New ‘Push’ Clip Leans Towards Cartoonish Pablum
Posted by Rob Hunter (rob@filmschoolrejects.com) on January 24, 2009

Paul McGuigan’s new film, Push, is one big question mark. The premise, about a group of individuals with special powers being hunted by government forces, has fantastic promise. It could be an incredible, action/effects filled popcorn movie (Iron Man). Or it could be a stupid, cartoonish waste of time (Jumper). The Heroes, sorry, heroes, include Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, and Camilla Belle as young folks who can move stuff with their mind, see into the future, and look incredibly hot, respectively. Apple is hosting an exclusive new clip from Push showcasing a fight between Evans and another pusher.
What do you think? Recent trailers have actually drawn me in a bit, but this clip just pushed me away again. (See what I did there? I apologize.) It starts fine with telekinetic shenanigans and bamboo, but quickly turns into a live-action video game with punches that snap, crackle, and pop. Their punches flash on contact like in a game of Star Gladiator (best fighting game ever!) for the Sony Playstation. Looks lame, but more distressing is the lack of a point beyond the initial “wow” factor. They imply serious power behind those punches and kicks… power and force that should be capable of breaking necks and pulverizing faces… yet the fight plays out like any other with nary a bruise or blood drop. Lame.
Your thoughts?
Read more articles by Rob Hunter













