Push

2009

Push

Critics Consensus

The sci-fi thriller Push is visually flashy but hyperkinetic and convoluted.

23%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 126

42%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,026,391
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Movie Info

Lucky Number Slevin director Paul McGuigan takes the helm for this action thriller concerning a group of telekinetic American ex-patriots who band together in an attempt to take down the clandestine government agency that's genetically transforming normal citizens into powerful psychic warriors. The Division is a shadowy government operation devoted to making humankind the ultimate weapon. Those who accept this transformation have the power to move objects with the mind, see the future before it happens, create new realities, and dispense of their enemies without so much as a single touch; those who are unwilling to participate are immediately terminated. Nick Gant (Chris Evans) is a "mover," a second-generation telekinetic who went into hiding after the Division killed his father more than a decade earlier. He lives a life of anonymity in Hong Kong, a densely populated place where fugitive psychics such as himself are safe as long as they can keep their unique gift secret. Suddenly into Nick's life comes 13-year-old "watcher" Cassie Holmes (Dakota Fanning), a clairvoyant who needs his help in tracking down escaped "pusher" Kira, who may hold the key to bringing down the Division once and for all. A "pusher" is the most powerful kind of psychic due to his or her ability to influence the actions of others by planting thoughts in their minds. Now, as Nick emerges from hiding in order to help Cassie find Kira, the Division's human bloodhounds are hot on their trail. In order to elude the authorities, they'll need to disappear into the seedy underbelly of the city while relying on a team of rogue psychics to help cover their tracks. But Division Agent Henry Carver (Djimon Hounsou) is a powerful pusher who has made it his mission to stop them at all costs, regardless of the collateral damages that may occur in the process. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Cast

Chris Evans
as Nick Gant
Dakota Fanning
as Cassie Holmes
Camilla Belle
as Kira Hudson
Djimon Hounsou
as Henry Carver
Cliff Curtis
as Hook Waters
Joel Gretsch
as Nick's Father
Scott Michael Campbell
as Agent Holden
Colin Ford
as Young Nick
Neil Jackson
as Victor Budarin
Ming-Na Wen
as Emily Hu
Ming-Na Wen
Corey Stoll
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Critic Reviews for Push

All Critics (126) | Top Critics (30) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (97)

  • Push is a chase film dolled up with supernatural powers and chintzy retro design motifs.

    Sep 11, 2009 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review…

    Paul Byrnes

    Sydney Morning Herald
    Top Critic

  • McGuigan's saving grace is a willingness to slow down and savour his own images. At best, a moody inconsequence takes over and confusion feels like part of the plan.

    Sep 11, 2009 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Jake Wilson

    The Age (Australia)
    Top Critic

  • Totally watchable, totally forgettable.

    Feb 26, 2009 | Rating: 1/5

    Jonathan Crocker

    Little White Lies
    Top Critic

  • In time this would-be thriller comes to rest with a fist fight, a hanging ending and the implicit promise of a sequel. Of all the calamities that Fanning predicts, Push 2 is one she missed.

    Feb 20, 2009 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…

    Xan Brooks

    Guardian
    Top Critic

  • Silliness rules the day: plot holes abound and are plugged with techno-pounding action sequences and more nonsensical guff. As a TV pilot, this might have worked; as a film, it's loud, confusing and inane.

    Feb 19, 2009 | Rating: 2/6 | Full Review…

    Tom Huddlestone

    Time Out
    Top Critic

  • "What if nothing we did made any sense. Would that throw them off the scent?" Nick asks. You bet.

    Feb 19, 2009 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…

    James Christopher

    Times (UK)
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (126)

Audience Reviews for Push

  • Apr 03, 2015
    A cliche "people with superpower" sci-fi action film. Push follows the silly plot of government wanting to turn these people into super soldiers, the protagonists must race to fight against the government officials. The worst part of the film was probably the soundtrack, it was honestly one of the worst I've ever heard. The cast was pathetic to say the least, I have no idea why Evans would have agreed to be a part of this film. Fanning's acting was sloppy and Belle was entirely unconvincing. You really feel no sympathy for any of the characters after listening to their sob stories. There are no redeeming factors in this film, it's best to avoid.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Apr 14, 2014
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon13.gif[/img]
    Directors C Super Reviewer
  • Dec 04, 2013
    An entertaining thrill ride, Push is exciting and action packed. After receiving a vision, Cassie, a psychic who can see the future, seeks help from a telekinetic named Nick in order to find a mysterious case that she'll be able to use to save her mother. While it's a little derivative, the film does present a unique and intriguing vision of a world with people that have supernatural abilities. And, the abilities are depicted with some interesting visual effects. Starring Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, and Djimon Hounsou, the film is well cast and the performances are pretty good. There are some issues with the tone and the character development, but overall Push is a solid science fiction thriller.
    Dann M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 24, 2012
    People with special abilities and their world are reasonably well described in this American science fiction thriller directed by Paul McGuigan. The story is focused on a group of people born with various superhuman abilities who have to organise themselves together in order to take down a government agency that is using a dangerous drug to enhance their powers in hopes of creating an army of super soldiers. Not bad acting from the stars Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis, Joel Gretsch and Djimon Hounsou. The screenplay was developed in depth (as much as possible) and I even managed to learn some interesting facts about Watchers , Movers, Pushers, Bleeders, Sniffs, Shifters, Wipers, Shadows and Stitches without being overwhelmed with information... but... the screenplay was sometimes too narrative jumble of clichés ! Another interesting thing is that this movie was shot entirely on location, which brings us a fresh look and feel, be it in a chase through a local fish market or the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and bamboo scaffolding of Hong Kong! I liked it!
    Panta O Super Reviewer
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