PRINTTake Two: Jumper
20th Century Fox
February 21, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
"Once I was just a normal person, a chump, like you," says David Rice, played by a very stiff Hayden Christensen. As a "jumper" Rice can teleport all over the globe, though it's never explained how. During this narration, Rice is supposed to appeal to the audience. Which is one of the many problems with Jumper — it's not all that appealing.
Director Doug Liman's previous work includes Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005), some episodes of The O.C. (2003), and The Bourne Identity (2002). Liman's current film is an unfortunate departure from his previously solid work, as it's easily the worst he's made.
Rachel Bilson plays Rice's love interest, Millie. Her performance is straight out of The O.C. She's utterly unconvincing, and the pair lacks chemistry. For a childhood sweetheart, Millie's not all that likable, especially when Rice frightens her as he reveals his ability.
Samuel L. Jackson plays Roland, a jumper hunter. Despite bad dialogue and white hair, Jackson delivers a solid performance. His lines are stereotypical, but he delivers them with machismo.
The only highlight of the film is Griffin a convincing, wisecracking sidekick played by Jamie Bell of Billy Elliot. Griffin has the pleasure of correcting Rice's assumptions about a carefree existence as a jumper, explaining that a war goes on between jumpers and their hunters. Griffin and Rice have some fun action sequences together, but for the most part the film is subpar.
Vox Rating:
