I jumped into the theatre seat just as this picture began to roll. My heart was pumping from the jog from my car. The pace of the picture steadily increased to reach my heartbeat. Origin stories are almost always fun. Jumper is no exception to that. However, once the origin is over, there isn't much larger than a comic book villain and his faceless thugs to push the story along. That is to say, Jumper creates a superhero of sorts that doesn't waste any of his time on do-gooding. He's sort of a super-slacker. Nothing wrong with that. Actually, it was kind of interesting. But, his super-slacking keeps getting interrupted by a super-villain. And that's about it. Well, there is a girl, and we are certainly won over by the emotions of Haden to root for that relationship. But, after the 3rd time Haden dismisses an opportunity to engage in any meaningful dialogue with her – well, I started to care less about the two of them. A curious…

Overall, this is a real cool concept, some strong acting, respectable cinematography and special effects and I even like the direction and editing (aside from two or three stalls); but the depth is sadly missing. That said, two or three hints are dropped implying that a sequel might have far more to offer in the redemption department. I'll review that film when I see it.

-- Book Contest --