Here, there and Everywhere

Hayden Christensen was probably one of the most confusing actors in Hollywood nowadays. His performance in Star Wars movies was deemed too wooden, static. In short, he was rubbish. However, he surprised everyone with a strong performance on Shattered Glass, where he played based-on-a-true-story journalist who was accused of fabricating his stories.

Unfortunately in Jumper(2008) it was Star Wars all over again.

The movie had a potential to be a really huge hit. It has interesting premise about a boy who suddenly found teleporting (or in this movie, jumping) powers. He first used it for his personal gain (rob banks, travelling around the world), until he was hunted down by a mysterious organization. It has all the material to be a great action summer blockbuster, especially because I think, besides flying, teleportation is probably the most wanted fantasy power out there. It promised great action and special effects bonanza. However, there's also has to be a balance with the acting to really enjoy movie like this.

Hayden who played David Rice, the main character, wasn't be able to carry the movie as the main character. I can't shake the feeling that the guy on the screen was Anakin Skywalker, put in different situations with different powers. I found myself more enjoying Jamie Bell performance as Griffin, a fellow world-weary jumper. Rachel Bilson performance as David love interest is sufficient to say the least, as I don't think she was given much anyway.

The special effect though deliver in spades. The jumping scenes was well portrayed, especially on using jumping powers for everyday use, and using it for fighting purpose.

Having said that, I found myself enjoying this just enough. Perhaps because I went in without any expectation at all, or read the novel it was based on. But nevertheless, after the credits roll down, I can't help feeling of a great opportunity missed.