Jumper

Directed by: Doug Liman

Starring: Haydn Christensen, Jamie Bell, Samuel L Jackson

Synopsis:

A young man discovers that he has the ability to teleport, or "jump" himself to any place that he can visualise. He discovers that he is not the only person to have this power and that a battle has been raging through time, with Jumpers being pursued by a religous death cult known as the Paladins. His relationship with a childhood sweetheart threatens to destroy his world and that of his fellow jumpers. He fights to survive against the Paladins whilst enlisting the help of another Jumper, reluctant to assist.

Jumper is a weird film to review. It's instantly forgettable and hard to recommend, yet entertaining. Haydn Christensen once again plays a wounded anti-hero that is not exactly the most likeable kid on the block. Unlike his role in the Star Wars prequels, effective dialogue and frenetic direction give Christensen's more to chew on. Whilst not a perfect performance it works for this type of movie. Jamie Bell, shines in his role as the other Jumper hunted by the Paladins. I find it hard not to like Samuel L Jackson in any movie, even when he's so obviously cruising along to pick up a paycheck.

Rachel Billson is the weak link, as Christensen's childhood crush turned girlfriend. Her part is fairly superficial and so is her charisma. But that's not what I was concerned with. The action sequences look straight out of a Bourne movie. So it's not a shocker to find out that the director, Doug Liman, directed The Bourne Identity. There are clear references to X2, Highlander and even the Bond movies. So, if bubblegum action movies are your thing, you won't be disappointed.

Anyone looking for a faithful adaptation of the novels will be sorely disappointed. If you're looking for a kid-friendly action pic, this will serve, but if you want something with a bit of depth, go watch the Bourne movies again.

5/10 (Wayfarer)