Jumper - the movie that was the pilot

For all of you, like me, who are so excited about the special effects and exotic locations of this most dazzling movie, I am sorry to be disappointed.

The true shining star in this film's genealogy is it's director Doug Liman
of Borne Identity and Mr&Mrs Smith and Go, but the rest of the big wigs involved are known more for mediocre works. Screenwriter David S Goyer of Blade's and Batman Begins should give us some indication of the true direction of this movie - straight to video- or in this case to the Tube.
I am so sure that this film was made with the assurance that it was going to be picked up by one of the TV networks as a part of the prime-time supernatural shows that are slowly replacing the defunct reality shows of a few years ago.
It's got all the makings of a half-decent TV show, a young hero with an amazing gift, living amongst us mortals trying to do good, while being chased by a band of obsessive assassins who just want him dead for no rational reason. The hero has a beautiful girl he loves and some not-so-friendly friends that help him along his journey.
Those are the same reasons the movie falls flat: it lacks the Magic of Film making
Though the special effects are exceptional - you really never get bored of THEM, the story however leave much to be desired. The plot is pedestrian, and the script is just thoroughly lacking any sparks. As for the acting, well, leave it to the young Anakin to give the character a full second dimension. And I never figured out what Samuel L Jackson was doing in this - it's actually hard to watch him be so HAMMY.

I believe with all my being that this film was made as a pilot for a TV show that will go into production shortly. It's an ingenious way to recouping the cost of these mega productions - interesting phenomenon.