Eye Candy #145 - "Jumper"

Jumper: “Jumper” is set in a world where certain individuals, for reasons that are never explained, gain the power the teleport anywhere in the world with a thought. One of these “jumpers”, David Rice (played by Hayden Christensen), has used his powers for personal gain. After growing up in a broken home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, his powers accidentally trigger, sending him on the run for years. He robs banks, travels the world, and lives the life of luxury. And he isn’t the only “jumper” in the world. There are, however, force aligned against the “jumpers”, a quasi-religious, extra-governmental group called “the Paladins” (led by an inexplicably blond Samuel L. Jackson). The paladins believe that no human should possess the powers that “jumpers” do and take it upon themselves to capture and/or kill any that they find, including David Rice. And Rice, being the relatively selfish ninny that he is, also involves his sorta-girlfriend in his problems. I’m a fan of director Doug Liman. He gave us “Go”, “Swingers”, “The Bourne Identity” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”. He more often than not is able to deliver the goods. “Jumper”, however, is oddly flat, with a great deal exposition that is completely ignored (like how jumpers jump). Christensen is not terribly sympathetic or compelling as David Rice (he taps into some of his “Anakin” glowering a lot). The plot sets him up as a bank robber and rich wastrel; when presented with the opportunity to use his powers for others, he doesn’t. And then when someone comes to essentially punish him for the crimes he actually committed, we’re supposed to side with him. Sorry, doesn’t ring true. And it looks like there may be a sequel on the way. Woodchuck sez, “With Liman in charge, I was hoping for a lot more.”