JAH 9000 Presents powers without context, a menace without real motive, within a premise that barely rises above basic formula sci-fi. Decent effects. But that doesn't make it watchable. Avoid.

bowmanblue These days you can't throw a half-brick in the air without it landing on someone who can fly, or was bitten by a radioactive spider (and that's assuming that the 'half-brick' in question doesn't GIVE the person it lands on the power to fly or climb walls!). However, back in 2009, superhero movies (or those generally showing young, good-looking people with superpowers) weren't quite always guaranteed to make as much money as today's average Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Therefore, 'Push' sort of flew below radar at the time. I'd like to say that it's achieved a 'cult following' over time and it's a bit more of a 'sleeper hit,' however, it seems to have been completely forgotten. And, in my opinion, that's a shame - I really enjoyed it!I guess to sum it up simply, it's a bit like the 'X-men.' There may not be a 'recognised' team of superheroes dedicated to saving the world here, but you do have a sub-group of human who are 'cursed' with special powers and so destined to either be hunted by shady Government agents before being studied in Top Secret laboratories , or simply working for the afore-mentioned shady Government agencies.Chris Evans is one such 'person of power' - yes, THE Chris Evans who glossed over the 'Fantastic Four' to become one of the headliners of the Marvel universe, Captain America. However, rather than wielding a red, white and blue shield (or being able to burst into flames at will!) here he's a 'mover.' This is one of the many types of 'ability' these 'special' people exhibit and, in his case, basically means someone with telekinetic powers. He's currently on the run from the authorities in Hong Kong, but his life of hiding comes to a premature end when a young 'watcher' (someone who can see the future and played by Dakota Fanning) tracks him down in order to help her rescue more of their kind.What follows is effectively a 'chase movie' where the 'gifted' youngsters are pursued by their evil equivalents. And, like I say, if you like superhero-type movies, it's all good sci-fi fun. The characters are likeable enough and there's good chemistry between the leads. Plus there's plenty of action and a few fight-scenes using special powers which are quite inventive and do stick in your mind once the credits have rolled.If I had to mention a negative side (besides the kind of uninspiring title!) I'd say that the world which we find ourselves watching does need a lot of explaining so that you know all the rules of how it all works. Nowadays, we know what to expect in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but, back then, there was quite a lot of 'exposition' supplied in lengthy voice-overs of segments of dialogue. I'm not sure whether 'Push' was based on a comic, or book, but it felt like you'd certainly pick it up quicker if you'd read a great deal of backstory surrounding what's going on. And, it's because of this lack of knowledge as to what powers people possess, that our heroes seem to bounce from one scene after the next meeting a new person with the exact superpower required to either get them out of their current predicament, or move the story along.However, I can forgive that and simply enjoy it for what it is - a harmless piece of superhero fun. Even if it never got the recognition that I felt it at least deserved, it's still fun. And, if you can find it on any of the popular modern streaming services, I'd recommend you watch it - even if it's just to see what Chris Evans did before life in the MCU.

A_Different_Drummer The movie drags viewers into a world when psychic abilities are common and each ability has a cute name.The pity is that Hollywood itself totally lacks any of these abilities, most especially the "watchers." Otherwise someone would have noticed that the great ideas in the story were steam-rolled under a chewy and wandering script.As I have said in some 1350+ reviews here, the key to a good movie is audience connection. It is that simple. In the opening of the Matrix for example we connect with Neo and he carries us through the film.Here all the characters are in a "connection vacuum" save for Fanning who holds the attention by star power alone. It is ironic how the script makes such a fuss about her "being 13 years old" when typical of Hollywood she was at the time 15 "playing younger." Turns out the strange world presented in the movie is quite normal and boring compared to the inner workings of Tinseltown itself.This film could have been something special. Instead it will go into the annals of film history as merely an oddity.

Python Hyena Push (2009): Dir: Paul McGuigan / Cast: Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Djimon Hounsou, Ming-Na Wen: Inventive adventure that plays with mind, matter and logic. Title doesn't exactly describe this science fiction thriller in full but the special effects and action are the payoff. Plot regards government agents seeking individuals with special powers while those sought seek a case containing an antidote. Clever but plays off the expected action violence in third act. Directed by Paul McGuigan who previously made the underrated Wicker Park as well as Lucky Number Sleven. Chris Evans plays a telekinetic who witness his father's death as a boy. He will become involved in a plot where he must locate the antidote as well as protect a past lover. Dakota Fanning plays a young contact who can see the future. She becomes instrumental in pushing Evans forward as well as provide key information towards the end. Camilla Belle plays a woman sought by government agents. She was once involved with Evans but now she is on the run as the first survivor of the experiment. Ming-Na Wen also assists then in their search. She is fortune teller in Hong Kong. Finally there is Djimon Hounsou who plays the sly villain responsible for the death of the hero's father. Perhaps his dismiss was anti climatic but this is a pointless effects spectacle that pushes for entertainment. Score: 6 / 10