Wanted is a hyperkinetic, visually stunning thrill ride from beginning to end

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2016)

While DC and Marvel Comics have the most share in the spotlight for comic-book-to-Hollywood adaptations, it is not uncommon for the lesser known literary material to meet success with endearing cinematic endeavors to the big screen. That is where this gun- blazing action thriller comes to play. Based on the graphic novel by Mark Millar, this action thriller directed by Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov mixes hyper bullet time action with 'Sin City'-style violence to create a stylized Matrix- like bullet-time. From the striking visual flair, to the frenetic gun-blazing action, this film treats moviegoers to a bombastic hard-R adventure that while doesn't engage with a powerful plot nor to fuel the brain with its mythical law of physics with its action, provides just enough pulse-pounding thrills to keep action junkies glued to their seats. From the opening scene to the end, it is clear that the director draws his influence from the 'The Matrix', and he manages to put his semi-distinct vision into a good use. The results are something fresh for the action-thirsty filmgoers to chow down on. This film stars James McAvoy as Wesley, a frustrated and disillusioned Chicago white-collar worker tormented by his boss and living with his unfaithful girlfriend (played by Kristen Hager) who is secretly cheating on him with his best friend Barry (played by Chris Pratt). When he is caught up in an outrageous shootout with a hot-shot assassin Fox (played by Angelina Julie), he learns he is the son of a professional assassin. Fox introduces him to a secret society known as 'The Fraternity' lead by the charismatic Sloan (played by Morgan Freeman). With the help, Wesley must master their powerful abilities to prepare against the fraternity's most powerful enemy.
The film pedals with a plot that is compelling enough, but perhaps nothing special or surprising on an eyebrow-raising level. But that is not the main appeal here as the film's major attraction to the park is the hyper-kinetic action. Director Timur Bekmambetov brings Mark Millar's graphic novel to life with some of the most electrifying action sequences ever put to screen, but certainly not in the way will engage the brain cells. That is because the main attraction in this visually stimulating action is the characters' abilities to curve gun bullets upon firing. Combining elements of bullet-time action that owes homages to the 'The Matrix' and stunning CGI, Bekmambetov brings a hefty hand to setting the action in a powerfully fresh showcase, but does so that like in the source material, rebels against the laws of physics. With bullets flying in a slow motion, curving paths, and at far more than enough times, colliding together in mid-air; this film superbly lands a fair amount of visual compulsion and heart-stopping action to fuel the adrenaline, while pushing the boundaries of physical absurdity. There is also a few car chase sequences added to the mix. While the action is nothing short of fun and excitement, it should not serve as a science lesson to how gun bullets as it is physically impossible to manually curve a gun bullet, and exceptionally rare for opposing bullet to meet in a mid-air collision. Nonetheless, it is clear that Bekmambetov has a clue of what he is doing. The plot moves a fairly decent pace, and the character stand just enough depth of them to make them compelling to watch. James McAvoy delivers a fine performance in the role of Wesley, a zero-to-hero man who discovers hidden ability he never knew he engraved. Although he brings nothing particularly powerful to the table, the actor firmly fits the bill. Easily the most appealing role is Angelina Julie's character Fox, who Julie blesses plentiful amount of grit and eye-appeal to. She firmly establishes herself as a strong, compelling badass chick. Morgan Freeman, the charismatic actor he is, storms the screen with a sound performance as the fraternity leader Sloane, nothing more, nothing less.
Wanted is a compelling ride thrill ride and certainly fits the slot as must-watch for most, if not all action fans everywhere. Although this film never blows any entries of the genre out of the water including in terms of graphic-novel adaptations, it nonetheless makes for an appealing pick for everyone hungry for some hyper- kinetic action.