Today’s quick review: Wanted. Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), an unmotivated accountant who suffers from panic attacks, gets torn from his miserable life when he is targeted by Cross (Thomas Kretschmann), a traitor to an ancient order of assassins known as the Fraternity. Fox (Angelina Jolie), a steely assassin, saves Wesley’s life and takes him to Sloan (Morgan Freeman), the leader of the Fraternity, who shows Wesley how to use powers he never even dreamed of.
Wanted is a stylized action movie based on the comic book by Mark Millar. The movie weds the attitude of Fight Club to the combat of The Matrix. While it falls short of either film, it brims with flashy action that makes it worth a look. The tone fits right in with the other two films, preaching a message of confidence and nonconformity justified by a hidden world of brutal violence.
Where Wanted excels is its action. The movie’s many stunts are fueled by a simple premise: Wesley is one of a handful of people with the unusual biochemistry required to pull off incredible feats of marksmanship, agility, and physical strength. Wanted uses this premise to good effect, with frantic chase scenes, improbable driving, and firefights unlike anything else in cinema, all backed by polished CGI, inventive camera work, and proper use of slow motion.
Unfortunately, Wanted does not live up to its spiritual predecessors in terms of writing, characters, or themes. The plot paints by the numbers, offering a few surprises but never quite setting itself apart. The main cast are not used to their full potential, and the supporting characters are paper-thin. The theme of nonconformity never becomes deep or philosophical, nor do the moral questions raised by the existence of the Fraternity.
Action fans are encouraged to give Wanted a shot. While the movie has the potential for greatness, its polish and creativity only extend to its action sequences, with little substance to back up the flash. Those who come in expecting the whole package will be disappointed, while those just looking for a popcorn action flick will have a fun time.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for elaborate, stylish action sequences with little depth.