Liman hits rock bottom with "Jumper"
Johnny Ngo
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Entertainment
Having said that, there are two weak links that make this film disappointing. First and foremost is the acting. Christensen has shown at times that he can act, but not in this film. Christensen and emotional range don't go hand-in-hand. Jackson plays another bad guy but his badass tendencies are tame to say the least. Bilson is another hot body on screen, no more, no less. Veteran actors Michael Rooker and Diane Lane are there for brief moments but don't have any significant screen time. The only surprise is the energetic Bell, who injects a lot of personality and humor to the enigmatic Griffin.
Most importantly, the film has no real resolution. It's understandable that maybe one or two questions go unanswered and leaves a possibility for a sequel. But Liman decides, along with fellow screenwriters David S.Goyer, Jim Uhls and Simon Kinberg, to leave us asking so many questions that a sequel is inevitable. How do these jumpers get their powers? Why is there a rift between the jumpers and paladins? How long has this war been going on? How is Roland in charge? These questions should at least be brought up during the film, not left for us to question after 88 minutes.
With young rising stars and a unique concept, "Jumper" should be a fun popcorn film you'd expect during the summertime. Liman somehow doesn't reach that potential. The action should've been bigger, the story should've been more thorough and the excitement should've been through the roof. All of that is lacking in "Jumper." Liman, where have you gone?
1.5 stars out of 4
Most importantly, the film has no real resolution. It's understandable that maybe one or two questions go unanswered and leaves a possibility for a sequel. But Liman decides, along with fellow screenwriters David S.Goyer, Jim Uhls and Simon Kinberg, to leave us asking so many questions that a sequel is inevitable. How do these jumpers get their powers? Why is there a rift between the jumpers and paladins? How long has this war been going on? How is Roland in charge? These questions should at least be brought up during the film, not left for us to question after 88 minutes.
With young rising stars and a unique concept, "Jumper" should be a fun popcorn film you'd expect during the summertime. Liman somehow doesn't reach that potential. The action should've been bigger, the story should've been more thorough and the excitement should've been through the roof. All of that is lacking in "Jumper." Liman, where have you gone?
1.5 stars out of 4
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