Almost a Comedy

Rating: 3/10 (11 December 2008)

The film starts with the central character conducting an inner monologue documenting the tedium of his life. In some parts this contained aspects that the everyday nobody could relate to and had some funny parts to it. As this continues I am struck with an overwhelming sense of deja vu. The format and content draws a remarkable resemblance to that of Ed Nortons character in Fight Club, the feeling of not realising ones full potential, the anxiety of day to day living and even a reference to the materialistic values of our society. The characters even look similar, small, weedy and generally unnoticeable. The difference between these two portrayals is Wanted executes it with less charm, subtlety and originality.
The unique selling point of this movie is the characters ability to bend bullets is somewhat milked. We already understood this was a factor in the trailer but we are still subjected to multiple scenes of unnecessary shooting round corners, up, down, sideways and even full circle. What seems to be quite a complex and practised technique is simply picked up by the central character by the cunning use of a montage.
The main premise is introduced about halfway through the film. The questions we have about this fraternity (why? how?) are answered when Morgan Freeman briefs the viewer and lead role on the mystical and hysterical machine; the loom of fate. Morgan Freemans serious tone during this scene could only add to the comedy of the foundation of the film. Hence why this film, I find, was almost a comedy.
I found that none of the characters struck me with any awe, empathy or any interest. The central role is contrived and unoriginal, I did not feel inclined to will him to victory or any sense of justice when his demons were fought and his battles won. The character portrayed by Morgan Freeman was flat and I was given no real clue as to his motivations or overall goals. Lastly, Fox (Jolie), although I can kind of see what they were trying to get at. The sexy, aloof and complicated assassin, I felt too distanced from her and quickly lost interest in any story she might want to tell.
This however is an action movie and we almost expect a few plot holes and whatnot, but in this movie they are just so numerous that at times it is jarring. Example; when the main character falls into a ravine in Europe he is suddenly transported back to America in the very next scene, fit and well, thanks to their invention that has eluded medical professionals, a waxy bath. We are forced to believe that he was saved, and while still unconscious, brought back to America (assumably in a plane), through customs, without a passport, bleeding, by someone that wasn't even present at the time? Overall, this was one of the worst movies I have seen this year, and I could rant for pages regarding the various flaws and ridiculousness of the entire ordeal. However, I would recommend this movie to anyone who has a good sense of humour.