Where was I Am Number Four filmed?
2011
City Locations
Pittsburgh, Beaver, Vandergrift, Monaca, Murrysville (Pennsylvania)
Location Types
House, Riverside, Schools/Colleges
Location Styles
Bungalow, Americana/Anywhere, Craftsman, Rustic, School
About I Am Number Four
Unveil the thrilling sci-fi spectacle of 2011 film "I Am Number Four," a visionary adventure carved out by renowned director D. J. Caruso. Immerse yourself in a gripping narrative featuring a cast of brilliant performers, including Alex Pettyfer, Teresa Palmer, Timothy Olyphant, Dianna Agron, and Callan McAuliffe.
The plot orbits around a teenage alien, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), among the nine children who were dispatched to our home planet, Earth, to escape the onslaught of the predatory Mogadorians. John is not just an ordinary teenager but a beacon of hope armed with powers like enhanced strength and agility under the protective wings of his guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant). The Mogadorians, helmed by the fearsome Commander Setrakus Ra (Kevin Durand), are on a relentless hunt in sequence to exterminate the Garde, the nine children.
In the midst of this turmoil, John forms a friendship with Sam (Callan McAuliffe), a dedicated conspiracy theorist. Additionally, his heart becomes intertwined with Sarah Hart (Dianna Agron), a captivating young woman; together, they form a formidable front against the Mogadorians in a desperate struggle to protect Earth. A classic tale of survival, friendship, and love, "I Am Number Four" promises a riveting cinematic expedition.
Despite delivering an enthralling sci-fi experience, the film unfortunately didn't fetch any awards. Regardless, "I Am Number Four" stands as a testament to authentic storytelling, showcasing the potential of the human spirit and the power of unity. Dive into this epic action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.
I Am Number Four Locations
Dive into the cinematic universe of I Am Number Four (2011), an adventure-packed science fiction thriller brought to life in the lush landscapes of Pennsylvania. The captivating backdrop for the majority of the scenes is situated around the delightful town of Beaver, a charming place nestled at the confluence of the Beaver and Ohio rivers, about 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.
The backdrop adds to the movie's aesthetic appeal and highlights the sheer beauty of this corner of the United States. It showcases unique locations like Buttermilk Falls (also known as Homewood Falls), a majestic manifestation of nature's beauty, providing dramatic sequences in the film. These falls lend a rustic charm and scenic delight to the film's canvas.
The movie showcases iconic landmarks like the historical 1200 2nd Street in Beaver, home to intriguing characters, and the grandeur of Franklin Regional High School, 3170 School Road, in Murrysville, adding layers to the movie's depth and personality. The picturesque town of Monaca, with its enchanting rail bridge over the Ohio River, also becomes part of the movie's scenic tapestry.
Visiting these locations would be a rewarding adventure for film buffs and travelers. This is an opportunity to walk through the cinematic journey of 'John Smith,' explore the town that served as 'Paradise, Ohio' in the film, and discover the real-world magic of Pennsylvania's natural beauty and architectural marvels.
John Smith tests his powers scene in I Am Number Four
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, First Avenue & Homewood Borough, Beaver Falls, PA 15010, USA
Lorien (Alex Pettyfer) is guarded by his Warrior/Guardian, Henri (Timothy Olyphant). As an alien from the planet Lorien, he possesses superhuman abilities such as enhanced strength, speed, agility, telekinesis, resistance to fire and heat, and light generation from his hands.
One of the most unforgettable moments in the film happens at Buttermilk Falls, which is also known as Homewood Falls. This scenic locale serves as the backdrop where 'John Smith' experiments with his newly discovered superpowers, resulting in a thrilling exhibition of his enhanced strength and agility.
Buttermilk Falls, located in Beaver County, PA, is a place of scenic beauty. With a height of 46 feet, it is one of the highest waterfalls in the state. The site can be reached via 1st Avenue, which runs west from Big Beaver Boulevard alongside the Pennsylvania Turnpike, approximately 10 miles north of Beaver. In addition to its natural beauty, the site also has historical significance. It was the home of Fred McFeely from 1931 to 1956, and the stone foundations of their home, stable, and swimming area they used as a retreat are still visible.
Visitors can explore a short trail leading to a location behind the falls, offering a unique perspective of this natural wonder. From Pittsburgh, you can reach your destination in just 40 minutes by car using I-279 and I-76 W.
John befriends Sam scene in I Am Number Four
4th St, Monaca, PA, USA
An intriguing friendship forms between Lorien (Alex Pettyfer) and Sam (Callan McAuliffe), a boy often targeted by bullies. Sam, who has always believed in extraterrestrial life due to stories from his missing father, becomes a key accomplice for Lorien in his journey.
The scene unfolds at Sam's house, located alongside the rail bridge just across the Ohio River on Atlantic Avenue at 4th Street in Monaca, Pennsylvania. However, movie fans should know that the house is privately owned and not open for public visits.
Despite this, the town of Monaca itself, first incorporated as Phillipsburg, is worth a detour. Renamed to honor Native American Monacatootha, Monaca offers a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. It's a popular place for retirees and is known for its conservative residents.
Getting to Monaca is straightforward via Route 18, a road that bisects the town and provides picturesque views of the Ohio River. From Pittsburgh, it's approximately a 2-hour bus journey, although this does involve several transfers.
Sarah's house scene in I Am Number Four
1200 2nd St, Beaver, PA 15009, USA
Lorien (Alex Pettyfer), an alien disguised as a typical teenager, meets and falls for Sarah Hart (Dianna Agron). Sarah, a lively girl with a younger brother who enjoys playing games during dinner time, brings a sense of normalcy to Lorien's otherwise extraordinary life.
This poignant scene occurs at Sarah's family home, 1200 2nd Street in Beaver, Pennsylvania. However, movie fans should note that the house is privately owned and, unfortunately, not open for public visitation.
Despite this, Beaver, Pennsylvania itself is worth a trip. Situated 30 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh, between the Beaver and Ohio Rivers, Beaver County offers a tranquil retreat from city life. The region boasts beautiful landscapes, including hardwood forests, rolling hills, river valleys, and streams, conveniently close to urban amenities.
Reaching Beaver County couldn't be easier, particularly for those planning a fun road trip, family vacation, or weekend getaway. It's immediately accessible via the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making it an excellent destination for serenity and adventure. Public buses are available from Pittsburgh, although the journey by road will take nearly 2 hours.
John, Sarah, and Sam are rescued to the school scene in I Am Number Four
Franklin Regional Sr High School, 3200 School Rd, Murrysville, PA 15668, USA
One of the most pivotal scenes occurs at the school. In this scene, the main characters — John (Alex Pettyfer), Sarah (Dianna Agron), and Sam (Callan McAuliffe) — are ambushed by the Commander (Kevin Durand) and his soldiers, who have unleashed two giant monsters to hunt them down. The circumstances appear bleak until Number Six and John's "dog," Bernie Kosar, make a surprising entrance. Bernie Kosar unveils his true identity as a benevolent Chimera with shape-shifting abilities, ultimately turning the tide of the situation.
Paradise Senior Regional High, which, in reality, is Franklin Regional High School, is located at 3170 School Road in Murrysville, approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh. Franklin Regional High School is not merely a filming location but a place of significance within the local community; ranked 27th in Pennsylvania, it continues to function as an operational school.
Due to its status as an active educational institution, interior access to fans and visitors is unfortunately not permitted. However, the school's exterior can still be viewed from a respectful distance. Contacting the school's administration is recommended for more detailed information or specific inquiries.
If you're journeying from Pittsburgh to Franklin Regional High School, begin by heading east on I-376 E. The drive typically takes around 30 minutes, traffic permitting. Alternatively, you can take public transportation - the 2F bus from the Grant St + Oliver stop in Pittsburgh is also an option.
Conclusion
"I Am Number Four" released in 2011, encapsulates an ambitious fusion of the "Twilight" saga's allure and Michael Bay's action-packed extravagance. Unfortunately, this combination results in an uninspired and unoriginal film, failing to stand out despite its willingness to borrow heavily from popular genres.
The actors' performances are overshadowed by excessive CGI and special effects, reducing their roles to mere props amidst chaotic battle scenes. The dialogue feels almost secondary, interspersed between long sequences of visually stunning but ultimately meaningless action. While attempting to inject some life into the narrative, the script falls short of creating memorable moments or meaningful character development.
Despite these shortcomings, the film does succeed in one aspect: its use of locations. Shot mainly in the picturesque town of Beaver, Pennsylvania, the film showcases the region's beauty, using its lush landscapes to create a captivating backdrop for the story.
As for its contribution to the movie industry, "I Am Number Four" does little to push the boundaries of either the sci-fi or teen romance genres. Its reliance on established formulas and lack of originality makes it a forgettable addition to the cinematic landscape.
However, this might be a movie worth watching if you're a fan of action-packed CGI battles and don't mind a lack of story depth. Just be prepared for many senseless action sequences and a plot that doesn't always make sense.
In conclusion, "I Am Number Four" is a film that tries to be many things but fails to excel in them. Its overuse of CGI and lack of a coherent story make it a disappointing watch despite the beautiful locations and promising premise. This film might not be the best choice for those seeking a deep, engaging narrative or groundbreaking cinematic experience.