Booking It

When I heard that Hayden Christensen was going to be starring in Jumper, I decided to read the novel. Unfortunately, I only made it halfway through before putting the book down in disgust. I love my share of sci-fi, and the concept of teleportation was fantastic. But the main character, at times almost depicted as an anti-hero type, suffered through so much violence and heartache that I could not stand to finish. However, I did get the jist.
After seeing the film today, I can safely say that the story was extremely toned down, ignoring the book’s themes of child abuse and rape. It did keep the kidnapping and torture bit in though. Adventurous, exciting, and action-packed, it was enjoyable, the pace during the action sequences a bit rushed and the dramatic, slow scenes too long.
Jumper had its faults, but altogether it was a decent film. The exotic international locales and really top-notch special-effects were very entertaining to watch. A lot of people have criticized Hayden Christensen, calling his acting “wooden;” I wholeheartedly disagree. Christensen brought to life not exactly the book’s awkward hero, but a young man whose upbringing leaves him disconnected from others. Even though he is more than in touch with the world around him, its as if he never really belonged anywhere. On the other hand, actor Diane Lane, who has an talent to spare, was hidden away in the smallest bit part of the story. Her amazing abilities were squandered I think, and they should have developed her character much further.
I was also surprised to find that Rachel Bilson of O.C. fame (I was a big fan of the show) has no acting talent whatsoever, or if she does, beyond playing a bimbo-turned-hippie, she is hiding it away. Blank stares and whines made up the bulk of her poor performance. Anna Sophia Robb, who plays the younger version of Millie, was outstanding. Her version of the love interest far outshone Bilson’s. As Robb grows, that girl will be one force to be reckoned with.
I was especially glad to see Jamie Bell and Christensen on screen together. Bell is definitely going to be a bright star. I first saw him in Billy Elliott and later in a Green Day music video, and I must say that I look forward to seeing what he does next.
The love story had no on-screen chemistry, the actors I wanted more of had parts too small and the ones I could care less about (such as the father, Millie, and Samuel L. Jackson’s, well, let’s face it, typecast character) took up more time than necessary. Though the book was disgusting, it did explain a lot more than the film even tried to.
It was also left wide open for a sequel. I wonder what will happen with that.
This film, ladies and gentleman, pulled only a rabbit’s foot out of the hat. It will be lucky in the box office, and it is good, but a lot was missing to make this movie truly GREAT.