I Am Number Four

Based on the best-selling science fiction novel of the same name, I Am Number Four is more than just your typical teen drama. With outstanding visual effects and an interesting storyline, this movie succeeds in keeping its audience entertained and yearning for a sequel.

When John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) moves to Paradise, Ohio, he quickly fades into the background of his new school and appears to be just another average teen, living an average life. But appearances can be deceiving. John Smith is an alien, a Lorien sent to Earth to escape the destruction of his home planet by the hostile Mogadorians. Using an alias to protect his identity, John Smith is in fact Number Four, a name which categorises him amongst nine other Lorien’s who managed to escape the Mogadorian attack. However, these escapees are not safe for long. The Mogadorians, upon discovering the survival of these Lorien’s, have arrived on Earth to destroy the rest. The Lorien’s are protected by a charm, which means they can only be killed in a set order. Three are already dead and Smith is number four. Under the protection of his mentor and guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant), Smith must learn to accept his identity and harness his powers, if he has any chance of survival.

Unlike other films which deal with predominantly teenage characters, Alex Pettyfer must be praised for his strong characterisation and on-screen chemistry with Glee’s Dianna Argon, his on-screen love interest. Coming into his own as a leading man, Pettyfer shows that there is more to his reportarie than boyish good looks and a penchant for stuntwork. In all, I am Number Four is a must see action film, and one which will undoubtably gain in popularity and momentum as the fanchise grows.

Grace Johnson