Disc of the Week (5/24/11)

Now is when I learn my lesson for giving this film a semi-positive review. The DVD release list is now forcing me to look you in the face and say the following words: “Of this week’s home releases, I recommend you check out I Am Number Four.” With a straight face. It was produced by Michael Bay, and comes from a book co-authored by James Frey. The movie rights to this book were sold before the book was released. And now I must recommend that you check out this movie. May God have mercy on my soul.

I don’t feel very much like defending this movie. So, I’ve decided to let a few unedited IMDb user reviews do the trick. I shan’t say a word more in defense of this (kind of entertaining) trash.

“I found this film while looking for something to take my 14 year old son to. I was not expecting more then your standard action flick,I was pleasantly surprised! The effects were very good and believable. But what really got me was the well developed story line and characters. The actors all did a wonderful job of bringing these people to life and making you care about what happens to them. Which I find to be the number one thing missing in most of today's action films. I am Number Four does not fall into that trap at all! Yes it is high action, yes there are spectacular special effects, but far more importantly, you care about these characters, you can relate to them, you leave the theater wanting more. I highly recommend this film and really hope they continue the story!” – sheriesuter

 “I saw this movie with a friend last night! Both of us loved it and were talking about it the entire way home...which was about twenty minutes. The beginning pops out with action and gets you into the movie. I guess it had a few slow moments, but the build up was worth the wait. The actors were good, even the animal actor,who did a phenomenal job, by the way. To some it may have been typical, but it was a book before this, and it's just follow the story. A lot of books that are turned into movies are frowned upon by it's readers, because it doesn't stay true to the story. This movie was amazing and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. I hope there will be a second one, because I really enjoyed the first one.” – Svengali Thompson

 “This is honestly, an amazing film and i absolutely LOVE it! Alex Pettyfer has done a great job as well as all the other actors who make this film an absolute must-see. There is a lot of action involved and although it is only a 12a, the film is very thrilling and entertaining. Before i had watched the film, 2012 had been my favourite film however now, it is definitely i am number 4 and i assume there is going to be a sequel due to the ending. I cant wait. Highly-recommended by me and my sister who thoroughly enjoyed the film. advice: if you need to go to the toilet during the film, do not go! you will miss something truly special. i didn't go and I'm glad, the entire movie was fantastic!!!!” – cvalarche

This is what happens when the only other major release is Gnomeo and Juliet, I guess.