Greetings my fellow fans. It is I, Plus1, and I’m back with another movie review. However today’s review is giving me a major problem as I don’t know how to say anything nice about the piece of trash I sat through. Push will go down as one of the worst movies to ever grace the silver screen. This was two hours of major disappointment with a plot so thin it makes Larry King’s hair look full and lovely.
The plot is simple. The world is full of people with super natural abilities. The super secret organization called Division wants to control these people and use them to create an army of super soldiers. Division has been testing a new drug that will enhance the person’s natural ability and make them stronger. However one minor side affect is halting the progress of this testing: the testees (ha ha, I said testes) are dying after injection. That is, until one test subject manages to survive and escape – with a syringe of the magic drug.
Division has categorized the super natural into the following:
Watcher – future seer
Mover – telekinesis users
Pusher – ability to push thoughts into one’s mind
Shadow – ability to hide people, buildings, whatever from others
Stitch – ability to heal or harm via touch
Screamer – ability to scream loudly and blow things up
Sniffer – ability to track anyone via their smell
So now that we have the list of the types of characters we need to do something with them. THAT is where the major problem of this movie comes into play. There was just too much going on here for a two-hour movie. If this were a TV show, say Heroes, where you can try to flesh out the characters and plot it may work if given time (and not canceled after the first episode). But Push doesn’t work and it fails miserably.
Nick Grant (played by Chris Evans), is a ‘mover’ on the run from Division. He is living in Tokyo where he is found by two ‘sniffers’ who are looking for Kira Hudson (played by Camilla Belle). She would the be one that escaped with the magic drug. Nick is aided in his quest to also find Kira with the ‘watcher” known as Cassie Holmes (played by Dakota Fanning) who knows what will happen but keeps reminding us that the future is always changing. They all need the drug to bring down Division and stop their experimentation.
As I said, this movie isn’t good, BUT there are some shining moments. There is a fight in a restaurant between Nick and another character who is also a ‘mover’. They do some interesting things with telekinesis, guns, and throwing things into the ceiling. The same can be said of the ending battle where all of the factions come together for the ultimate be-all-end-all. After that…not so much else.
Push is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, brief strong language, smoking and a scene of teen drinking (thank you MPAA for now noting that a teen drinks, what’s next, you’ll tell us that there is a scene where someone goes to the bathroom?). Run time is just under 2 hours.
Save it for a late night, drunken view on cable.
Rating: 
I would have to say that the film wasn’t that bad. It was worthy of a 90 minute roll but not 122.
Nice action thin plot is all.
x-men redux but done well. so many movies about it there must be something to this psychic stuff.
Lucidreamer, just because there is lots of movies about psychic phenomenon, doesn’t mean it is real… Just look there are many movies about the holocaust, doesn’t mean it happened. 8^)
You really have doubts about wether the Holocaust happened or not??? You are joking right? There are not only (romanticized) movies but real footage from both US and Russian soldiers and private movies from sickos in the camps. Maybe you should watch them instead of childrens movies about superheroes?
are you kidding me , the jews took one little incident and replayed it over and over a thousand differnet ways to make it look like they lost half their population or so or at least thats what they claim , don’t think we ever so that many remains yet . where are they all by the way ?just so they could collect money from everyone else for being so hard done by for ever and ever and ever …..now they own half the damn world …are you all forgetting who killed Jesus ? and in public for all the world to see , tortured Jesus ,taunted Jesus and KILLED JESUS , and how many years have they been at war with ” somebody” in the middle east …? 2000 or more ? all in the name of religion …you should be ashamed
For one thing, this is hilarious that you’re posting this on a movie review about a movie not even CLOSELY related to the Holocaust. For another, you’re totally trolling. And for the last, the Jews did not kill Jesus. I’m sure you know this. It is the Romans whom ordered his death. Besides. Jesus was a Jew. As was everyone else in the times. So, saying the Jews killed Jesus is like saying humans killed humans. Big whoop. Go shave your head and listen to screamo, you ignorant Neo-Nazi. I’m sure Hitler would be severely disappointed.
This movie was great. I have seen some crappy movies that had potential ie. jumpers but this one was pretty good and I hope to see a part two with more ability exploration. I don’t know how all of the critics feel but they were down on Star Wars when if first came out as well.
First this movie was not at all a great movie. There were so many moments that made absolutely no sense even for a science fiction movie.
They seemed to emphasize how weak and useless Nick’s skill using his Mover ability was but then all of a sudden he was great at it. I mean I would have at least been happy with a cheesy montage of him improving and developing his skill rather then the horrible and sudden transition from no skill to amazing just like that.
How about the scenes where Nick and Cassie are running through the market while the Bleeders are screaming at them? As they run, everything surrounding them is being utterly destroyed by the intensity of their power, yet Nick and Cassie don’t even falter, get knocked over, or are hurt in any way.
And in the scene where Cassie was trying to evade the other Watcher by spinning around and going in a random direction, how did the Watcher determine which way Cassie went if their ability is based on thoughts and decisions and Cassie had no idea which way she went?
And the drunken Cassie scene… Another reviewer put it best “Fanning turns into a mean cutie-pie drunk, demonstrating such a complete lack of firsthand knowledge that you can only salute her parents for a job well done.”
Oh and another person made a great point “the destruction of the one and only seemingly viable version of this serum is apparently the one thing that will ‘bring Division down.’ Not sure the logic here because Division has been doing just fine without a viable version of this serum for years. Also, the focus of all this seems to be recovering the one syringe filled with this serum. It’s a little strange that the guys that developed the serum would have no record of the formula used for it or any idea how to recreate it.”
The pushers’ ability is to “push” false realities into peoples mind to trick them into doing things. Then there is a point where Kira says she can make him forget memories, but isn’t that the point of the Wipers who can wipe memories? Then towards then end it is as if the film makers got lazy and with no explanation made pushers just outright mind controllers.
It was a ridiculously horribly done movie. That you would compare it to Star Wars is laughable.
Try using your head and the facts they lay out for you very clearly in the movie. Your questions are answered.
Nice review, I agree pretty much,,,this would be good after a few drinks…
Anyone find it kinda funny that Fannings character was 13 old yet its a PG-13 film, also why was she drawing pictures that were at the 6 year old level,,,
Ok now its time to drink,,,
I just saw this one tonight and I must say it is the worst piece of crap I have ever seen. A waste of $10.
P.S. It may make more sense if your drunk
I’m thinking Matt is the same Matt that I went to see it with last night. And yes it was a waste of $10. The movie built up to an ending that did not happen. The few fight scenes were cool, but nothing happened, you leave feeling unresolved. Its a goof Netflix rental, but I was piiiissssed when I left.
kk one thing is i wont type complete sentences. kk.
josh shut up.
push was a really good movie.
and u couldnt do any better.
so yeah.
gheez.
definatly wasnt a waste of money.
ur theatre ripped you off.
cuz i only paid 8$ for a ticket.
so shut up just cuz u got ripped off and such
push was good..
to whoever says that it was a piece of crap,
i think that you(whoever) didn’t really understand the movie..
whatadumb..
you’re right desmond..
I would have to disagree with you on this one. Unless you went in expecting not to think, this movie was poor. Great concept but poor execution big time.
edited…. I posted up a cowardly response and didn’t leave my name or email to respond to. I am a coward.
Instead of being a coward, why don’t you post up your real name. Don’t hide behind the internet. The whole point of a review is to express one’s opinion. A LOT of folks are saying this movie was terrible. If you enjoyed this movie I would hate to see what you would enjoy.
I agree with you that the movie was pretty crappy, although I’m not entirely sure whether or not its because I’m missing something, or whether the movie was just bad and riddled with plot holes. How did that memory erasing man manage to know about and stop the asian chick watcher before she shot cassie…how did Nick know what to write in all the envelopes…and how about those times when nick just tells cassie to wander around Hong Kong! Thats like telling a kid to go find somewhere to hide in Harlem! and I am sorry but those screamers were just ridiculous. They could have chosen a much better ability.
I am usually VERY forgiving when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy action flicks, but this was just too dissapointing, perhaps because it had so much potential and yet fell so short of what it could have been.
Just some comments about your review:
The entire movie was shot in Hong Kong and not Tokyo. I can see how that mistake may have been easily made, but to some people, thats like confusing paris and berlin.
Also, you forgot about that memory wiping man!
The movie was awesome.
It did what it could with the time it had. And it did better than anything else out there that is similar.
Re watch x-men (the movie, I’m not talking about the comic) or the last season of Heroes. Push was trying to take their turn with people with powers and they only had 2 hours to hook you in. They set themselves up for a part 2 with chacter history to pull from.
If it feels like a thin plot its cause its not over yet. Sure there won’t be any big plot twists but atleast it’ll know when to end unlike heroes and they don’t already have a retarded fan base to please which continued to make the x-men movies campy and even unrealistic for a scifi movie.
Regauding plot holes.
The guy who wipes minds always knew were to be cause the little girls mom told him were to be. I’m assuming this will be explianed in the next movie.
The mover guy didn’t have to know what to write in those letters as it was really hard. All he had to do was assume what the bad guys would do and play to their stupidty. The point of the gimick was that they wouldn’t know about the plan until they had to do it.
Excuse the bad grammar and spelling and I’ll look past the fact that we’re posting online
Hey Johnny, I am a Watcher and there is no way the makers of this film (or any studio for that matter) will ever make a sequel to this pile of crap. The critique by Chipwhitley sums it up best.
In your review you say that the main character is hiding in Tokyo, but the story actually takes place in Hong Kong.
Tokyo, Hong Kong. I was so bored with the story I can admit that I was wrong on the location. Either way the movie was a pile of trash.
I saw the movie on plane yesterday. For a person from HK, I just think the movie setting in HK is a very bad taste joke. The yellowish colour makes the movie looks like setting in 70′s. All the tacky ‘typical’ ‘touristic’ restaurants, night clubs are too passe. They ALL look like back in 60′s or 70′s. The Chinese actors and actress cannot speak proper Cantonese. Their costums and make up are ALL very 60′s. They will be much better off of speaking English.
I just feel bad for how the director perceives the modern HK. It’s really bad-taste. Period.
Just watched it again, having seen it in theatres. Honestly loved this movie, even with the “thin plot” it took a different turn than say heroes which I understand people comparing it too. I think if they made a sequel and expanded on the universe a bit you wouldn’t hate the plot. Johnny had a good point; this was a two hour movie trying to do what a tv series, and comic book series has done and I think it was a great start. You’re overdramatization of how bad the movie was is a joke. I happened on this review looking for other content from the movie. You should be ashamed.
As my dad would say, “That is why there is Chocolate and that is why there is Vanilla.” You liked it and I didn’t. Movies aren’t made for everyone dude. I’m happy that you enjoyed. Me, I thought it was horrible. We can agree to disagree.
i have to agree. the movie itself was alright during the experience, but when you get to the end, and the credits start to roll, you realize there’s no real end. i don’t know if they’re making a sequel or what, but it really didn’t end well. like what happened with Cassie’s mom? what’s going to happen to division now? is it happily ever after? i get the feeling somebody was under time constraints and was just like “oh shit. we’re running out of time. uhh yeah just have kira kill the black guy and we’ll call it a rap.”
and a side note, for your list, don’t forget the shifters. like that guy with the cards and money. not that it matters. just figured i’d point it out before someone complained about it.
The movie was mildly ok.
I believe that the attempt of adding history, and science to the plot was phenomenal.
The ideas of the characters, and the gifts were outstanding, interesting, and put a new name to old discoveries.
I loved the idea.
But that’s just it, the idea, and the approach was the only amazing about this movie.
They had some pretty good camera direction, and the characters weren’t at all that bad.
The Asian chick was like, mega hot.
Dakota… Well, during her drinking seen, it seemed she was breaking character.
The million dollar secret wasn’t so million dollar.
It didn’t make much sense.
Perhaps they should have… found a better reason for all these characters to get all worked up.
The story line sucked.
The script had many uncomfortable moments.
And the direction was… well… mild.
had I directed it, it would have been the best movie ever.
So much potential… Just, wasted.
Its almost like if Leonardo DaVinci started creating the Mona Lisa, then decided to half ass it.
So much potential tho…
Oish, it angers me tht they got lazy on such a good idea.
Still, I secretly hope for a second one.
They are yet to introduce:
Changer – Changers can alter their own appearance at will, to seemingly become someone else. The change is so granular that even vocal chords are apparently altered, so as to look and sound like the “target” of emulation. The only known Changer in Division history is former Division Senior Agent Ezra Lowe.
Phaser – Phasers are able to pass through solid objects.
Porter – Porters can move through time and space from one location to another
These were all used in the prequel comic series, but not in the movie.
All in a shell, just wait for it on HBO.
No need to go spending money.
euh
they are in Hong Kong, and if I point it here it’s because it’s one of the big quality of the movie – the atmosphère, the decor, the way they film the city
apart I think it’s a good movie with a multiple plot -interesting but you need to follow – and a begining of analysis of persons with abilities
Dakota Faning and Chris Evans make a good duo of “anti heros”, insecure and “learners”
I’m not so in action scenes so I don’t know if there conventional or not but for me it’s ok, well orchestrated (but too long IMHO) but this movie touch other things.
its hongkong not tokyo you stupid…
Choyr…again, I have admitted that I put the wrong city down. Does putting the right city down in the review fix this movie or make it any better? A pile of trash is a pile of trash no matter how you mask the smell.
Plus1 your review clearly shows your limited intellect as well as your so short attention span. A victim of ADD perhaps? The movie was done great for the limited time span it had and if you had been paying attention, historical explanations are given throughout the movie and the plot is clearly defined. My opinion is that this is a decent movie and deserves commendation for being so. I recommend watching this movie when you have time to pay attention and do not recommend this movie to be watched by unintelligent mindless dregs who would not understand the use of a toilet were it not thoroughly animated for them.
Hey LoneWolfwfk… I agree with you. I just discovered “Push” on Showtime (late 2011) and I think it rocks… ‘just picked up a copy at a used video store ’cause I liked it so much, And I RARELY buy movies… only the jems for me. I really got into the music score and I had no trouble getting the premis behind the story. The reviewer, whatever he/she calls him/her self is probably a “Transformers” junkie who’s big on action, but gets lost on real acting and meaningful dialog. (Tokyo! Really)? Hong Kong was everywhere… short attention span is an understatement. I think time will eventually show this film to be an artistic classic in its own right. And by the way… Dakota’s drunk scene was funny. I was cracking up. She, the director and other actors must’ve had a lot of fun with it, and I’m guessing they wanted the audience to take some comic relief. Great job Dakota, some folks are just WAY TOO serious arn’t they?
Waste of a download… Movies like this are why I stopped going to the theater. I don't like being confused watching movies and I am a fairly bright dude. But, this was WAAAAAY over the top. Some have used the excuse, “well they only had two hours to do what others do in a TV series…”. Well guess what, GET A FRIGGIN TV SERIES THEN! How about not trying to do all that in 2 hours dummy!
haha I always thought movie critics were stupid, but here is a movie reviewer who hasnt really watched the movie, or even read the premise of the movie! where the hell did you see Tokyo anywhere on the film's poster or dvd sleeve? geez!!!
yeah right, stupid reason for something you did stupid
Hey, did anyone pay attention to the music? It's pretty inspiring, in my opinion. Check The Notwist, Neil Davidge's movie theme and Vitaliy Zavadskyy. LOVELY tune. Personally, I find this movie great, basically. Nevertheless, i may not be objective, because i've always been interested in the topic of super power as well as a bit of fantasy action. It appealed to me by definition. I wish there would be another part of the story on the silver screen, but seeing how many negative voices aroused, i doubt there is any hope for continuation. I can understand your demandings, however, as, I said – i put it on the shelf with my favourites. (Evans' hoarse voice may have a meaning:)
That was a really bad movie hands down..
Hey, did anyone pay attention to the music? It's pretty inspiring, in my opinion. Check The Notwist, Neil Davidge's movie theme and Vitaliy Zavadskyy. LOVELY tune. Personally, I find this movie great, basically. Nevertheless, i may not be objective, because i've always been interested in the topic of super power as well as a bit of fantasy action. It appealed to me by definition. I wish there would be another part of the story on the silver screen, but seeing how many negative voices aroused, i doubt there is any hope for continuation. I can understand your demandings, however, as, I said – i put it on the shelf with my favourites. (Evans' hoarse voice may have a meaning:)
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Before the memory erasing man wiped Nicks memory, Nick gave him a letter also. Nick said that after the guy erased his memory he needed to open the letter. That's how he knew where to go to erase the watchers memory.
Yeh, this movie wasn’t really that good. I watched it becuz I saw the previews while I was watching Jumper and Chris Evans was in it. And since it was made by the same developers, I was definetly expecting a lot more. I had to force myself to watch it after I lost interest halfway through the film.
The thing that destroyed this film for me was that there was no character development, especially with the main character. Chris Evans preformance was poorly done. I’m not saying Chris Evans sucks at acting, I’m just saying he could have done WAY better than that, it’s like he didn’t even care or wasn’t trying at all. I know he could do better becuz I’ve seen Fantastic Four.
The only scenes I say that were good were the kissing scene and the Nick (Chris Evans) vs. powerful Mover lacky.(Rounds 1 & 2) I like how Nick starts whooping his ass in the 2nd time they fight, I always like a comeback, but it could have been way better if the 2nd fight lasted a lot longer, and some old dude didn’t interfere and scream that guy to death, Nick should have been the one to deal the final strike.
Anyways, this movie is basically garbage, but something about it shimmers beneathe the surface. Chances are good that I won’t watch this again, but when I look back on it, there’s some kind of longevity I feel, and don’t know how to explain it. This movie might fall flat on its face, but it’s not the worst movie, I guess it’s good enough to check it out. Who knows, to some people this movie might be golden.
I think a lot of people don’t take the time to look at the subtleties of this movie. Yes, there definitely is a lot going on, but honestly people, if you watch the movie, and I mean actually WATCH it instead of zoning out every 10 seconds, all of your questions are answered. To say this is a big bunch of crap is 1) an outright lie, seeing as a lot of people took a lot of time working on this, and the effects, idea and such were very solid and good, and 2) mean-spirited and inconsiderate. The movie is at least worthy of being on the big screen. As far as my thoughts on the whole? It wasn’t the best movie out there at all, but it’s certainly something I enjoyed spending a night on. Questions such as how Nick got so good so quick are answered. Nick got so good using his power because it’s in his DNA. Had you paid any attention, you would have caught the part where they mention his Dad was a very powerful Mover as well. Yes, it’s a cop out, but the question was answered. The Watcher tracked Cassie because it’s literally impossible NOT to make decisions. Psychologically, everything we do is a decision. So, the decision to enter the store, yeah, that was traceable. THATS how she found her. Kira had taken the drug, meaning her abilities were enhanced, thus making her more powerful than just a Pusher. It’s a movie that takes a little bit of attention and mental processing to like, but in all honesty, it’s just plain mean to call it a load of junk.
I thought the idea and original concept was simply amazing. It’s very intriguing and leaves you wondering about all the potential these characters could harbor. I thought the simplistic plot was, though a little overused, interesting to watch. All good plots are overused, people. I thought that the effects were very well done. The acting could have used some work, but we’re not talking about a film that was supposed to win awards. We’re talking about a film that was put out to make money. Dakota was as amazing as she always is, and if anything, the movie was good simply because she was in it. It’s a high action movie with a lot going on and one that appeals to a relatively small group of people, which is fans of comics and such. It had me wondering what would happen next. I liked it and was looking forward to seeing more, though it seems that shan’t be happening.
I have to agree with the majority- this movie just didn’t do it for me. It seemed too- idk- childish for me. The beginning scenes were good and they caught my attention but I imagined this movie to be a little more, idk, serious and extreme. The idea was definately a great one but the way it was executed took a great idea and totally ruined it. And Nick’s character was just bullshit- completely unneccessary and useless and I feel he took away from the overall productivity of the movie.
All in all, this idea should be handed over to the X-Men director, Im sure he would own this b*tch. PS- Priest totally sucked donkey balls. Now THAT was a waste of money! Not even Maggie Q did it justice.
I kinda liked the movie, but I guess that’s due to personal preference. I agree that this movie is probably best for a drunken late night.
The main criticisms leveled at it where that it lacks direction and doesn’t do very much, and that it’s all filmed in one city, but I actually liked that part the best, it feels more like a ‘hang out’ movie with Dakota Fanning and Chris Evans, with a complex story and cool powers. I definately liked Hong Kong as the set, it’s was an interesting change for me.