Wanted
Directed By: Timur Bekmambatov
Writers: Michael Brandt/ Derek Haas
Starring: Angelina Jolie & James McAvoy
Release: 6/27/08
RT: 110 minutes
Rated: R
Wanted is based on Mark Millar’s graphic novel series and envisioned by Director Timur Bekmambetov who is the creator of an extremely successful Russian film franchise called the Night Watch Series. This is his first American film of note outside of his self written Return to Afghanistan. Wanted–tells the tale of an apathetic average Joe’s transformation into a force to be reckoned with who enforces the law.
I am a huge fan of Angelina Jolie because I love the fact that she is a WORKING MOTHER and handles her business on the philanthropy front but I am not usually a fan of action flicks–not because I don’t like action but merely because when I pay almost $12 bucks for a film I want to be stimulated in some sort of way that is meaningful… i.e laughing–you can lose calories that way –crying–it is good for the spirit–or thinking–this is always good for the brain of course 
If it is merely visual effects and stunt doubles I can wait for the dvd or netflix to send it to me. In a time of recession I don’t have the money to waste on a film that MIGHT not be good… and that is a huge MIGHT. The last movies I saw were…sadly… The Zohan (HA!) and a film that is yet to come out in theaters until October that my boss is working on titled “Soul Men”. I haven’t seen a great movie in years. Luckily I got to see Wanted for $ FREE 99.
Universal Pictures has done it once again:
Wanted is based on Mark Millar’s graphic novel series and envisioned by Director Timur Bekmambetov who is the creator of an extremely successful Russian film franchise called the Night Watch Series. This is his first American film of note outside of his self written Return to Afghanistan. Wanted tells the tale of an apathetic average Joe’s transformation into a force to be reckoned with who enforces the law.
25 year old Wesley Gibson is a disgruntled, lazy, disinterested, slacker who constantly gets dissed by his girlfriend and yelled at by his boss. Everyone is certain that Wes will rot at his desk– a no name non contributor to society until he is recruited by Fox (Angelina Jolie), a tattooed seductress member of an ancient band of expertly trained assassins. After his estranged father is murdered, Fox and Frat leader Sloan (Morgan Freeman) recruit Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by activating his dormant killer instincts.
Thus begins Wes’ homeric journey as an avenger. Through Fox’s lessons–Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself. McAvoy quickly discovers his inevitable moral delimma once he realizes tha the he is a natural born killing machine and that there is more to his dangerous counterparts than meets the eye.
And of course through Wes’ heroic journey he must learn that the power he possess’ was always something that no one could ever teach him and that only he control’s his destiny. It sounds very secretesque… I know. For the fellas: there is a sexy rear shot of Angie as she emerges nude from a wax-filled healing tub.
For the ladies: James McAvoy doesn’t really do it much for me in this flick as much as he did in Atonement
If you are going to see this film for character development and intricately developed plot schemes this is not your cup of tea… however if you are merely looking for a great thrill ride filled with CGI, Special Effects, Stuntmen/women, Guns & Sexy Angelina Jolie then go for it! I have given this film an 80% hoping that its box office ratings will roll in that GIANT DOUGH for my good friends at Universal.
