A very original and sleek action/thriller with a relentless adrenaline rush.

Rating: 8/10 (30 June 2008)

Well, you certainly can't fault "Wanted" for it's originality. There's all kinds of great action to be seen here, and it will satisfy every action fan's wildest dreams. What I like most about the movie is that it is a massive adrenaline rush (which, of course, is what the movie centers around). The action is jaw dropping, crazy, breathtaking, yet not mindless. The movie's plot, albeit progressively unrealistic and unbelievable, always remains a factor. The scenes are not random, and are perfectly contained within the storyline. Notice I said storyline, NOT reality. Timur Bekmambetov is the master of action, as evidenced by the Night Watch films and this action masterpiece.
The acting...Of course, it's an action movie AND it's based on a graphic novel, so I wasn't expecting much here. The acting won't blow you away, but the stars live up to their names. James McAvoy is stellar as the geek turned assassin, a man who has led a nothing life with no purpose, until he meets Fox (Angelina Jolie) and her fellow assassins, led by Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Together, they form The Fraternity. It's certainly not McAvoy's best performance, but he does bring a likable depth to the character, and a tinge of badassery to the part at the end of the film. I enjoyed Jolie's performance the most in the film. There's a certain subtlety to it that doesn't show itself until the end, and you'll leave saying to yourself, "THAT'S why she's considered one of the best of her time...". Common and Thomas Kretschmann add strong showings, along with Morgan Freeman's fierce portrayal of Sloan.
Don't worry too much about the writing. The film gets cheesy at many points, but that IS the point. Bekmambetov knows this, and he continually hits us with mind blowing and crazy action. I was left stupefied multiple times during the film. The film opens and ends with a bang. There's car chases, sniper shots, shootouts, ingenuity, finesse, and even some stealthy action. I really enjoyed Bekmambetov's work on this movie.
The supreme unbelievability of the movie does detract a bit, but it's not like the filmmakers could have changed this. What makes it unbelievable, it's part of the story, and essential to the plot. Wanted is a sleek, sexy, action packed, and wonderful thriller film to offset all the superhero films of late.