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PUSH

Starring: Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Ming-Na Wen and Djimon Hounsou

Directed by: Paul McGuigan

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

By John Delia

Here’s a Sci-fi film that really keeps your mind busy from its mind-blowing beginning to the explosive ending. I liked Push very much for the excellent directing, interesting concept and exceptional acting. Although the storyline is quite simple, the way it is presented and filmed makes for great Sci-fi. If you liked movies like Jumper, TV’s Heroes, Blade Runner, Total Recall or just a connoisseur of Science Fiction, then this heart pounding film should push you to the limit.
The story goes something like this. A shadowy government agency known as the Division is rounding up psychics for experiments designed to boost their powers and assemble the most commanding army the world has ever seen. Unfortunately, almost no one has ever survived these trials.
Nick Gant (Chris Evans), a second-generation telekinetic, or “mover,” has been in
hiding since the Division murdered his father more than a decade earlier. He has found
sanctuary in densely populated Hong Kong. Nick is forced out of hiding when Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning), a 13-year-old clairvoyant, or “watcher,” seeks his help in locating a briefcase that she claims holds $6 million. To find it, they will also have to find Kira, (Camilla Belle), an escaped “pusher” who is the only person ever to live through the Division’s experiments. Pushers possess the most dangerous of all psychic powers: the ability to influence others’ actions by implanting thoughts in their minds. But Cassie’s presence soon attracts the attention of the Division’s human bloodhounds, forcing Nick and Cassie to flee for their lives.
With the help of a team of expatriates with an array of special abilities, the
unlikely duo winds a path through the city’s most secret corners, trying to stay one step ahead of the authorities in their search for Kira. With Cassie’s visions guiding them, the pair moves closer to their goal, but finds themselves competing with a family of deadly psychics for the suitcase. Even more dangerous is Division Agent Henry Carver (Djimon Hounsou), a powerful pusher who needs both the contents of the case and Kira in order to create an unstoppable paranormal militia. Outgunned and outnumbered, Nick, Cassie, Kira and their allies must figure out a way to outsmart Carver if they are to prevent him from carrying out his sinister plan.
I know that is a lot of story to put in a review, but I felt it necessary, especially for those not into Sci-fi and able to remember a lot of detail like myself. But, I believe the description above does not take anything away from this volatile film.
The sharp acting talents of Evans, Fanning, Hounsou and Belle make the film work. Their energy and intellect lend nicely to the characters giving the film the added boost. Direction by McGuigan (Lucky Number Sleven) getting all the elements to work on his Hong Kong set is an amazing feat. He totally nails the characters, costumes, cinematography, special effects and CGI making the film a Sci-fi work of art.
The film has some wild characters with extreme powers. Movers who can transport objects, Watchers that have the ability to see the future, Pushers who can plant thoughts in your brain, Stitches that can heal, Sniffs that can track people down, Shadows that can use their minds to hide people and objects, Bleeders who scream to shatter glass and blood vessels, Shifts who can transform their appearance and Wipers who can wipe out your memory.
The film is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, smoking and a scene of teen drinking so be cautions when allowing pre-teens to view the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: Push is a Sci-fi junkies dream come true. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)