REELGUYS DVD REVIEW: “Push” a super-powered action film which rises above mediocrity

Shortly before the summer 2009 movie season, another film about super-powered individuals was released in movie theaters. Without much fanfare or star power, “Push” disappeared after a disappointing box office return. An original story about individuals with different types of psychic abilities, the characters have a mutant quality about them similar to the origins in the “X-Men.” A spare story line and some aimless wandering by the heroes in the beginning switches to a rather ingenious “Memento”-esque plan in the film’s second half. The sharp detour from run-of-the-mill supernatural action film into thoughtful thriller saves “Push” from mediocrity. Of comparable quality to this summer’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” if not a tad bit better, “Push is a likable enough diversion for superhero fans.

Supposedly those with amplified psychic abilities are the product of government experimentation, though the story focuses on second-generation individuals born with their powers. Nick (Chris Evans; “Fantastic Four” series) is a 2nd gen. mover, someone who can telekinetically move things and people with his mind. He lives a meager life in Hong Kong, attempting to control his powers for his own self-interests while avoiding detection by a secret agency called Division. A 13-year old watcher (someone who can see the future) named Cassie (Dakota Fanning; “The Secret Life of Bees”) seeks his assistance to steal a suitcase, which may ultimately help Cassie save her incarcerated mother. Meanwhile, Kira (Camilla Belle; “When a Stranger Calls”) escapes from Division after being given a super-drug to enhance her powers to push (control people‘s thoughts). Cassie sees the escaped Patient Zero changing everything in the future for Nick and her, ultimately leading to their deaths.

The pacing of “Push” is commendable; introducing new story elements gradually allowing the viewer to indoctrinate himself into the world the characters live in. The movie begins as a non-traditional buddy-film, with Cassie convincing Nick to help her. Fanning’s performance is the highlight of the picture, giving intensity and a feeling of immediacy to Cassie’s plight. The character of Nick is an underwhelming hero, getting his hindquarters handed to him in battle after battle. It is only by sheer luck and the unexpected mercy of the villains that Nick is not killed early on. Not much to root for. Another problem is that Patient Zero, Kira, does not have much of a personality. Everyone is tracking her for their own reasons but she barely emotes any kind of human emotion. Dijimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond”) plays a villainous agent of Division with a threatening patience.

There is a refreshing change to the aimless wanderings of the heroes when Nick comes up with a brilliant plan to distract the enemies’ watchers. The second-half of the film is highlighted by this inspired writing, as the audience legitimately has no idea what will happen next. This story development, together with high-powered but brutally spare action sequences, turns “Push” into an entertaining endeavor. If the rest of the film could have been as consistently good, “Push” may have been the next “Matrix.” Instead, the movie leaves the viewer without complete resolution; expecting a sequel which may never see the light of day.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, smoking and a scene of teen drinking.