By Jordan Sunkel
Round Table editor

I love going to see movie productions of my favorite books. Around Christmas I bought I Am Number Four, and was delighted to find that it was going to be made into a feature-length motion picture. Unfortunately when I went to see the movie, I was less than satisfied.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is based around “John” and “Henri” also known as Number Four and his protector. John and Henri are from Lorien, a planet much like our own.

John and Henri escaped their planet when the Mogadarians, an evil, imperialistic alien species, attacked their home. The Mogadarians’ planet had collapsed on itself, so they chose to take over the next life-sustaining world. Only nineteen people escaped the battle, nine children and their nine guardians.

However, the Mogadarians have used up all of Lorien, and now their sights are set on Earth. The only hope for Earth is the remaining six teens, and the Mogadarians’ know it. To cause the destruction of the human race, they must hunt down the nine.

“In the beginning we were a group of nine. Three are gone, dead. There are six of us left. They are hunting us, and they won’t stop until they’ve killed us all. I am Number Four. I know that I am next.”

Usually John is at terms with the constant running, escaping towns that get too aware. But when John and Henri arrive in Paradise, Ohio, and John meets Sarah, he knows he can’t leave again, not without her. Staying in Paradise is all that he wants, but the Mogadarians are quickly catching up with him.

The novel was absolutely phenomenal. It has equal parts of thrilling events, romance and suspense. Every moment of I Am Number Four leaves the reader wanting to know more, about John and Henri’s families, about the planet of Lorien and about the other remaining five.

Lore himself is a Lorien Elder. He ruled Lorien while it was still thriving, but escaped when it was being attacked. Lore has been living on earth for twelve years, but where he is located is unknown.

I love the fact that the author is using a penname, especially in the fact that he is using a character in the novel. It adds extreme depth and mystery to the novel itself. All throughout the book Lore leaves questions unanswered and questions formed that further intensify the plot.

I was extremely disappointed in the movie. While the movie stands amazingly on its own, it’s a sad adaptation from the book. It seems that the screenwriter cut out major moments in the book and replaced them with incorrect events.

Although I was disappointed in it, there is no reason not to see the movie. It is full of action and adventure, while blending in romance and suspense. The movie is also fantastically cast, with Alex Pettyfer as Number Four and Dianna Agron as Sarah.

The Lorien Legacies series continues to The Power of Six on Aug. 23. I Am Number Four leaves so many questions unanswered that I hope I will learn in time. Until then, I will be anxiously waiting.