Movie Review: I Am Number Four

Alex Pettyfer, left, and Teresa Palmer are shown in a scene from the suspense thriller 'I Am Number Four.' Photo / AP

On the run from ruthless enemies, teenager John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) must come to terms with his alien heritage to get the girl (Dianna Agron) and save the planet. Based on the sci-fi novel of the same name, I Am Number Four is the first instalment of a new young-adult movie franchise hoping to fill the void left by Twilight's conclusion. Given this rather cynical beginning, you might expect the film to be awful. In fact it's not. Yes, the story is highly derivative (hello Superman), but director D.J. Caruso delivers winsome romance and lashings of flashy action adeptly. The most annoying thing is the sequel-primed open ending, but I suspect this will grate mainly for over-30 fogies like me.

Stars: 3/5
Rated: M
Running time: 109 minutes

Out now.

- Herald on Sunday / View