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LIONSGATE® PULLS IN LEE DANIELS’ SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL TRIPLE AWARD WINNER PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE





OPRAH WINFREY AND TYLER PERRY ALIGN WITH LIONSGATE® IN AN UNPRECEDENTED PARTNERSHIP



Studio Acquires North American Distribution Rights From Smokewood Entertainment Group And Reunites With Academy Award® Winning Monster’s Ball Producer Daniels





SANTA MONICA, CA (February 2, 2009) – LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading next generation studio, announced today that it has acquired North American distribution rights to 2009 Sundance Film Festival sensation PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE. Directed by Lee Daniels (SHADOWBOXER), PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, only the third film in Festival history to do so. Star Mo’Nique was honored with a Special Jury Prize for acting. PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE was produced by Daniels, and Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness under their Smokewood Entertainment Group (S.E.G.) banner; Lisa Cortés and Tom Heller were executive producers. The screenplay was written by Damien Paul, based on Sapphire’s 1996 book. PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE stars newcomer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe, Paula Patton (DEJA VU), Mo’Nique (SHADOWBOXER), Grammy® Award-winning artist Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd (“30 Rock”) and Grammy® Award-winning artist Lenny Kravitz. The deal marks the second collaboration between Lionsgate and Daniels, who produced the studio’s Academy Award®-winning MONSTER’S BALL. The announcement was made by Jason Constantine, Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.


In an unprecedented partnership, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry will support Lionsgate's distribution of PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE, through their respective motion picture companies, Harpo Films and 34th Street Films. It will be the first film affiliated with Perry’s 34th Street banner.



“PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE is an extraordinary film about taking hold of life; to watch it is to be galvanized and uplifted,” said Constantine. “MONSTER’S BALL introduced Lee as a gifted producer; we believe PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE firmly establishes him as one of America’s finest directors.”



Said Daniels, “I know from my MONSTER’S BALL experience that PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE has found the best home possible. I’m really looking forward to working again with smart, innovative friends at Lionsgate.”



Commented Winfrey, “I’ve never seen anything like it. The moment I saw PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE, I knew I wanted to do whatever I could to encourage other people to see this movie. The film is so raw and powerful - it split me open.”



Added Perry, “I am honored to join Oprah Winfrey and Lionsgate in releasing Lee Daniels’ exceptional film. I was immensely moved by PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE, and wanted to do whatever I could to help others share in its redemptive experience. Lionsgate is the ideal studio to shepherd this artistically courageous film to market.”



“We like to work with filmmakers who harness instinct and vision to compelling projects, creating motion pictures that resonate emotionally with an audience. That is why we chose PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE,” said Sarah Siegel-Magness, managing partner of S.E.G.



PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE is the second film directed by Daniels, following 2006’s SHADOWBOXER. Daniels made motion picture history with his first film as a producer, MONSTER’S BALL, becoming the first African-American sole producer of an Academy AwardÒ-winning, substantial critical and box office success. The film garnered Halle Berry the 2002 Academy Award® for Best Actress and also received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Daniels subsequently produced the award-winning drama THE WOODSMAN and the recent TENNESSEE, which was funded by S.E.G. in its first collaboration with Lee Daniels Entertainment. S.E.G. fully financed PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE.



The deal was negotiated by Eda Kowan, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Wendy Jaffe, Executive Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, and Constantine on behalf of Lionsgate; Cinetic sold the film and negotiated the deal on behalf of S.E.G. and Lee Daniels in close collaboration with attorneys Roger Arar and Craig Emanuel at Loeb & Loeb, Sloss Eckhouse Brennan, and Jonathan Gray of Gray Krauss.





FILM SYNOPSIS (Courtesy Of Sundance Institute)

With sheer audacity and utter authenticity, director Lee Daniels tackles PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE and creates an unforgettable film that sets a new standard for cinema of its kind. Precious Jones (Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe) is a high-school girl with nothing working in her favor. She is pregnant with her father’s child - for the second time. She can’t read or write, and her schoolmates tease her for being fat. Her home life is a horror, ruled by a mother (Mo’Nique) who keeps her imprisoned both emotionally and physically. Precious’s instincts tell her one thing: if she’s ever going to break from the chains of ignorance, she will have to dig deeply into her own resources. Don’t be misled - PUSH: BASED ON THE NOVEL BY SAPPHIRE is not a film wallowing in the stillness of depression; instead, it vibrates with the kind of energy derived only from anger and hope. The entire cast are amazing; they carry out a firestorm of raw emotion. Daniels has drawn from them inimitable performances that will rivet you to your seat and leave you too shocked to breathe. If you passed Precious on the street, you probably wouldn’t notice her. But when her story is revealed, as Daniels does in this courageous film, you are left with an indelible image of a young woman who - with creativity, humor, and ferocity - finds the strength to turn her life around.





ABOUT LIONSGATE

Lionsgate is the leading next generation studio with a major presence in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home entertainment, family entertainment, video-on-demand and digitally delivered content. The Company is leveraging its content leadership and marketing expertise through a series of partnerships that include the operation of the FEARNet branded VOD and Internet horror channel with Sony and Comcast, the expected fall 2009 launch of a epix, the new premium entertainment channel with partners Viacom, Paramount Pictures and MGM, investment in the leading young men's digital distribution platform Break.com, ownership of the premier independent television syndication company Debmar-Mercury and an alliance with independent filmed entertainment production and distribution company Roadside Attractions. Lionsgate also has forged partnerships with leading content creators, owners and distributors in key territories around the world, including Televisa in the U.S. and Latin America, StudioCanal in the UK, Hoyts and Sony in Australia and Eros International in India.



On January 5, 2009, Lionsgate announced its plan to acquire the TV Guide Network and TVGuide.com. The deal is expected to close on February 28, 2009.



The Company has generated more than $450 million at the North American theatrical box office in the past 12 months and has forged leadership positions in television and home entertainment with the production of such critically-acclaimed television series as “Weeds” and “Mad Men,” the distribution of “Tyler Perry's House of Payne,” “Family Feud,” “South Park,” “Trivial Pursuit” and “The Dead Zone,” and nearly 7% market share and the industry's leading box office-to-DVD conversion rate in home entertainment. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 12,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with entrepreneurial innovation and original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the globe.



www.lionsgate.com

DISNEY/MIRAMAX RELEASE FILMS ON DVD & BLU-RAY
By Al McGhee

February 10, 2009 BLINDNESS (Rated: R) MIRAMAX
A mysterious epidemic sends a city reeling toward the edge of madness, while one woman tries to preserve a small pocket of humanity in the taut thriller Blindness, coming to DVD on February 10, 2009. Presented by Miramax Films and based on Nobel Laureate José Saramago’s masterful novel, this intense and gritty drama, called a "powerful and provocative" movie by Stephen Schaefer of the Boston Herald, was nominated for the 2008 Palme d’Or, the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

February 10, 2008 PHINEAS AND FERB: The Daze Of Summer
(Rated: TV-G) DISNEY
Summer fun lasts forever when you hang with Phineas and Ferb, so pull up a beach chair and get ready to laugh with 5 hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series. Viewers can get in on the fun with the exclusive Googolplex Mall Science Fair Games and can create their own experiments! Super-smart and seriously funny stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb come up with unusually exciting ways to spend the lazy, crazy "daze" of summer -- like searching for pirate's treasure, traveling to Mars, building Greek chariots and hosting a Medieval jousting tournament! While the guys are cramming each long day with cool friends, awesome
adventures and totally rocking music, their pet platypus, Perry (aka Agent P), continues to protect the world from the evil Dr. Doofenschmirtz. And, of course, their big sis, Candace, keeps busy texting her friends and trying to bust the bros.

February 10, 2009 PRETTY WOMAN (Blu-ray) (Rated: R)
Get ready to fall head over heels one more time when Pretty Woman comes to Blu-ray™ Hi-Def on February 10, 2009 from Buena Vista Home Entertainment. One of the world’s most popular romantic comedies returns with crystal clear picture and pristine sound, as well as special features guaranteed to melt hearts all over again. Academy Award® Winner Julia Roberts (Best Actress, Erin Brockovich, 2000) and Golden Globe® winner
Richard Gere (Best Actor In A Motion Picture - Musical Or Comedy, Chicago, 2002) light up the screen in director Garry Marshall’s ( The Princess Diaries, Beaches) classic Cinderella story.

February 10, 2009 WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE: Supernaturally Stylin’
(Rated: TV-G) DISNEY
Enjoy hilarious episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series and join stars Selena Gomez and the cast for an exclusive look at their personal styles -- plus viewers can visit the show's fabulous costume closets! Wizards-in-training Alex Russo (Gomez) and her brothers Justin and Max are having an awesome time experimenting with their supernatural powers -- but they still have a lot to learn! Viewers will be spellbound as they stir up outrageously funny situations such as using the freeze-frame spell so Alex can make her mark in the fashion industry, figuring out the quirky side effects of Wizard Wear and saving Justin when he falls into "puppy love" and turns into a werewolf! As these cool kids juggle their ordinary lives with their extraordinary powers,
it's a sure thing there will be more magic and mayhem brewing with the WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE!

February 17, 2009 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: Senior Year
(DVD & Blu-ray) (Rated: G)
The worldwide blockbuster that thrilled kids of all ages is now the entertainment event of 2009 when Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year –Extended Edition, arrives on Blu-ray and DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on February 17th.
America’s favorite Wildcats (Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Lucas Grabeel, and Monique Coleman) are back for their exciting final year at East High. Director Kenny Ortega pulls out all the stops with incredible new music and exhilarating dance numbers that will blow away devoted franchise fans and newcomers alike. And, now viewers can see the movie like never before, with the all-new 3-disc Deluxe Extended Edition which features the never before seen extended movie on both DVD and Blu-ray disc – in one set! Plus, this Deluxe set also includes DisneyFile digital copy, and exclusive bonus features such as deleted scenes, bloopers and much more.

SCENE @ SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2009 – Special Event
IndieVest Pictures Party, with Performance by Molly Jenson

By Denise Castillón

IndieVest, an independent film studio, financier and distributor, held the first of its parties during Sundance, on Friday, January 16th. The festivities commenced following a private cocktail reception and four-course gourmet dinner in the main ballroom of the luxurious Hotel Park City, and featured a special performance by up-and-coming singer/songwriter, Molly Jenson. The exclusive guest list included film industry “insiders” as well as high-net-worth IndieVest members.

IndieVest is an independent film studio and distributor financed by its’ membership-based community of accredited investors. IndieVest members are provided with opportunities to become an “exclusive insider” in the independent film community, as well as “first look” access to independent film projects currently under development at IndieVest Pictures. Once a member chooses to invest in one or more independent film investment opportunities, they become a screen-credited IndieVest Executive Producer. Above and beyond the reward of contributing to a feature film project and a potentially significant return on investment, investors receive “Executive Producer-only” privileges. An Executive Producer is able to attend the set location while their particular film is shooting, plus enjoy premium VIP seating at their film’s premiere screening as well as the after-party attended with members of the cast.

Among the guests enjoying the evening’s events, were IndieVest Executive Producers –New York-based artist Nic Rad, chemical manufacturers and brothers, Aakash and Badal Shah, who are financing the studios’ first film production, the comedy SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS, starring Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco and Peter Dinklage.

YET: What motivated you to become a film investor?

BADAL SHAH: The motivation for me to become a film investor was largely due to my passion for film combined with the opportunistic participation that IndieVest provided. I always knew that I would like to pursue my passion for film by getting involved with the business side of the industry and indieVest offered the best opportunity and what seemed to be the lowest-risk investment for a rookie film investor.

AAKASH SHAH: I felt very confident in the indieVest team and revenue model, and this is what really helped me confirm that I was making the right decision. I feel confident that being a part of indieVest will help me become involved in quality films that bring real experiences to the viewers.

NIC RAD: I see the value…plus, I value the opportunity to bring together artists and commerce. Personally, I’ve watched friends struggle to bring their film projects into production. Now that I’ve achieved success as an artist, I can support filmmakers in their artistic medium through my investment.


YET: Why join IndieVest community?

BADAL SHAH: I chose to join the IndieVest community because of the wealth of experience, knowledge, and intelligence of the indieVest staff. This combined with their extremely strategic revenue model which included guaranteed distribution, proved to be an extremely attractive investment and team that I wanted to join.

AAKASH SHAH: I also feel that it is a great opportunity to meet with other investors from completely different industries as a way of networking and possibly diversifying further into new business opportunities.

NIC RAD: I joined IndieVest, then got involved in its’ SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS film project, before the economic crisis hit in late 2008. Nevertheless, the movie industry did very well in 2008, and, continues to do so. Just look how well the comedy “Four Christmases” performed at the box office.


YET: Why did you commit to participate financially on SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS?

AAKASH SHAH: I chose to financially participate in “Saint John” because I believed in the project and the experience that would resonate with the viewers. I believe that this type of comedy would create a good experience for viewers who are stuck in the dark days of the current economic crisis. I feel that with the combination of actors such as Steve Buscemi, Romany Malco, and Sarah Silverman, this will be a classic slapstick comedy that many people will like to see over and over again.

NIC RAD: I’m very impressed with IndieVest ….SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS is a comedy with a great cast. And, it’s all been a good experience. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with the other investors as well as visiting the set and meeting the actors in the film, especially, Steve Buscemi, whose work I’ve always admired. It’s been a unique experience.

The feature-length comedy, SAINT JOHN OF LAS VEGAS is due to premiere late spring of 2009, and is a playful adaptation of Dante's "Inferno," starring Steve Buscemi as an ex-gambler, who gets lured back into the “Game” by a maverick insurance fraud investigator, played by Romany Malco. Emily Mortimer stars as their quirky co-worker. Tim Blake Nelson, John Cho and Emmanuelle Chriqui round out the films’ cast.


The founder and CEO of IndieVest, Inc. (IndieVest Pictures, IndieVest Securties), is former venture capitalist, Wade H. Bradley. The IndieVest Industry Advisory Board is comprised of Don Cheadle, Liev Schreiber, Mike Binder and Tim Blake Nelson.

In 2008, IndieVest’s membership, comprised of primarily individualists- doctors, surgeons, various business and technology entrepreneurs, real estate developers, oilmen, fund managers, commodity and equity traders, -grew nearly 300% over 2007. www.IndieVest.com

PUSH (Running Time: 111 min; Rated: PG-13)
Reviewed by Denise Castillón

PUSH is a sci-fi action-thriller that takes you for a smart and fast-flying ride that escalates towards a spectacular climactic battle. Unfortunately, it finishes with an unsettled conclusion, which perhaps hints at a hopeful sequel. And, comparison to TV’s “Heroes” is unavoidable.

Nick (CHRIS EVANS) is a “mover”, a second-generation telekinetic, who is hiding from the “Division”, a secret and nefarious U.S. governmental agency. After the end of WWII, the “Division” continued the experiments, originally conducted by the Nazis, on unwilling citizens with psychic abilities, in order to develop “super- soldiers”.

Reluctantly, Nick is recruited by teenaged Cassie (DAKOTA FANNING), a “watcher” with the ability to foresee the short-term future, to find a hidden case with mysterious contents that the “Division” agents as well as a local Chinese family of bad guys, will kill to possess. A “pusher” or telepathic, named Kira (CAMILLA BELLE), becomes crucial to their mission. Despite their severe trust issues, this conflicted team must outsmart and outwit their mutual enemies, in particular Carver, played by Djimon Hounsou.

PUSH is a breakout performance both for Fanning, as she sheds her “little girl” image, and Hounsou, as he exchanges his “white hat” to play the “villain”. While Hong Kong’s massive and bustling population is an ideal hideout for the story’s protagonists, the colorful vibrancy and futuristic-look of the city also serves as a “spot on” setting for this science fiction-themed film.

Starring Chris Evans (Fantastic Four), Dakota Fanning (The Secret Life of Bees), Camilla Belle (When a Stranger Calls) and Academy Award® nominee Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond).

Directed by Paul McGuigan, (Lucky Number Slevin). Written by David Bourla. Director of photography is Peter Sova. The editor is Nicolas Trembasiewicz. Nina Proctor and Laura Goldsmith are the costume designers. Production designer is François Séguin.

Produced by Bruce Davey, William Vince and Glenn Williamson. Executive producers are David Bourla, Michael Ohoven, Gretchen Somerfeld, David Valleau and Stan Wlodkowski. A co-production of Infinity Features, Icon Productions and Summit Entertainment. Released by Summit Entertainment.

Alyn Darnay’s Oscar Picks…

At this time of year I always undertake the humbling task of picking the Oscar winners. This year it seems a bit less challenging as it appears that the road is actually clear for a few audience favorites to grab top honors. So, without further ado, here’s my best guesses for who will walk away happy at the 81st Academy Awards.


Performance by an actor in a leading role:

Sean Penn will win for his brilliant performance in “Milk” (Focus Features), He’s an Academy favorite and this time around he’ll get the statue. If anyone can take it away from him it would be Mickey Rourke in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight), but I don’t think so.


Performance by an actor in a supporting role:

Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.) Nobody can argue that his was an outstanding performance by an actor who was on the top of his game. The Academy will recognize that and honor him. If he wasn’t in the running, my money would be on Michael Shannon in “Revolutionary Road” (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), great acting in a small but outstanding role.


Performance by an actress in a leading role:

Kate Winslet in “The Reader” (The Weinstein Company), no actress was better this year and her performance here was flawless and compelling. My vote hands down. If not Kate, then it’ll probably be Meryl Streep for “Doubt” (Miramax)



Performance by an actress in a supporting role

Viola Davis in “Doubt” (Miramax), she electrifies the screen in this role and deserves to win. I wouldn’t mind seeing Penélope Cruz win for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (The Weinstein Company), but it won’t happen nor will it happen for the very talented Marisa Tomei in “The Wrestler” (Fox Searchlight).




Achievement in directing

Danny Boyle for “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight),. Brilliant vision, brilliantly executed under the hardest conditions lead to an outstanding film. It’s Danny Boyle’s style that makes this film what it is. If anyone has any chance of unseating him, it could only be Gus Van Sant for “Milk” (Focus Features).



Best motion picture of the year

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production, Christian Colson, Producer. The little film that could, will! And it deserves to win.



Best animated feature film of the year

“WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton, beyond comparison the best.



Best foreign language film of the year

“Waltz with Bashir” (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel. A challenging and controversial animated film approach that makes for great storytelling.



Best documentary feature

“Man on Wire” (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall in association with Red Box Films Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn. Just because.




Achievement in cinematography

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle for capturing the shear beauty, sweep and style that the director and script demanded.

Achievement in art direction

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo will win for the beautiful sets that added to every frame of the film. Though the competition is stiff, “The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway, is stunning and “Changeling” (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis, captured the era perfectly.



Achievement in costume design

“The Duchess” (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor, I could be wrong here, but the costuming was perfect and added a new dimension to the typical period wardrobe we generally see. From there I’d say “Australia” (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin or “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West.



Achievement in film editing

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens. Films are made in edit, and this film is a prime example of that; moving, lyrical, and compelling in its journey.


Achievement in makeup

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom. I don’t think that anyone can argue with this pick. Pitt’s age progressions will win over the Academy and capture the vote.



Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman will win it; the score is unusual and exciting and blends perfectly with the story’s visuals and performances.


Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)

“O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam. Just an old fashion good tune and the best song nominated this year.



Achievement in sound editing

“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Richard King. Hands down the best sound of any film nominated, rich, dynamic, and pure. Great Job.



Achievement in sound mixing

“The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick. Mixed to perfection and delivered with a deft touch and an amazing range.



Achievement in visual effects

“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron, certainly the most challenging story to create, it treads new ground in character effects. If there’s a close runner up, I’d say the next most challenging effects film would be “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin.


Adapted screenplay

“Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy. A beautifully realized adaptation of the original source material.


Original screenplay

“Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black, is a beautifully realized biopic that captures the characters and period to perfection as it tells the very human and compelling story of its main characters. “In Bruges” (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh is just as good with its twists, sparkling dialog and humor, but unfortunately it’s not a favorite.


That wraps it up for this year’s guess work. Hopefully I’ve gotten more than a few right. We’ll see on February 22, 2009, 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific, when the “Biggest Movie Event of the Year” gets under way hosted by actor Hugh Jackman (who by the way should have been nominated for his turn as “The Drover” in Australia). Enjoy the Telecast. -Alyn ‘09

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)