A mindless action flick with outstanding performances

Rating: 7/10 (10 August 2008)

Many comic books and action and fantasy films focus on empowerment. The protagonists of many of these (think...Luke Skywalker, Peter Parker and Harry Potter) are thought to be rather dull people. Of course, no one knows about their secret identity/life. Usually, these characters are taken out of their normal day by an older, wiser figure and taught the ways of a hero. Wanted is just this, with James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, a boring account manager being whisked out of an ordinary life by Fox (Angelina Jolie). Ms. Fox is what I'd call a "super-assassin," and she hands him over to Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Sloan reveals he is heir to the skills of a master hit-man and has a place in the Fraternity. The Fraternity are a secret society that was formed by an order of weavers receiving coded messages from the "Loom of Fate." These messages give them their targets who they are required to assassinate.
This plot is merely a way for Timur Bekmambetov (from Night Watch and Day Watch fame) to stage some truly amazing action sequences. And when I say amazing, I really mean it. Although many of them defy all laws of physics, they provide escapist entertainment in the highest form. The train sequence is probably the most intense and mind-blowing scene I have seen in an action movie this year. Since this isn't bidding for an M rating, the fights are bloody and gruesome, in particular, Wesley's training process. Headshots galore mixed in with brutal fist and knife fights pervade the fight scenes, but in a good way. Through these scenes, we are left to decide: "Are these guys really that good?" Throughout the film it seems that question always sprung into mind, which lifted this from a mere blockbuster level.
The acting is good from everyone involved. McAvoy, boyishly charming and sometimes scary, carries off a tricky role and proves he can hold his own in an action movie as well as literary adaptations. Angelina Jolie, looking gorgeous as always, has never been more charismatic on screen, unfortunately, she has barely any screen time and about 6 lines. If ever there was a case of an actress being underused, this is it. Freeman plays the usual father figure in the first half, but takes an unexpected turn in the climax. In a year filled with lackluster summer blockbusters, Wanted serves up the good. A cast with great chemistry, stupendous and bloody action and enough twists, turns and surprises to fool viewers who think they know the story.
Bekmambetov's Wanted is indeed wanted in this viewer's opinion. It may not be the best movie out there, but damn it, it is one of the most entertaining.
3½/5