I was really looking forward to Jumper, the initial idea very much intrigued me, the trailer looked brilliant in my opinion, the fact Doug Liman was directing it excited me, then of course there was the small matter of Samuel L Jackson being in the movie! The fact Hayden Christenson, the man who ruined Star Wars Episode II because of his cheesy acting, was the lead actor did not initially scare me. In fact as I sat down in the cinema today I expect Jumper to be a brilliant, enjoyable, sci-fi romp that would leave me feeling fulfilled and happy. I suppose my expectations were far to high, as when I left Jumper I felt nothing but emptiness. Sure it was moderately entertaining, and Jamie Bell was absolutely brilliant, but for a movie that last 90 minutes so little seemed to happen. I knew as much about the characters at the end as I did at the beginning. Its essentially an extremely dumb movie designed to lure in crowds, this would be fine if the action came thick and fast, unfortunately it doesn't. In fact there are extremely long stretches where the action completely dries up. The movie is also way too short, everything feels just so rushed that you forget what is going on. Thankfully the movie does entertain, it is quite fun to watch and you won't be bored in the film.
So let me start on the performances. Hayden Christenson, OK I expected him to suck if I'm honest. He wasn't that great in the trailer and memories of Episode II lingered in my mind. I suppose I am too harsh on him as he did do a decent job in Revenge of the Sith, not brilliant but he was tolerable. Here however he surprised me, I actually saw potential in the actor for the first time. He isn't going to go and win an Oscar, but he does put on a good performance, his character is generally likable, and at the end of it all you feel like you could spend a bit longer watching Christenson. Nevertheless, Christenson is completely overshadowed by the brilliant Jamie Bell. Bell was brilliant in Billy Elliot, and thanks to his performance here I think we might be seeing a future A-lister on our hands. Bell is brilliant, he's funny, charismatic, dark yet brilliant. He steals absolutely every scene he is in and has all the dialogue. When he walks into the movie the entire thing lights up and you start to enjoy yourself a little bit more. And then I come to Samuel L Jackson as the villain. Jackson is an amazing actor and the coolest person on earth. So what a shame to say that he has so little to do, he does well in his scenes and has some good lines, but generally he has little to do but look evil, and slightly ridiculous with that white wig. Rachel Bilson is a revelation as the love interest Millie, her character is particularly well rounded and you do find yourself caring for her. Its a shame then that she gets bogged down occasionally with some pointless scenes.
Jumper works best when the action sequences kick in, a shame then that the first one doesn't occur until roughly the half way mark, and then there is a long absence of them until the ending. A scene in Rome is possibly the most memorable, although one involving Bell and a flame thrower (don't ask) is close behind. The jump effects themselves look magnificent and are a nice touch. The beginning as well is extremely well done. Sure its a bit of obligatory back story, but it work very well and is directed to perfection. The film only first gets a bit muddled when it hits the middle section, the focus is slightly blurred and the movie seems to be going nowhere at a very fast pace. Once an ending is in site the film picks up, but once again at the end it feels a bit rushed. The ending is my biggest criticism and something I have saved to last, it is to be quite honest terrible. A plot twist, that I didn't even think was a twist, occurs, and then we are left on a semi-cliffhanger with many characters fates left in the dark. Sure there is obviously going to be a sequel, I wouldn't mine one to be honest, but the ending of this movie just feels stupid and is something that I am really angry about.
Jumper overall is an entertaining if unfortunately forgettable movie. Doug Liman has kicked off another franchise but by the looks of it it has a long way to go to beat the Bourne movies. Wasted characters and a muddle focus make this a disappointing movie. But if you want a moderate entertaining then this might do the trick.
