Reel Review: Wanted

Director: Timur Bekmambetov

Cinematography: Mitchell Amundsen

Screenplay: Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Chris Morgan

Runtime: 110 mins

Starring: James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Terence Stamp, Common

Synopsis: Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) lives a mundane, repetitive existence.  He hates his job, his girlfriend is screwing his best friend, and he sees himself as a gutless loser without a purpose.  That is until his life is invaded by Fox (Jolie), she introduces him to a world of “The Fraternity” an elite group of assassins who want to induct him into their society.  Wesley soon learns that he has unique abilities beyond the laws of physics, and a rogue member of the group has just killed that the father he never knew.

In Wanted we have yet another comic book adaptation to add to the magnitude released or awaiting release in 2008.  This one is different for several reasons, firstly I knew nothing of the source material on entering the cinema, and believe that I will be in the majority of ticket buyers for the film, the iconic constraints of Spiderman and Batman therefore do not influence the film in any way.  The other major difference is that most, if not all, comic book films aim to play to both young and old audiences, (12A seemed to be the only certificate given for films this year!) Wanted is a full blown adult action thriller, heads explode, faces are brutally beaten, bones break, so finally a summer blockbuster with an 18 certificate. The violence is actually low key, but if bullets impacting on skulls are not your idea of cinematic fun then steer clear.

Another surprise is the casting; James McAvoy has appeared in a number of big films over the past few years but most will not recognize the name.  I have been a fan of his since his excellent work on the UK television programme Shameless, here he takes the lead in a completely accomplished manor, and will not doubt be seen as a star-making vehicle for him.  As his character is immersed in it’s new world he is of course joined by some major stars, Jolie plays Fox an assassin in “The Fraternity” who gets the job of being Wesley’s drill sergeant for his training.  Morgan Freeman adds his colossal talent as the head of the secret society, Sloan; he shows our protagonist that he has superhuman skills that they want him to use against their renegade member Cross (Thomas Kretschmann), the man who has killed Wesley’s father.

The film quickly moves into high gear as our hero is trained in a sequence of montages that are briefly interrupted for numerous set pieces.  It is in these set pieces that we find some expertly realized action.  Timur Bekmambetov directs his first Hollywood film, an obvious choice after working on the Night/Day Watch movies, which have similar action components, draped in mythology.  Bekmambetov here lets loose with all the tools afforded by a big American production, rapid car chases, kinetic knife fights, CGI bullets, we are treated to some true action inspirations.  He also adds playfulness to the action; you will never look at your keyboard in the same way again.  The pace builds to a mountainous train crash, a scene that is one of the best of the year for style and effects.  However after this set piece the film stalls as it approaches its climax, the revelations of the second half fail to impress and we are left with a finale that seems all to familiar.  This being Wanted’s biggest problem, whilst there are original touches made by the director everything feels as if you’ve seen it before, The Matrix and in particular Equilibrium linger in the mind.  Don’t get me wrong this will be one of the better films of the summer it just does not dazzle in the ways it attempts to.

The direction also displays some pacing issues too; the long training sequences are repetitive, whereas to few scenes move the main plot developments along, this leads to crucial characters being under used, most notably Kretschmann.  The mythology of “The Fraternity” is also overly dwelled upon, the victims of the societies hits are seemingly chosen by deficiencies in woven threads, the assassins have to take their jobs on the faith that they are killing for the greater good.  This is a hard notion to swallow and does not sit well with the tone of the film

There are a number of redeeming features, the conclusion to a number of the character’s narratives is truly inspired, and the final scene will see you leave the cinema with a big smile.  The acting is the most proficient aspect of the film, Jolie has never been as joyous to watch, I have always been a critic of hers but she exudes charm and sex appeal throughout making the character of Fox both interesting and irresistible. Morgan Freeman plays yet another mentor role with ease, can this man put a foot wrong?  It is McAvoy that is the real revelation here though, in both Starter for 10 and The Last King Of Scotland he perfected his ability to show credible character arcs, here he amazes as Wesley transforms from every-man loser to action “superhero”.  As the finale approaches he convinces on every level making the bullet-curving action man seem plausible and exciting.  His American accent is also perfect; some of his fellow countrymen should seek out the films dialect couch.  A star has risen.

Wanted is a film the tries very hard to be an original, action packed, addition to this year’s blockbusters, and whilst it has its violent, unique qualities and excellent cast, the sense of having seen it all before was foremost on my mind after viewing.  There is no doubt you will enjoy this film, I did it, is just another film this year that achieves an adequate level of cinema thrills.

Reel Rating