Lights, psychics, Hong Kong action – ever heard of "Push"? You might've missed it. Released in 2009, this superhero thriller slipped your radar. But hold on. We're diving deep into this forgotten gem. It stars Chris Evans before Captain America and Dakota Fanning.
Push: A Psychic Showdown in Hong Kong
So, what's "Push" about? Imagine a world with real psychic powers. But these abilities aren't celebrated. It's more about government conspiracy and less about Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Our story starts with Nick Gant, played by Chris Evans.
Nick is not your average guy. His father was an assassin with psychic abilities. Unfortunately, pops gets killed by Division, a secretive government agency obsessed with psychic warfare and experimental drugs. Sounds like a fun government job.
Nick, understandably upset over his father's death, swears revenge. Where does he hide and plot? In Hong Kong's underworld, of course. It’s perfect for brooding and gathering a team of rogue psychics. Think of it like Ocean's Eleven but with mind powers.
After his father's murder, Nick decides Division must go. This agency isn't about paperwork; they’re deep into psychic warfare. It’s probably more efficient than regular warfare. They also dabble in experimental drugs to spice things up.
Nick seeks refuge and vengeance in the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong. It’s where he starts assembling his team of psychic misfits. Together with Cassie, played by Dakota Fanning, he embarks on a quest to find a missing girl and a stolen suitcase. This suitcase is no ordinary suitcase; it’s the key to taking down Division.
Now, is "Push" worth your time? That depends on your taste for superhero thrillers with sci-fi action. Don’t expect any Oscars. Reviews are mixed on Rotten Tomatoes. If you want psychic powers and Hong Kong scenery before Chris Evans became Captain America, it might fit the bill. Just don’t expect a cinematic masterpiece; it’s more of a popcorn flick with mind-bending abilities.
"Push" wears the genres of superhero thriller, action, and sci-fi proudly. It’s a cocktail of genres with a side of psychic powers. As noted by
The backdrop of Hong Kong isn’t just for aesthetics. The movie was shot on location. Those tight streets and winding alleyways add authenticity to the film. Hong Kong itself becomes nearly a character, offering a visually appealing and claustrophobic setting for the psychic chase.
For those curious, "Push" isn’t based on a comic or YA novel. It's an original story from David Bourla. No pre-existing fan base to please or disappoint, just a fresh concept on screen. Bourla and McGuigan collaborated to bring this psychic world to life.
Paul McGuigan directed this project. He blends superhero tropes with thriller narratives against Hong Kong's vibrant backdrop. Whether he succeeded is debatable, but he certainly tried. The cast? We have Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning, with Camilla Belle rounding out the main trio.
"Push" features Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, and Camilla Belle. Evans flexes his action chops pre-Captain America. Fanning, a seasoned actress despite her age, plays the future-seeing Cassie. Belle adds depth to the ensemble. This trio sounds promising on paper.
Decoding the Psychic Roster in "Push"
Let’s talk about the psychic powers in "Push." The film does not shy away from a variety of psychic abilities. Forget standard telekinesis; we have nine types of psychics with their own unique powers. It’s like a psychic buffet where everyone gets a dish.
What are these nine psychic types? Hold onto your hats: Movers, Pushers, Watchers, Bleeders, Sniffs, Shifters, Wipers, Shadows, and Stitchers. Each type has distinct powers, contributing to a diverse psychic landscape. It’s more nuanced than just moving things with your mind.
First are the **Movers**. Classic telekinetics who manipulate objects with their minds. Think table flips and redirected bullets. Movers can act at varying distances, making them versatile in fights. They focus on moving objects, making them handy if you lose your keys.
Next are the **Pushers**. These guys are real mind-benders. Pushers can implant beliefs into others’ minds, making you think things that aren’t true. Imagine thinking you parked on the moon; that’s a Pusher’s power. They manipulate perceptions and wreak havoc on realities.
Then come the **Watchers**. They glimpse the future in flashes and scenes but can’t always control what they see. Their visions can be crucial to the plot. Cassie, Fanning's character, is a Watcher; having future glimpses is like spoilers for your life.
Brace for the **Bleeders** next! These are sonic screamers emitting high-pitched vibrations. They can rupture blood vessels through sound waves. Prolonged exposure messes up dense objects too; not ideal unless you want to clear a room.
**Sniffs** follow next; no, they aren't dogs! Sniffs can detect traces of people or objects through smell. They give crucial insights during missions and add a layer of depth to the narrative.
Psychometrics track people or objects. They get a "sniff" to locate. Need a missing person or a stolen item? Call a Sniff. They act like psychic bloodhounds. Hopefully, less slobbery than actual bloodhounds.
**Shifters** are illusionists. They change how things look using light. Think real-life psychic Photoshop. Shifters create brief illusions. Some can keep them longer and work on bigger objects. It’s all light and psychic particles, like smoke and mirrors.
Next, we have **Wipers**. Details on them are scarce. Are they memory-wipers or cleaners? Their mystery makes them intriguing. They may lack flash compared to other psychics, adding to the uncertainty.
**Shadows** are similarly enigmatic. Are they stealth psychics? Do they manipulate shadows? Are they experts in hiding? Like Wipers, Shadows leave us guessing, possibly the ninjas of the psychic realm, lurking in darkness.
Lastly, there are **Stitchers**. They act as healers and psychic surgeons. Stitchers quickly restore cells with their hands. They heal physical injuries effectively. Broken bones and cuts are easy for them. They can "unheal" repairs, which is ethically questionable but useful. Imagine a psychic medic on speed dial—that's Stitcher power.
Dakota Fanning: Child Star to Psychic Watcher
Let’s focus on Dakota Fanning. She plays Cassie Holmes in "Push." By 2009, she was an experienced actress. She started young. In "Push," she is a teenager, portraying Cassie, the powerful Watcher’s daughter. Genetics and psychic powers often mix well.
During filming, Dakota was around 14 years old. Yes, just fourteen. Viewers noted her tiny miniskirt throughout the film. For a character of her age, it raised eyebrows. It clashed with her character’s supposed demeanor. Fashion choices in psychic thrillers can be puzzling.
Despite the miniskirt issue, Fanning's talent shone through. At just 14, she had a remarkable resume, sharing scenes with A-list Hollywood stars. Tom Cruise, Charlize Theron, Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington—she has acted alongside them all. Not bad for a teenager.
About Tom Cruise, Fanning and Cruise have cinematic history. She played his daughter in "War of the Worlds." In movie terms, Dakota claims Tom as her on-screen dad. From alien battles to psychic plots, she covers diverse roles.
Dakota Fanning's breakout role was in "I Am Sam." She played Lucy, daughter of Sam Dawson, played by Sean Penn. Sam has a developmental disability. Her performance received wide acclaim. At seven years old, Fanning earned a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) nomination. She became the youngest nominee in SAG history. Young and striking a splash.
Agent Carver: The Nightmare Pusher
Every epic superhero story has a compelling villain. "Push" features Agent Henry Carver, played by Djimon Hounsou. Carver is the antagonist and thorn in Cassie's and Nick’s side. He is a Division agent, questioning his morality. He is a powerful Pusher with mind manipulation abilities.
Carver's villainy is personal. He brutally killed Nick’s father. So, Nick seeks revenge against Carver and Division. This adds depth to the trope of revenge. Carver represents Division’s ruthlessness and psychic oppression Nick fights against.
Djimon Hounsou excels as Carver. He brings force and intelligence to the character. As a powerful Pusher and Division agent, he is psychically formidable. His threat goes beyond physical might; he manipulates minds effectively.
Push: The Path Not Taken
Is "Push" based on a book? No, initially. The 2009 film comes from David Bourla’s original story. It was not adapted from any existing novel or comic series, making it a standalone screenplay.
However, confusion arises with a novel named "Push." Another "Push," by Sapphire, was published in 1996. There is a movie adaptation of Sapphire's "Push," but it’s not the 2009 film. That adaptation is "Precious," based on Sapphire's book. It creates complications.
To clarify: “Push” (2009), featuring Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning, is not initially based on any book. "Precious" (2009) stems from Sapphire's novel "Push." Two different films share a title but enter different realms—cinema and drama.
Interestingly, Sapphire’s novel has a sequel called "The Kid." Published later in 2011, this book follows the original's themes. While "Push" (2009) lacks direct sequels, the literary universe expanded with Sapphire’s work.
As for sequels, there were early plans for a “Push” television series in 2010, but they never materialized. Thus, "Push" stands alone without expansions to smaller formats. The psychic world of "Push" remains confined to the single film.
Also, there is another book series called "The Push," written by Ashley Audrain. It involves her own sequel named "The Whispers." Yet again, this relates only to Ashley Audrain’s series, not the psychic movie "Push." The title "Push" is quite popular and leads to potential confusion.
"Push," "Jumper," "Next": A Shared Power Universe?
Could “Push” belong to a larger cinematic universe? Some fans suggest connections between "Push," "Jumper," and "Next." This theory posits that these films might exist within the same world despite no official confirmations. It presents a fun "what if" scenario for movie enthusiasts.
Thematic similarities support this theory. "Jumper" showcases teleportation while “Next” deals with precognition. "Push" features distinct psychic abilities too. Each film presents individuals with extraordinary powers facing governmental threats. It opens doors for a shared universe—albeit unofficially.
Sapphire's "Push": The Literary Comparison
Now, back to Sapphire's "Push," often confused with the movie version. This novel, published in 1996, addresses very different themes from the film "Push." It's valuable to separate these two narratives for clarity.
than psychic action. The book later got renamed "Precious" for the movie adaptation.
Sapphire's "Push" tackles themes like abuse, illiteracy, and poverty. It shows the struggles of marginalized communities in the inner city. The book has a stark view of urban life. It contrasts with the sci-fi elements of the 2009 movie "Push." The literary "Push" shows social realism. The cinematic "Push" explores thrills.
The book "Push" became "Precious" for the movie. This change avoided confusion with other works. It also matched the film's title, "Precious." If you want the source of "Precious," look for Sapphire's novel. It began as "Push," but now is called "Precious" in book form.
Dakota Fanning: Beyond the Psychic Gaze
Let us look at Dakota Fanning's background. She is more than her role in "Push." Both her parents were professional athletes. They were not actors or Hollywood types. This shows diverse family talents. Their athletic background may have given Dakota discipline and focus in acting early on.
Fanning and her sister, Elle Fanning, grew up as Southern Baptists. Their religion influenced their upbringing. This offers insight into their family's values. They followed the Southern Baptist denomination, which shaped their lives.
Dakota Fanning has a mix of English, French, Irish, and German roots. A true American blend. She and her family identify as Southern Baptist. This combines her heritage with her values. Hollywood stars, too, have varied backgrounds.
Yes, Dakota has a younger sister, Elle Fanning. Elle is also an actress. She is known for roles in "Maleficent" and "The Neon Demon." The Fanning sisters are a rare Hollywood duo with success in acting. Dakota is the elder sister. She paved the way for Elle's entry into the acting realm.
Beyond acting, Dakota pursued education. She earned her degree in women's studies from New York University in 2016. Child stars can also go to college and explore complex subjects. Fanning's degree shows her interest beyond acting. It highlights her diverse ambitions.
In a recent interview, Fanning mentioned learning Italian for "Ripley." This showcases her commitment to her roles. She is ready to face challenges, such as learning languages. From psychic Watchers to Italian-speaking roles, Dakota Fanning evolves. Her journey blends psychic thrills with a diverse Hollywood background.
Responses (0 )