Movie Review : "Jumper" (2008)

This movie just had my full attention since the novel it was based on! Yes, there is a novel called "The Jumper." Basically, it has brought the physics and universe from the book, but changed the story entirely.

The basic outline is this : A kid, DAVID, who didn't have a mother since he was a youngling, grew up in the hands of his abusive/authoritative father, and had the "LOSER" tagged on him all through highschool discovers his supernatural power, almost godlike almightiness; the ability to teleport.

He immediately runs away (more like teleport away) from home without anything... like a carpet-bagger, to New York.

The very first thing he does with his power was to rob a bank; dollars in millions. eight years later he found himself having the perfect life. No work, no obligations, no worries, just nothing bad. Then the "PALADINS" come in. They are the secret organization who search & exterminate Jumpers. They are religious fanatics who are either really jealous of the power or just has pure hatred and disdain for it. The leader of this group is a character named "ROLAND"(not sure of the spelling), which is acted out by Samuel L. Jackson. He finally traces down our hero of his bank robbery and attempts to eliminate him.

After being attacked, David feels homesick and find his hometown and his highschool crush "Meely"(Not sure of the spelling, again, never even heard of a name like this). David soon discovers that everyone he has come in contact with are now in grave danger.

The story gets somewhat predictable after once you are introduced to the basic thing. David attempts to fight off the Paladins to protect Meely, for the most part by teaming up with another Jumper named Griffin.

While screening, there were very natural comedic moments and dialogues that drew laughters from the audience, however, I was sort of disturbed by the cheesy romantic scenes of David and his girl. I'm sure it was necessary, and maybe it was suppose to appeal against the time of the year (spring, valentines), but it just kind of broke the pace and the moment of the movie for me.

The visual effects were amazing, a bit different from what I have thought it would be like while reading the book; and it was better than the book. The action scenes are must see! It is another sensation that differs in taste with the bloodiness of Rambo. The characters are very individualistic, in other words, interesting and likable, and my personal favorite character was Griffin. His outgoing personality, giving shit about nothing, perfectionism, thrive for revenge, and the accent makes his character rather spicy.

You have to go check this movie out, and I recommend that you read the book first, then it'll help you understand how the Jumpers' universe works; they don't get into details on the physics; you'll have to figure it out as they go, and it'll distract you from the film.

I'll give it three and a half stars, just because the story was not as appealing to me, but you won't be disappointed.