Push
Performance & Direction: Push Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Push (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Science Fiction.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Science Fiction is often anchored by its ensemble, and Push features a noteworthy lineup led by Chris Evans . Supported by the likes of Dakota Fanning and Camilla Belle , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Push
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Push is a Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Thriller film directed by Paul McGuigan. The narrative explores futuristic concepts and technological possibilities while examining humanity. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Chris Evans.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. After his father, an assassin, is brutally murdered, Nick Gant vows revenge on Division, the covert government agency that dabbles in psychic warfare and experimental drugs. Hiding in Hong Kong's underworld, Nick assembles a band of rogue psychics dedicated to destroying Division. Together with Cassie, a teenage clairvoyant, Nick goes in search of a missing girl and a stolen suitcase that could be the key to accomplishing their mutual goal. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Chris Evans's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Push
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Paul McGuigan, Push concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to science fiction resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Chris Evans, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the science fiction themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Push reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Push?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Science Fiction films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Chris Evans or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Push
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $38.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $49.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Push Budget
The estimated production budget for Push is $38.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Push
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Push Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StorePush Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Push age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Push is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Push is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Push worth watching?
Push is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Science Fiction movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Push parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Push identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Push?
The total duration of Push is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Push
How Push Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Push
***People with various mental abilities fighting each other in Hong Kong over a suitcase*** Three individuals with mind powers in Hong Kong (Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning & Camilla Belle) vie with agents of a shadowy government agency called the Division over a mysterious suitcase. The super powers include pushers, who can push thoughts into other’s minds; movers, who have the power of telekinesis; watchers, who are seers; sniffers, who can find others; shadowers, who can block watchers and sniffers; screamers, who can attack through shrieks; and more. Djimon Hounsou plays the head agent of the Division. “Push” (2009) is a thriller that combines the style and themes of “Lucy” (2014) with the surreal take on a major Asian city of “Lost in Translation” (2003). Imagine the abilities of Professor X, Jean Grey and Magneto of the “X-Men” flicks, but without the costumes and superhero trappings, and you’d have a good idea of “Push.” The setting of Hong Kong is a highlight, but it focuses mostly on the working class underbelly rather than the posh areas of Tokyo seen in “Lost in Translation.” The style is hip and kinetic, like “Lucy” and “Eye of the Beholder” (1998), and the film does a good job of keeping the complicated elements understandable to the viewer. There’s also a quality score/soundtrack. Yet it’s the least of all these pics mentioned. The story’s just not as engrossing, but it’s not too far off either. The Division is suggestive of MK Ultra on steroids. The film runs 1 hour, 51 minutes and was shot in Hong Kong. GRADE: B-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Chris Evans
