Movie Review: “I Am Number Four”

Seen on: February 18, 2011

The players: Director: D.J. Caruso, Writers: Miles Millar, Alfred Gough, Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer, Dianna Agron

Facts of interest: Produced by Michael Bay.

The plot: An alien named No. 4 is hiding from a group of ruthless monsters trying to eliminiate him and eventually take over Earth.

Our thoughts: Although it boasts quite an interesting concept, D.J. Caruso’s new sci-fi thriller “I Am Number Four” takes way too long to lift off and impress viewers with a couple of fast-paced action scenes and an explosion of solid special effects. In the end, the film feels more like a mix of “Twilight” and “Smallville,” and no, that’s definitely not a good sign. Did I also mention it was produced by Michael Bay?

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First trailer for 'I Am Number Four' arrives

D.J. Caruso's next film is an alien action flick titled "I Am Number Four," and a first teaser trailer has landed online for you to check out. Watch it after the jump. It doesn't exactly look epic at this stage.

"Four" is the big-screen adaptation of the book by James Frey and Jobie Hughes. Kevin Durand, Alex Pettyfer, Teresa Palmer, Timothy Olyphant and Diana Agron star. Michael Bay is one of the producers.

The story follows nine alien teenagers who are sent to high school on Earth after their planet is destroyed. One of them (Number Four, obviously) then discovers he's targeted by a ruthless enemy from his planet.

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Sharlto Copley goes 'I Am Number Four'

Sharlto Copley, the dude who became famous for his role in "District 9," is in talks to star in "I Am Number Four," D.J. Caruso's upcoming big-screen adaptation of the book by James Frey and Jobie Hughes. The film already stars Alex Pettyfer, and Michael Bay is on board to produce.

The story follows nine alien teenagers who are sent to high school on Earth after their planet is destroyed. One of them then discovers he's targeted by a ruthless enemy from his planet. Heat Vision reports Copley would be playing the lead character's guardian and mentor. Copley next stars in "The A-Team."

D.J. Caruso set to direct 'I Am Number Four'

D.J. Caruso has signed on to direct “I Am Number Four,” the big-screen adaptation of the book by James Frey and Jobie Hughes. DreamWorks is developing the project, and Michael Bay will serve as producer.

Heat vision says the story follows nine alien teenagers who are sent to high school on Earth after their planet is destroyed. One of them then discovers he's targeted by a ruthless enemy from his planet.

Al Gough and Miles Millar wrote the script. Caruso most recently directed "Eagle Eye" (which I enjoyed) and before that, he helmed "Disturbia" (which I enjoyed as well). He also has "Dead Space" in development.

Chris Pine goes after 'The Art of Making Money'

Chris Pine is in talks to star in and D.J. Caruso is in negotiations to direct Paramount Pictures' "The Art of Making Money," a drama based on true events with production set to kick off next year.

The film is based on a 2005 Rolling Stone article that later turned into Jason Kersten's book "The Art of Making Money: The Story of a Master Counterfeiter." Frank Baldwin wrote the screenplay.

Variety says Chris Pine would play Art Williams, an alias for a Chicago guy who became a master counterfeiter. Pine most recently delivered a very solid performance in "Star Trek."

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D.J. Caruso to bring 'Dead Space' to big screen

Filmmaker D.J. Caruso is teaming up with Electronic Arts to develop a big-screen version of the video game "Dead Space." Caruso is currently attached to direct the flick.

Set in space in the 26th century, the game follows an engineer who boards a mining ship infested with an alien virus that turns humans into ruthless creatures called Necromorphs.

No screenwriter has been hired yet, but Caruso and the folks at EA are apparently listening to some writers' ideas and concepts, according to Variety.

Caruso recently helmed the entertaining but over-the-top thriller "Eagle Eye." His credits also include "Disturbia" and "Taking Lives."

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D.J. Caruso to direct 'Jack the Giant Killer'

D.J. Caruso has signed on to direct "Jack the Giant Killer" for New Line Cinema, with Neal H. Moritz on board to produce the project.

When the kidnapping of a princess threatens to bring an end to a period of peace between men and giants, a young farmer heads out to the giant's kingdom in order to rescue her.

Darren Lemke wrote the original script, while Mark Bomback did a rewrite. Bomback's credits include "Live Free or Die Hard" and the upcoming family film "Race to Witch Mountain."

As for D.J. Caruso, his directing credits include "Two For the Money" and "Disturbia." He most recently helmed the successful summer blockbuster "Eagle Eye."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Caruso will receive quite the big budget for "Jack." Sound interesting enough, and I'm excited to find out what he does with this story.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

‘Eagle Eye’ leads b.o. into busy weekend

D.J. Caruso’s “Eagle Eye” faces a tough competition at the box office this weekend, but for the past couple of days, the action thriller had no trouble defending the top spot, earning an extra $1.7 million Wednesday.

Starring Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan, the film managed to lift its domestic gross to $35.3 million after one week in release. Following at No. 2 with $1.1 million was George C. Wolfe’s romance drama “Nights in Rodanthe,” which brought its total gross to $16.7 million.

Finishing in third place was Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Burn After Reading,” which jumped back up one spot with a Wednesday gross of $514,309. Its current cumulative gross stands at $47.1 million.

Slipping to No. 4 was Neil LaBute’s thriller “Lakeview Terrace,” which reached a total haul of $27.2 million after picking up $476,159.

At No. 5, Alex Kendrick’s Christian-themed marriage drama “Fireproof” took home $353,066 to lift its domestic total to $8 million after a strong one-week run.

With six wide releases opening Friday, it will get pretty crowded at the North American box office this weekend.  

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)

‘Eagle Eye’ still on top Monday

D.J. Caruso’s action hit “Eagle Eye” clung to the top of the box Monday with a strong $2 million in ticket sales, according to estimates released by BoxOfficeMojo.

The thriller starring Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan lifted its domestic total to $31.2 million. Following at No. 2 was George C. Wolfe’s  romance drama “Nights in Rodanthe,” which took home $979,550 and reached a total of $14.3 million.

Meanwhile, Neil LaBute’s Samuel L. Jackson vehicle “Lakeview Terrace” earned $488,979 in third place, bringing its cumulative gross to $26.1 million.

Finishing fourth Monday was Joel and Ethan Coen’s comedy “Burn After Reading,” which rose to a total gross of $46 million after pulling $471,328.

Following in fifth place was Alex Kendrick’s Christian-themed drama “Fireproof,” which reached a total of $7.2 million after Monday’s earnings of $410,000.

Review: "Eagle Eye"

Seen on: September 26, 2008

The players: Director: D.J. Caruso, Writers: Daniel McDermott, Travis Adam Wright, John Glenn, Hillary Seitz, Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Anthony Azizi, Billy Bob Thornton

Facts of interest: Steven Spielberg served as executive producer on the film.

The plot: A slacker (LaBeouf) and a single mom (Monaghan) are framed as terrorists and forced to engage in a political assassination.

Our thoughts: Big bro. is watching like never before in D.J. Caruso’s “Eagle Eye,” a totally unrealistic but thoroughly entertaining thriller that delivers enough vibrant action to make you ignore most of the film’s obvious flaws.

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