Push

Directed by: Paul McGuigan

Starring: Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Djimon Hounsou

Running Time: 1h 51min

Surprisingly effective piece of sci-fi comic booky mayhem. Push takes an X-Men or Heroes type of premise, ordinary people bestowed with extraordinary powers, and delivers an action movie with enough twists, turns and uncertainty to keep the viewer interested.

The special effects are neither groundbreaking nor breathtaking, but they serve the story effectively and play realistically enough that they do the story justice. Seeing Fanning play her age takes a little getting used to but she shows that she has enough spunk to carry her through her teens and most certainly into an honest to goodness, great actress, in the same manner of a Jodie Foster or Natalie Portman. Her presence drives the film and gives the entire movie enough dramatic punch and sly line delivery to merit a passing grade. Add to that a real chemistry between Fanning and Evans, and not in a creepy way, but more of a sisterly brotherly manner, and Push strikes a nice balance of action and drama.

The romance element doesn't really fit, but there's enough interesting action sequences and compelling back story to makes us temporarily forget the longing looks of the lovebirds. There's enough of a set up here to make for an interesting, medium budget weekly sci-fi series, and certainly enough to carry this pleasant surprise.

Grade: B+