Jumper

Doug Liman, the accomplished director of such films ranging from "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "The Bourne Identity," all the way to "Go" and my personal favorite, "Swingers" is back with his latest feature "Jumper." A fast-paced, 88 minute, action adventure that allows the audience to go on a journey with the character. An exciting and entertaining good time almost the whole way through, "Jumper" had me enjoying everything it had to offer, until it's abrupt finale. So much more could have been offered if the filmmakers chose to extend the running time just a bit longer and given us a better explanation of the things to come.

One day, at the age of 15, as David Rice (Hayden Christensen) unexpectedly falls through the ice of a nearby lake, he realizes he has the power to teleport. Teleporting from a near death by drowning experience and ending up in an isle of books at a nearby library, David becomes curious on how his power actually works. Realizing the he can teleport anywhere in the world at will, David leaves his little house in his little town and begins to live his new and magnificent life in New York. In dong so, David leaves behind his father and his high school love interest Millie (Rachel Bilson). As years pass, David realizes that he is not the only one that has the power to teleport. Also, David becomes aware that these so called "Jumpers" have been around for thousands of years. Coming in contact with another fellow "Jumper," Griffin (Jamie Bell), David is informed that this wonderful anomaly he was blessed with is not all its cracked up to be. Griffin tells David that there are people who for centuries have sworn to kill off all the "Jumpers" in the world. Now, David and Griffin must work together to save themselves, along with Millie  -who is also in danger- from nemesis Roland (Samuel L. Jackson).

With unexpected cameos from Diane Lane and Kristen Stewart, "Jumper" is plenty enjoyable. Hayden Christenses completely regains his acting achievements in this one, after he made me sit through his performance in "Awake." Rachel Bilson, since making the jump from TV to the big screen has really surprised me with every performance she has presented. I have been a fan of Jamie Bell since watching "Chumscrubber" and he's just as good in this one. Michael Rooker -always fun to watch- as David's father William was just as he always is... Good! Again, the abrupt ending ruins what could have been, but altogether, I enjoyed the short, simple, entertaining 88 minutes of "Jumper."

Pat the Movie Critic gives "Jumper" --- 3 Scoops.