PUSH (E1, 2009) D: Paul McGuigan, w/ Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning. Rating: NN DVD package: NN Rating: NN
Push is a likeable time-waster if you’re into sci-fi silliness involving big guns and people with psychic powers, one of whom, a secret agent, flees with a vital serum, her ex-employers and Hong Kong Mobsters in pursuit.
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But Push feels more like a series pilot than a real movie. Along with the offscreen demise of the main villain (a classic series ploy), there’s much eye-level camera work and people reciting their lines in isolation against a simple background. There’s also much wooden acting, even by stars Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning, a psychic who’s convinced the good guys are doomed.
On the plus side, there are a couple of good set pieces, notably a chase through a fish market, a very clever back-half plot mechanism and a strong visual style that features wide-angle lenses, fractured images and highly saturated reds set against several hideous shades of green.
According to director Paul McGuigan, those colours form a major part of the Hong Kong cityscape. It’s one of the few thoughtful remarks you’ll find on the commentary he shares with Fanning and Evans.
EXTRAS Commentary, psychic powers doc. Widescreen. English, French audio and subtitles.
