I Am Number Four

In this adaptation of the same-titled young-adult novel by Pittacus Lore (a pseudonym used by James Frey and Jobie Hughes), nine “branded” extraterrestrials from the planet Lorien escape to Earth after their civilization is annihilated. They're being pursued by evil Mogadorians, serial assassins who resemble a tattooed, black-leather-clad biker gang. When Number Three is hunted down and killed, Number Four, John Smith (British actor Alex Pettyfer), is next. Trying to be inconspicuous, he travels from place to place with his mentor/father-figure guardian, Henri (Timothy Olyphant). On his first day at a new school in rural Ohio, John clashes with football captain bully Mark (Jake Abel), befriends nerdy Sam (Callan McAuliffe), and becomes enamored with free-spirited Sarah (Dianna Agron). Amplifying his loneliness and anxiety, John's just beginning to discover his superpowers—like having amazing strength and glowing hands that emit energy beams—yet he's unable to control them, causing him to flee from physics class. Eventually, John will find himself in an apocalyptic battle involving CGI beasts, joined by Sarah, Sam, and another Lorien, Number Six (Teresa Palmer). Directed by D.J. Caruso, this is a superficial film with clichéd angst-and-alienation roots in better TV shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Smallville. Not recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Becoming Number Six” featurette with costar Teresa Palmer (12 min.), bloopers (3 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are deleted scenes (19 min.) and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a decent extras package for an unimpressive teen sci-fi action film.] (S. Granger)