Ever since “Twilight” proved that a film just needs “Jersey Shore” caliber acting and a pop soundtrack to make the tweens swoon, we’ve seen a slew of attempted blockbusters try to replicate the pasty Forks, Washington formula. Sadly, if there isn’t a popular book series to pull at fans’ nostalgic appeal, the result is…well, “I Am Number Four”. Considering the creative talents of producer, Michael Bay (“Transformers”), and director, D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia” and “Eagle Eye”), “Four” doesn’t go as badly as it could.

John (Alex Pettyfer) studies his newfound abilities in DreamWorks Pictures’ suspense thriller “I Am Number Four.” (photo by John Bramley courtesy of DreamWorks)

Up and coming 20-something hunk, Alex Pettyfer, plays John Doe, a tortured high schooler who’s actually one of nine alien survivors from the planet, Lorien. We learn early on that he’s fourth in line to be chased down by the villainous Mogadorians, lead by Commander (Kevin Durand), who’s got just a little too much overbite when he talks. Being number four wouldn’t be so bad if Three just bit the big one. Even worse, puberty is definitely hitting hard for our Johnny Number Four as his body goes through some changes. Remember when you woke up one day and looked at the opposite sex in a different way. Well, what if you add blue lights coming out of your hands to adolescent development? Oh, and he can run fast, jump high and somehow knows combat moves even though he’s never been in a fight before.

Now, a “Twilight” remake wouldn’t be complete without some high school drama. Cue “Glee” star, Dianna Agron, as Sarah (let’s have a moment for the original character names, Sarah and John). In truly cliché form, she’s the former class A-lister until an undiscovered love for photography transformed her into an artsy fartsy outcast. What better way for an estranged alien to get to know the lay of the land than with the help of a smokin’ hottie with an increased affinity for Euro-style clothing, photo journals and dreams of leaving home for more extravagant locations.

Let’s get down to brass tacks, this is what happens when “X-Men” and “Twilight” go to high school — no, not “X-Men: Evolution” status, but any teen drama that desires to end each episode with a sappy voiceover and the phrase “xoxo.” All jokes and poor teeny-bopper comparisons aside, “I Am Number Four” is definitely a better film than anything Bella, Edward or Wolfboy could muster. The action scenes are actually satisfying. The performances feel less like reality TV and more like ABC Family primetime: cheesy but not beyond hope.

Number Six (Teresa Palmer) comes out shooting in “I Am Number Four.” The movie is now playing everywhere. (Photo by John Bramley courtesy of DreamWorks)

The actors of note here aren’t our chiseled lead or his damsel in distress, but Johnny Number Four’s protector, Henri (Timothy Olyphant of FX’s “Justified”). He may be the king of B-horror and generic action, but he’s got some decent acting chops, even if he normally works with shoddy dialogue. Teresa Palmer also makes a surprisingly enjoyable appearance as Number Six. Sporting Palmer’s native Aussie accent and rocking a few knives and outer space weaponry, she brings the film some much-needed agility in fight scenes as she teleports from opponent to opponent. Oh yeah, she’s fireproof too.

Like all films with a $60 million budget, “I Am Number Four” is but a taste of hoped-films-to-come. Based on the young-adult sci-fi novel by Pittacus Lore (apparently the pen name of both James Frey and Jobie Hughes…don’t ask, I got nothing), the film was bought more than a year before the book hit stands last August, mirroring the history of “Kick-Ass”. The book is one of six to come, and the film is at least set to be the first of a trilogy (only “Potter” and “Twilight”, somehow, can transcend the rule of three) though it’s weak opening weekend might make it go the way of all things during our wonderful Recession.

It may not be the best superhero-inspired film out there, but it’s better than “Green Hornet” and plenty of other less engaging films of late. Don’t bother with the IMAX experience since you’d spend most of the film watching teenage angst in hi-def. Instead, catch a matinee if you’re bored. Otherwise, wait for more engaging efforts soon to hit the big screen in weeks and months to come.