Summary: A psychic action thriller that tells the story of psychics (at some point they become superheroes) who are being stalked and controlled by the government. It is a battle of the bad psychics versus the good psychics.

Review: Push starts incredibly strong, setting you up for a story of a corrupt government and the gifted ones who are battling against them. Sure, we have seen this same plot in Firestarter, the televisions series Heroes and especially X-Men. Knowing it is part of a redundant formula, the movie quickly pushes forward, relying on ferocious special effects and the ability to change the story line at any moment because, well, they are psychics who can change the future — even a whole movie.  The liberties the writers had with the script was laughable. 

Whatever the case, Push is rarely a bore with a range of characters that are engaging enough to keep the viewer interested. Starring Dakota Fanning and Djimon Hounsou, they carry the film but can’t completely save it — even with stunning visuals and awesome fight sequences.

Push burns fast. Half way through, the characters are no longer psychics and basically become Mortal Kombat characters with massive fighting skills and worldly superpowers. The story loses itself in its appetite to have grandiose twists that end up as confusing, hard to follow and an ending that seemed meant for a different movie that you started two hours ago.  I am all for surprise endings as long as we stay in the same movie.

The film is likable, but not lovable.  All of the pushing could never compete with some of the more intricate sci-fi action thrillers.  Still, it can be enjoyed and worth the ride if you keep an open mind for the sometime unrealistic.  But, again, they are psychics!

Be sure to check our interview with the star of Push, Djimon Hounsou!

TAGS: Movie Reviews

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