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In Hollywood, it's an extraordinarily scarce occurrence to behold an action film that isn't afraid to push the boundaries in terms of violence and carnage. Wanted is an incredibly entertaining, hardcore action film submerged in an ocean dominated by lacklustre sequels and films that are hopelessly overhyped. With 2008's summer line-up featuring The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Get Smart, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull among several others, it's a breath of fresh air to witness a production such as this.
At its core, Wanted is an amalgamation of The Matrix and Shoot 'Em Up. It's a combination of jaw-droppingly awesome action with thrilling plot twists and complex characters. Timur Bekmambetov proves to be a foreign action director with a keen grasp of the action genre. This is his first American movie, and he proves that he's the most exciting action émigré since John Woo. Better yet, this isn't mindless action garbage. In a season featuring predictable action yarn, Wanted offers adequate twists, turns and revelations to even deceive viewers who believe they know the story.
The film is based on a series of comic books, but don't be fooled - this isn't Spider-Man, Batman or some other comic book adaptation for the kiddies...this is a graphic, hardcore, mature and adult adaptation not to be taken lightly. Instead of some costume-donning superhero, Wanted tells the tale of one lethargic nobody's transformation into a supreme enforcer of justice.
Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) is bored with his insignificant existence. By day he's dwelling in an office cubicle as an accountant while his boss chews his ear off constantly...by night his girlfriend is either ignoring him or whining constantly. He seems like an ordinary bloke until it's revealed that he's the son of a professional assassin. Following the death of his estranged father, Wesley is recruited into a secret society known as the Fraternity. Wesley is trained to follow in his father's footsteps and ascend to the rank of a first-rate, expert assassin.
Director Bekmambetov indulges in an abundance of carnage and destruction. Unlike various American action directors (such as Michael Bay), Bekmambetov appreciates pacing and intensification: action scenes escalate the film's intensity, and each sequence is overflowing with ingenious gags or gimmicks. This is one example of slow motion being employed more effectively. I commonly abhor the use of slo-mo, but here it's elegant, classy and valuable. Many of the director's distinguishing cinematic techniques are mind-blowing. Every action scene is pervaded with adrenaline and innovative filmmaking. Insert a score courtesy of Danny Elfman and you can't go wrong!
On top of that, the script is smart enough to stay away from clichés and preposterous dialogue. Granted the final 20 minutes become increasingly silly, but it's still a fun ride to take. The frequent plot twists are skilfully written and well-realised. The final half in particular is overflowing with shocking surprises.
James McAvoy proves an excellent casting choice to pull off a tricky role. Think Fight Club meets Office Space before tossing in some James Bond. McAvoy is charming and charismatic, while also being occasionally scary. He's given a great script to work with.
Angelina Jolie has never been much of an actress as her prime talent is that body of hers...but her character never calls for any Oscar moments. She is determined to do what she can.
Morgan Freeman is impeccable as the enigmatic leader of the Fraternity: Sloan. One of the film's highlights is Freeman exclaiming "Kill that motherf**ker!" I think he's taking his influences from Samuel L. Jackson.
For me, Thomas Kretschmann was the standout performer. Unfortunately he isn't utilised frequently enough, and is confined to a minor role. The actor still delivers one of the most memorable performances.
Overall, Wanted is stuck in a filmmaking age dominated by watered down action flicks. Films as hardcore as this are a rarity, so be sure not to miss this one! This is also a blueprint of a hardcore action film done right. Like Stallone's Rambo, films like these give action fans a glimmer of hope for the future.
7.9/10
"It's a choice, Wesley, that each of us must face: to remain ordinary, pathetic, beat-down, coasting through a miserable existence, like sheep herded by fate - or you can take control of your own destiny and join us, releasing the caged wolf you have inside."
