Review: “Wanted”
Posted on June 29, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
I’m sure I’m not the first to make this comparison, but if I had to describe Wanted using the familiar “X meets Y” formula, I’d go with The Matrix meets Fight Club. The Matrix elements — i.e. bullets that curve through the air, slow-mo shootouts, the whole “Chosen One” theme — definitely work in Wanted. On the other hand, the Fight Club elements — especially the attempts to replicate Edward Norton’s “I am Jack’s inner monologue” shtick — feel a bit forced. Wesley Gibson (played by James McAvoy) comes across in the film not so much existentially downtrodden as just plain whiny. At several points in the film, I found myself wishing the character would just shut up and start shooting stuff already.
Don’t get me wrong; Wanted isn’t necessarily a bad movie. The action sequences are truly out of this world, and Angelina Jolie turns in a compelling performance as a glowering assassin who inducts Wesley into the secretive Fraternity. If only McAvoy’s protagonist were more relatable — or even remotely likable — Wanted could have transcended to that Zen-like cinematic state of Big, Dumb Summer Fun. Unfortunately, it remains one magic bullet short of a full clip.
The verdict: B-
Posted by Jess | Filed Under Pop Culture |
4 comments so far...
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
I agree with most of what you said, except the fact that I wasn’t so much bothered by the inner monologue stuff. I’d give it a B, and totally call it as the Big Dumb Summer Fun Movie. I had a good time.
Could any of us be more excited for The Dark Knight over every single other movie, though? I mean, really?
Hmm I’ll have to check this movie out someday lol. but it sounds and looks cool. I can live with whiny characters.
James McAvoy was yummy enough for me to ignore any of the movie’s weaknesses.
That said I think I’d give it a B overall.
I’d give it a B minus… my issues weren’t with McAvoy, really, it was more the absolutely horrific plot device which Freeman used. Sorry, I’m trying for this comment to remain spoiler-free.
It could just come down to the fact that I haven’t read the graphic novel.