Push

Chris Evans of Fantastic Four fame headlines this interesting and terrific-looking action thriller, directed by Paul McGuigan, who has gained significant appraisal through enjoyably exciting tales such as Gangster No.1 and Lucky Number Slevin. With a fantastic premise which combines elements of X-Men, Jumper and the television series Heroes, the plot involves seemingly ordinary people (Evans, Dakota Fanning, Djimon Hounsou, Camille Belle) gifted with unbelievable powers. As mentioned, those who enjoyed the Doug Liman film Jumper will feel perfectly at home here, as the plot involves a special group of psychics which all have different varieties of control, including ‘Movers’ with the ability of telekinesis, ‘Pushers’ who literally push thoughts into other people’s minds, and, most interestingly, ‘Shifters’ who can transform the appearance of an object, at one point transforming ordinary paper into money. The possibilities are endless.

Despite the initial complexity of the plot, the film’s narrative is sufficiently explained and allows for the great action scenes to explode on screen with apt explanation whilst befitting to the narrative. Explosions are aplenty and Chris Evans perfectly fits into the action hero role, affirming himself as a top star in the making. It has all the thrills of the already mentioned blockbusters, the effects are spectacular, the cast look as if they are enjoying themselves and there are plenty of fast-and-furious scenes that will keep you hooked for the majority. It’s a by-the-numbers blockbuster which provides pure, thrilling escapist entertainment with Chris ‘The Human Torch’ Evans on top action hero form and a shockingly un-annoying Dakota Fanning in support.

Jack Porter