most WANTED film of the week!

Prior to seeing WANTED I knew nothing about the film or it’s director… obviously I knew going into it that this was Angelina Jolie’s return to kick-assery and James McAvoy’s first leading man role. I promise not to spoil the film for anyone, nothing about plot in this review. This is the Matrix on acid… the cinematography and graphics are insanely crisp and eye-boggling.. most of what occurs during the film’s action sequences are highly improbable, but that makes it 10x more interesting to watch. I kind of got a Matrix meets Fight Club vibe just on the camera angles and bloodshed alone. Be weary, this film is not for the faint of heart or those who cannot take speedy action sequences.

The story line was intriguing throughout, which led to some interesting twists and turns. Unfortunately, I felt that the ending didn’t do the movie justice. I won’t give too much away, but keep your eyes peeled at the end for some amazing action-packed, weapon welding and lunacy… I was literally slammed against the movie seat in complete awe at how everything flowed so well throughout the fight scenes. The movie also packed some decent comedic moments and moments that made you pump your fist in defense of the “every man”. Despite this, I was confused as to how these “assasins” could actually be given that title since they have more collateral damage than a New York City crane.

The acting was top notch, Jolie did her normal hot girl who will kick yo face in shtick and was nice to her see back to form. I haven’t seen much of McAvoy, but if this is his first leading man role he can be sure to expect a ton more after this… he reminded me a lot of Ed Norton’s character in Fight Club. I was disappointed by Morgan Freeman’s performance, he keeps choosing roles that make me feel like he’s an older version of Samuel L. Jackson.. he drops ahelluva line at the end of the film that made me turn to my girlfriend next to me and utter the phrase .. “did Freeman just say that????” The director is a relatively unknown Russian director in the U.S. but a well-known name abroad. He was the man behind bringing Night Watch to theaters in the US. Which is a very popular franchise in Russia, pretty much the Star Wars of the former USSR. This director definitely has a style of his own and translates it well onto the screen, I look forward to seeing what else will come from him.

Overall, this film was a thunderbolt of adrenaline mixed with Red Bull. Don’t go into this film expecting to understand most of the plot and/or to truly care about how it ends… just sit back.. shut your brain off for approximately 2 hours and just be dazzled by the incredible theatrics blowing up all around you. What a great way to start off the summer blockbuster season!

[rating:3/4]

This film is definitely worth your well earned dollars