Push: Push it real good

Hey there everyday American. Tired of your average superhero movies with shallow characters that have stupid powers and even dumber code names that reference the particular power they possess? Well luckily there's some new blood added to the genre, and that blood is Push. A gritty, dirty, crime thriller-like movie that just happens to have superpowers thrown into the mix. The story takes place in China (the especially dirty parts of the country), and tells of a present day, or not too distant future where there are people with "abilities". But instead of everyone having special powers that are all different, like the popular TV show "Heroes", there are only a few abilities to choose from. They are broken up into categories. The fun part is the names they have for each ability, such as, Movers, Pushers, Bleeders, Sniffs, Shadows, Watchers, Stitches, and Shifters. Tell me those names aren't just awesome sounding. Director Paul McGuigan is quickly becoming one of my favorite film makers. His film Wicker Park (2004), looking incredibly dull because of previews was actually a beautifully directed film. Lucky Number Slevin (2006), was even better, but had the same problem of the previews not doing the film justice. The direction and handling of where to put action, and how much action is well done and the pace of the film doesn't lag or move too fast. Dakota Fanning is a welcome member to the adult parts she's destined to take in the years to come. She shows a vulnerablity and honesty that's hard to come by for most 15 year olds. So if you're looking for a fun action film with cool (but not over-done) effects, then look no further than push.