Know What You're Getting Yourself Into

Rating: 4/10 (11 July 2008)

I saw the trailers, like everybody else, that were run up and down the block. The big thing was the curving bullets and the assassin son right-of-passage bit. I gathered it was a new-kind of Matrix-style- effects film. I guess, somewhat in that sense, the film delivered. But the first five minutes had me surprised at the cheap-trick hype of vulgarity usage. Another half hour in and I thought okay, this is like "Shoot 'Em Up" except no Clive Owen. Another fifteen minutes later, as the plot unravels, Angelina Jolie isn't good-looking enough to overcome disinterest in the film. And lastly, I'm thinking, "Wow, at least "Shoot 'Em Up" came off as an action farce. All you had to do was just sit back, laugh, and watch the bullets fly." "Wanted" attempts to delve into a complex plot amid action and drama. But the drama fails to deliver and things only get corny toward the end. After seeing Morgan Freeman last week in "Bucket List" and respecting his reputation as an actor, I was surprised he signed on. James McAvoy's performance in "Last King of Scotland" only makes this film look like he decided to go on acting vacation. And Angelina Jolie......well, expect more Tomb Raider, without the accent. It seems like too many actors with potential are getting role happy these days. What film will Jason Statham show up in next?