Disappointed

Rating: 6/10 (24 July 2008)

I really enjoy a good assassin or hit-man flick. Really I do.
After a recent string of poor to very bad trained gunmen and assassin-type films (Hitman, Shoot 'Em Up, Smokin' Aces, etc.), I had high expectations for "Wanted" given the top-rate cast and after seeing the stylistic trailer.
Unfortunately, Wanted has way too many flaws to warrant plunking down your $10-$12 to see it in the theater. At best this is a rental. Or if you are patient, wait for it to make it onto HBO or Showtime.
While it has an interesting premise, begins with strong set-up and features some great action sequences, the negatives outweigh the positives. The acting is fairly weak, the development of the protagonist (McAvoy) is rushed and unrealistic (even with my disbelief suspended), the overall pacing is way off, and the plot becomes more and more unbelievable as the movie unfolds. By the time you get to the final act you'll be shaking your head as it is just that bad.
Overall, given the talented cast involved, I was unimpressed.