plot thread is resolved. This is slightly frustrating, and would be even more so had Jumper had tried to be something more, but being what it is, it saves itself from being a total disaster.

In fact, aside from the poor choice of a leading man and the gapingly open ending, Jumper directed by Doug Liman, who helmed the first Bourne movie, has produced a thrilling and mostly well executed sci-fi action flick. Unfortunately, those two previously mentioned foibles compose of a bit too much of the short running time, and results in Jumper eventually collapsing under its pitfalls. Hayden Christensen , who I did not mind in the latest Star Wars instalments is out of place here, especially when re-united (also from Star Wars) with Samuel L. Jackson, who resumes his too-cool-too-handle persona. The biggest plunder is the opening monotonous monologue that Christensen delivers as he explains his origins of a Jumper, a rare ability that allows you to teleport to anywhere in the world (as long as you can picture it in your mind) which is so drawl and tedious it may cause you to grit your teeth.

Abandoned my his mother, and left at the hands of his less-than-perfect father, David Rice (Christensen) averts a near drowning or himself by jumping into the school library, where he decides this is the chance to start his life anew. His only regret is leaving behind is love, Mille Harris (played at that point by AnnaSophia Robb) and later by Rachael Bilson. This is the point where you realize that some of the actors performances are not up to snuff, as the young actors portrayals of the characters are far better, and far, far more emotional then their future counterparts. Robbing banks for a means of income, and jumping around the world to see the sights (all of them) daily, the now late twenty-something David is living the perfect life. Yet, behind the scenes, an ancient brotherhood named the Paladins, who are religious fanatics, are hunting down jumper and killing them. Led by the malicious Rolland (Jackson), David is tipped to the treat by a fellow, less carefree jumper named Griffin (Jamie Bell). On the run, David returns home, reuniting him with his love Millie, yet ends up regretting it, as the Paladins are more ruthless then David has thought. The one thing I did like about this arrangement was when Millie finally discovers that David can teleport, her reaction is that of a genuine person, and is not of immediate physiological or emotional acceptance.

The character of David, as I began discussing earlier is not a hero. He is a thief, and only uses his power for self gain. In further instalments I believe we will see his transition to crime fighter and warrior against the Paladins, but as for our initial glimpse of our protagonist, he is shallow and unsympathetic. The white-haired Jackson is well suited to his role, as the evil leader, trembling with raw energy and erupting with one-liners. The scenes with the Paladin organization are some of the most interesting, as we explore their weapons and gadgets which would make Batman jealous, and in this reality, their simple logic at how such technology works, is acceptable. The special effects are excellent, subtlety blended into the background, and the action sequences range from mediocre, to indecipherable (which maybe should be expected when people are teleporting all over the place) to thrilling. Liman obviously has a greater vision for everything involved, and I will look forward to his next instalment. As for this film while at times ambitious, it does not warrant the price of admission, but seek it out on video as the king of popcorn flicks, and perhaps when I review Jumper II, it will be worthy to view on the big screen.

© 2008 Simon Brookfield