Plot: John (Alex Pettyfer,) an alien boy, is hiding on earth from enemies, who are searching for him, and father-like guardian Henry (Timothy Olyphant) is there to help. John, who is 17 years old, decides to blend in at a high school where he meets jock bully Sam (Callan McAuliffe), and cutie Sarah (Dianna Agron.) Soon the evil aliens arrive -- leading to climatic action.
Review: Surprisingly good. #4 starts out with high school bully and nerd action, and it looks an episode of Power Rangers, but the school scenes are just setting up the characters for a snappy conclusion.
The best part is the notion of a young person growing up, and finding out that he is special, and can do things that matter -- in this case flinging aliens like Iron Man does.
The performances were good including the two leads Pettyfer and Agron. Timothy Olyphant had some good lines too. The special effects were low-end, and the aliens looked like they came from Face Off. At times it was hard to get past the make-up, and the strangely normal voice of the evil alien.
The closing fight scenes were very good with simple special effects used well, and the fight scenes were not too long.
Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Dianna Agron, Timothy Olyphant
Directed by: DJ Curuso; based on the book by Pitticus Lore (a clever pseudonym for Jobie Hughes and James Frey)
Rating: 2.5 stars; It gets points for funness, but loses points for mindlessness. At first I wanted to give it a 3.0, but the more I think about the less I liked it. This is a move to be enjoyed with popcorn, and is perhaps a guilty pleasure. It has a 2.5 since I'd be embarrassed to have it my 2011 top ten.
More: I want to see Teresa Palmer and Alex Pettyfer kick ass in the sequel.
Even more: Everyone wants a beagle like Benny Kocar.
.
