I Am Number Four, engaging science fiction

Director D.J. Caruso treated sci-fi fans to this thrilling coming-of-age adventure of an alien hero based on the popular young adult novel by Jobie Hughes.

Relative newcomer Dianna Agron was a great find in the role of the wary Sarah, who helps fuel the chemistry with protagonist Petr (Alex Pettyfer).

Despite the heavy demands of CGI, Caruso manages to balance action and characterisation to flesh out John's mysterious origins in Lorien. Timothy Olyphant plays the nefarious alien hunter.

The rich production values of John's secret powers kept me on edge. Each climactic battle featured cunning choreography.

This sci-fi break offers a dimension beyond the typical alien invasion by exploring John's displacement and identity on Earth. Thoughtful themes amidst the spectacle.

With the potential of the franchise, it's a shame the subsequent films weren't as well plotted. But the first instalment left me wanting much more of the alien romance between Agron and Pettyfer.

Audiences embraced the new alien concept and it opened at number 1 at the box office, earning $56 million worldwide against a $50 million budget. Demonstrating great interest.

Although reviews were mixed, critics praised Pettyfer's engaging portrayal of the title character and Caruso's taut direction of the well-paced action scenes.