Jumper must have been a really easy pitch- imagine if you could teleport? It’s a very cool idea and most watching the trailer will be thrust into a daydream, thinking about what they would do. Jumper sees director Doug Liman bring his kinetic action to the superhero genre, adapting Steven Gould’s novel into a sci-fi blockbuster starring the former Darth Vader Hayden Christiansen, his galactic co-star Samuel L Jackson, and OC starlet Rachel Bilson.
Jumper is the story of David Rice, an ordinary boy who, at 16, discovers he has the ability to teleport anywhere he wants. Rather than use his power for the good of others, he robs banks and travels the world. This life of luxury comes to an end when he finds out he’s not alone, and that he is one of a race of what is known as Jumpers. Unfortunately, he also discovers a network known as Paladins, led by the sadistic Roland (Samuel L Jackson), who will stop at nothing to exterminate all Jumpers who they see as an abomination of nature. David must face up to responsibility, and seek the help of fellow Jumper Griffin (Jamie Bell) to save his childhood sweetheart (Rachel Bilson) from the Paladins’ clutches.
There’s an honesty about the way David is portrayed (Peter Parker never robbed a bank!) that makes this story a lot more accessible than most superhero stories. Indeed, it’s down mainly to Batman Begins writer David S Goyer that Jumper as a concept is a lot more intelligent than it could’ve been. That said, the shackles of the story are thrown off very quickly, and in comes the action. A quick running time reflects the fact that every line, every special effect, every smug grin from Christiansen is meant to move the plot forward as quickly as possible. Tarantino this ain’t. What prevents it from even being in the same ballpark as “The Matrix” (despite what the poster says) is the fact that this is a fairground ride of a movie- just sit back, relax and don’t worry about frivolous things like plot.
Christiansen isn’t bad, just not great. He fills the pH-neutral role of David well, but this isn’t a film that develops its characters. Ditto for Bilson, who looks good but never progresses beyond “damsel in distress” mode. Samuel L Jackson is great, but then again he just gives the same performance he always gives (shouting, cool presence, silly hair), and if that’s your bag then you’ll love him. The biggest surprise is Jamie Bell as the partner/ comic relief Griffin. He clearly goes off script and provides some of the best scenes in the film, making you wish this movie was about him and not David.
A very enjoyable movie, but not a memorable one. The effects are good, the story is ok and the performances are reliable if not ground breaking. Likely to provide a blokey alternative this Valentine’s weekend, but unlikely to make anyone’s “Best of ’08” list.
Entertainment News