Push [DVD] (2009)

This movie was an impulse buy as I like the TV series Heroes and the premise interests me. I even admit to being a former Mutant X fan...

So what is the movie's premise? Well, in a nutshell, this is the second generation of the next evolution of humankind, with powers that range from mind-control and telekenesis to shrieking eardrum terrorists. As is usual with any such gifted individuals (see previous examples such as Firestarter, Jumper, Scanners, Mutant X, Hderoes etc.) there is a shadowy agency desperate to hunt them down.

However, despite some serious script flaws that has more gaping holes than a pair of 10 year old underpants, the movie is a fast-paced, rollocking ride that is great fun if you are happy to suspend disbelief for a couple of hours.

The movie is boosted by some sexy young stars that are at the same time both annoying and strangely compelling. Chris Evans' swaggering self-confidence, as seen in the Fantastic Four movies, is present here but you are still drawn to his fumbling attempts to take control of events clearly getting the better of him.

The special effects are pretty convincing, the story interesting enough and the characters sufficiently engaging to keep you watching until the end.

When the DVD is cheaper than a trip for two to the movies, it's got to be worthwhile - at least on a rainy Sunday afternoon...

A shadowy U.S. government department called the "Division" is trying to harness the super powers of individuals to further it`s aims of global domination. It has captured & killed hundreds of potential superhuman soldiers with a psychic steroid that has proved one lethal cocktail too many. Then one guinea pig survives, her powers enhanced by the drug, she escapes in an attempt to find a safe haven amongst her own kind. The main problem with this movie is that it`s saddled with too much exposition at the outset. You really have to pay close attention as all the various types of super powers & complicated plot is laid out. However, once it does hit it`s stride it is quite involving as even the seemingly most inconsequential characters & events are shown to be an integral part of the storyline. The cast are all uniformly first class, especially Dakota Fanning, who`s character is frail, isolated & vulnerable but with a deep inner strength to sustain her. The real star though is the city of Hong Kong where the shoot took place. It`s a living, breathing enviroment as we move through it`s cracks & crannies like tiny organisms in a human body. It`s unique beauty is displayed by a truly stunning picture that is like looking out of a clear window into the outside world - it is absolute FLAWLESS reference quality. Thankfully, the special effects budget looked pretty substantial as the characters superpower abilities became more extravagant & outrageous. The audio is aggressively hyperactive & detailed with noises & thousands of bullets whizzing around your ears from every direction - very impressive. The extras are`nt much to write home about - just a commentary, deleted scenes & a 9 minute documentary. Even so, once the movie warmed up, I found it entertaining, engaging & intelligent with a fair amount of humanity mixed in with all the special effects. My last impression though is of the astonishing picture quality which raises this Blu-ray to another level. Recommended.

Push seems to be like X-Men if the writers and directors were all on a heavy dose of speed at the time they made it. The film happens very quickly and jumps from point to point at light speed and from time to time it is extremely difficult to keep track of precisely what is going on. Unfortunately the film does not slow down for you to catch up and by around half way through you have absolutely no idea what is meant to be happening.

I will heap praise upon the visuals for this film as the camerawork and visual direction are all sheer eye candy, Hong Kong is made into a vibrant and colourful metropolis and many of the visual effects are top notch. However I would also like to draw attention to a common and irritating fault with lower-budget films which is the poor sound editing. The soundtrack and speech are so closely matched in volume that at times one cannot hear what is being said.

This is a very reasonable film and certainly does not fit into the category of your typical superhero film. However there are elements that are certainly enjoyable so if you are into Heroes or X-Men I expect you will probably enjoy Push.