Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hr, 50 mins
Cast:
- James McAvoy
- Morgan Freeman
- Angelina Jolie
- Terence Stamp
- Thomas Kretschmann
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Review - "Wanted"
Reviewer: Charise Payne
Rating:
If you're looking for a shoot-em-up and spit-em-out thrill at the movies, Wanted is for you. I loved this film! It was fun, sexy, and adventurous, and the special effects were to die for. The car chases were some of the best I have seen in years, and the special effects reminded me of The Matrix, but without the bad sequels.
Wanted is loosely based off of Mark Millar and J.G. Jones' popular comic book miniseries. Though the film does not keep the ominous tone, it focuses on the adventure and thrill of the comic.
Wanted is about Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy of Atonement and The Last King of Scotland), a loser who lets everyone walk over him. From his cheating girlfriend to his annoying staple-wielding boss to his best friend, everyone treats him with disrespect, and he earns it. Wes believes he is stuck in his awful life and just has to deal. To his surprise, he is about to man-up and find out otherwise.
While getting his prescription filled for his anxiety medication, Wes is approached by a beautiful woman he doesn't know. Her name is Fox (Angelina Jolie), and she is there to save his sorry ass from getting killed. The day before, Wes's father, whom he has no contact with, was murdered, and the assassin is now after Wes. He, of course, thinks she is insane and tries to run from her, but as the bullets fly and the Viper roars, he decides that he is safer, for now, with this trained killer.
Fox takes Wes to meet with an organization of assassins called The Fraternity. He is introduced to the gang, and, most importantly, to the brain behind the business, Sloane (Morgan Freeman). Sloane wants Wes to join The Fraternity and become like them. He also tells him he is the only one who can kill his father's murderer; his unique gift make him the chosen vessel. He explains that his gift causes his heart to beat at 400 beats per minute, and because of that, he can do miraculous things, like curving a bullet to go around a target. Wes isn't convinced. He doesn't think he can do any of this; after all, he is just a lowly accountant. But Sloane has a trick up his sleeve. He gives Wes all of his father's money, more then 3 million USD, and for the first time, Wes feels confident, like he is someone who matters.
He decides to join the band of assassins to see if they are right. After extensive training and beating (that makes his face look like Swiss cheese), Wes can finally hold his own, and most importantly, he can now curve a bullet. Sloane decides it's time for Wes's first kill, and gives him his first assignment. This is where the dilemma begins. Wes can't just kill someone he doesn't know. He needs to know what they did. Were they wicked? Did they do vile things? Wes just doesn't know if he can do this, and the struggle for right and wrong begins within.
Wanted is a film which uses special effects so convincingly that you believe a bullet can be curved if you bend the right way, and that everyone can control their mind to slow time. I mean, isn't that normal? I tried it, but I'm not that gifted.
Wanted has a great cast: James McAvoy is one of the best talents to emerge in years. Anytime I see Ms. Jolie with a gun, it just somehow feels right, like she had a gun instead of a rattle as a child. And Morgan Freeman is, of course, flawless. My issues with the film were the plausibility of things; after all, a bullet can't be curved. Monks don't make cloth that comes from some great, higher power and order murders. And as great as the chase scenes were, no one can drive upside down with their heels on while on the hood of the car. It was totally cool, but not realistic.
Wanted is a great film for adults. There is partial nudity, violence, and swearing, so if you are sensitive to that stuff, the film isn't for you. But if you are looking for adventure, cool effects, hot chase scenes, and a good time, see this film.
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