Wanted
Author: Wyatt Sanderman Day | Published: February 28th, 2009
"Wanted" is a Fast Ride Down a Dead End Street...
And I loved it. Why is a movie about willful bullet bending assassins, who possess superhuman adrenal glands interesting? Action and suspension of disbelief. Why would one suspend disbelief while watching a movie about a fraternity of assassins that take solution baths to "fast track" the healing of wounds, that drive cars into the sides of trains to gain position on an to kill an opponent assassin? For the entertainment of watching seamless action, well acted and cool dialogue, I suppose. Friday night escapism after a very difficult week could be the answer. Regardless, I find movies like "Wanted" entertaining providing that they do not overtly insult my intelligence.
"Wanted" did not insult my intelligence, so I give it a nod, a nudge and 3 1/4 stars for all the fun inside.
Serious actors with credible dialogue can project serious energy, which can pull you into their web and transport one on a wild ride toward the suspension of disbelief. This basic ingredient must be present for the fantastic to become a believable commodity.
Angelina Jolie as the multi-tattooed assassin, Fox, is cool and deadly. James McAvoy as the insecure account representative turned recruited assassin, Wesley Gibson, develops the "ice water running through his veins" attitude of an assassin. Morgan Freeman's character, lead fraternal assassin Sloan, runs counter to his usual sympathetic character as he manifests the absolute sociopath: no remorse and total commitment.
These actors, new Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, and their screenplay by committee group (too numerous to mention) work largely
to give the movie that quick step any good action movie needs, especially one that takes 110 minutes and keeps your attention. Sometimes the movie has the feel of "Fight Club," but not as original, but just as bloody and even more deadly. James McAvoy's character's transformation is vaguely reminiscent of the Edward Norton character in "Fight Club" just minus the clarion schizophrenia of becoming Tyler Durden.
This movie is no classic, but it will not waste your time and I reiterate 3 1/4 stars for all of the adrenaline pumping machismo any good escapist oriented movie lover could want.
Released on DVD December 2, 2008. Rated R.
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