Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6095 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-06-29
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 111 minutes

Synopsis
Scotsman Paul McGuigan (WICKER PARK, GANGSTER NO. 1) directs this high-energy sci-fi thriller set in Hong Kong. Nick (Chris Evans) is a 'mover', meaning he can move objects with his mind. As a child, he escaped from Special Agent Carver (Djimon Hounsou) of the Division, a U.S. government operative who rounds up those with psychic gifts so that the government can perform experiments on them with the goal of creating a psychic army. Ten years later, Chris is lying low in Hong Kong when 13-year old 'watcher' Cassie (Dakota Fanning), who can see the future, shows up on his doorstep. Together, this odd couple sets off on an adventure that brings them to Kira (Camilla Belle), who has escaped the Division and is on the run. Kira possesses a dangerous gift: she is a 'pusher' who can plant ideas and make anyone believe anything she wants. Along with some other psychic friends, Nick, Cassie, and Kira go on a frenetic quest that may bring down the shady Division and set its psychic captives free.


PUSH's psychics are a bit closer to superheroes, albeit without the costumes: 'sniffers' can see the recent past by smelling an object, 'shadows' can keep people and objects hidden, 'shifters' can temporarily change the appearance of an object, and so on. The special effects in the fight scenes featuring Agent Victor Budarin (Neil Jackson), who can shield himself from bullets and send people flying across the room with a whisk of his hand, are particularly well done. Evans holds his own as the reluctant hero, and Fanning is, as always, a formidable presence on screen. Hong Kong itself is another character in the film, providing a crowded, fast-paced, anonymous backdrop for the action.

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable- just disengage brain
Push is a bit like a feature length episode of heroes (not that this is a bad thing). The plot (such as it is) swings along at a fair old pace and the performances by the lead actors are pretty good. Djimon Hounsou makes a good villain. The plot doesn't set the world on fire, but it does the job, and as long as you are not expecting too much ou wont be disapointed. And there is a reasonable sprinkling of well realised fight scenes to enjoy. The special effects are pretty good and the setting of Hong Kong is a good one.

The only negatives for me were that the director indulged in slightly too much arty slo motion stuff (presumably for atmosphere- but I found it grating)and the ending was a bit abrupt. It seems the film was crying out for a sequel- and as a first act of a longer story it would be good- and I would have liked to know what happened next. But I would have still like the end of this film to have been slightly more satisfying or decisive conclusion.

But none the less a good film which I enjoyed. Perfect for an evening after work when you dont want to push you brain too hard.

Push is as good as a shove.
A shadowy U.S. government department called the "Division" is trying to harness the super powers of individuals to further it`s aims of global domination. It has captured & killed hundreds of potential superhuman soldiers with a psychic steroid that has proved one lethal cocktail too many. Then one guinea pig survives, her powers enhanced by the drug, she escapes in an attempt to find a safe haven amongst her own kind. The main problem with this movie is that it`s saddled with too much exposition at the outset. You really have to pay close attention as all the various types of super powers & complicated plot is laid out. However, once it does hit it`s stride it is quite involving as even the seemingly most inconsequential characters & events are shown to be an integral part of the storyline. The cast are all uniformly first class, especially Dakota Fanning, who`s character is frail, isolated & vulnerable but with a deep inner strength to sustain her. The real star though is the city of Hong Kong where the shoot took place. It`s a living, breathing enviroment as we move through it`s cracks & crannies like tiny organisms in a human body. It`s unique beauty is displayed by a truly stunning picture that is like looking out of a clear window into the outside world - it is absolute FLAWLESS reference quality. Thankfully, the special effects budget looked pretty substantial as the characters superpower abilities became more extravagant & outrageous. The audio is aggressively hyperactive & detailed with noises & thousands of bullets whizzing around your ears from every direction - very impressive. The extras are`nt much to write home about - just a commentary, deleted scenes & a 9 minute documentary. Even so, once the movie warmed up, I found it entertaining, engaging & intelligent with a fair amount of humanity mixed in with all the special effects. My last impression though is of the astonishing picture quality which raises this Blu-ray to another level. Recommended.

Surprising & Intriguing Gem
The 'superhero' genre and it's ilk are always areas of deep suspicion for me when it comes to films. I got this on a whim, and was caught out.
It is a film requiring concentration. It does have some beautiful cinematography that I and my mate just could not pin down. You know when you watch a movie, you immediately start mentally comparing it to other films you've watched, or bits remind you of other films? Well this one had nothing that screamed 'derivative'.

A thriller style plot with an understated and effective twist on psionic powers, backed by some very fine lead players and an effective supporting cast. Location usage is excellent and the movie does tie itself off neatly - main and sub plots dovetail or are closed.

Dakota Fanning stands out. Marvellous performance.

A competent and colourful addition to this genre. I highly recommend that you see it and make up your own mind.

I suspect that the generation that made Heroes will warm to this, even though it may tax their attention span :)

A final point regarding the review snippet "X Men meets Trainspotting"... It was well meant but misses the mark. Go see for yourself.