Wanted

Starring: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Common, Terence Stamp, Chris Pratt
Directed by: Timur Bekmambetov
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: An account manager, Wesley (James McAvoy) leading an ordinary life suddenly is confronted by a deadly assassin (Angelina Jolie) and her mysterious boss (Morgan Freeman) with a shocking truth- his absent father was the greatest assassin in the world, and he was recently murdered. Wesley joins the fraternity of assassins, learning their ways in preparation to track down his father's killer and avenge his death.

Review:

Tim: When I watch a movie, I want it to do what it is supposed to do. If it is a romantic comedy, I want it to tug on my heartstrings. If it is a drama, it should tell a compelling story with interesting characters. If it is a horror movie, I want it to frighten me. And, if the film is an action movie, I want it get me excited, thrilled, and preferably, show me something I have never seen before. As an action movie, Wanted delivers everything you could ever ask for in a movie- and even more. It is action-packed, remarkably thrilling and suspenseful, and best of all- delivers some jaw-dropping, unbelievable action sequences the likes of which audiences have never seen before, indeed, could barely even dream possible. I loved Wanted.

One of the greatest strengths of this film is that it takes a hard-to-fathom premise (people can curve bullets, heal remarkably fast, and otherwise defy logic and gravity) and makes it understandably believable. I believed everything in this movie was possible- I believed a man could curve a bullet. The script is excellent in laying this all out. The film also boasts some of the best action sequences I have ever seen. I absolutely loved the scene where Angelina Jolie picks up James McAvoy in the car without stopping. This is one of the coolest scenes I've ever seen. I also have to mention the curving the bullet scenes, the train scene, and more. Best of all, I have to mention the big finale, where McAvoy is running, jumping, twisting, and killing everything in sight. These scenes are amazing.

The cast is excellent as well. I can't even describe how wonderful James McAvoy is in this role. It is a career making role. He was everything you could have asked for in a movie like this. He is believable as the normal loser as well as a coldblooded assassin. He is truly remarkable and I will always be a fan of him due to this one performance. Angelina Jolie is good as well, enjoyable as an experienced, deadly assassin. It is a good role for her. Morgan Freeman is likewise fantastic. He doesn't play the bad guy too often, but he is skilled at it. He has some of the best, most memorable lines of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed all three major actors in this movie.

Wanted also works as a movie because it offers some surprising twists, which keep the film interesting. I also loved that it didn't hold anything back. So many movies feel like they are giving audiences just enough, holding back for the subsequent sequels. This movie did not do that- it put everything it had into the story, sequel be damned (I understand there is a prequel coming). I love that this movie gave audiences its all, regardless of the potential for turning it into a franchise.

Wanted is one of the most exciting, best movies I have seen in a long time. I love this movie. I love the action, the suspense, the performances, the special effects, and the dialogue. It offers one of the greatest final lines of any film. It is a terrific movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Atonement, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Night Watch, Lucky Number Slevin, The Last King of Scotland