Plot: Based on the graphic novel, The Assassins, the Fraternity is a secret society of assassins who have been killing for years. They recruit a man who looks like a nobody on the surface, Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), but just like them, he has the ability to bend bullets. Sloan (Morgan Freeman) and Fox (Angelina Jolie) need Wesley to help take down a rogue assassin before they're all dead. Who’s It For? It's violent, there's eye candy, and most of it has to do with guns, so it's most definitely a guy movie.
Expectations: I assumed McAvoy wasn't the right fit, Freeman hasn't made a good film in a while, and Jolie ... yeah, she's still got it. The previews gave me a hint of The Matrix and Fight Club and that's not bad company.
SCORECARD (1-10)
Actors: James McAvoy as Wesley Gibson: As soon as the voice over starts, I was worried. But that only lasted for a couple seconds. There is fantastic character development to where you openly root for, and get nervous for Wesley as he attempts to learn about his secret destiny. It could have turned into a bad imitation of Office Space or Norton in Fight Club, but McAvoy rises above. And yes, it was an adjustment to see McAvoy be the action star after films such as Atonement and Becoming Jane, but sans accent, he was great. Score: 8
Angelina Jolie as Fox: Her character name might as well have been named "smokin' hot." Jolie is exactly who men want to be rescued by, and her hints of flirtation and kickassedness (it's a word) worked to perfection. The only flaw was Fox's back story was a bit predictable and didn't bring me closer to her character. Score: 7
Morgan Freeman as Sloan: Yeah! Freeman's back. He's a part of a good movie AND he didn't bother us with a voice-over just because he can. Well done, sir. He did over stay his welcome as his first half is much better than the second, but none the less, it's an improvement for Freeman, who definitely needed one. Can you tell I didn't care for The Bucket List? Score: 6
Talking: I already mentioned that the voice over worked and the dialogue in the office completely rings true if you've ever had to spend time in a cubicle. The film attempts to explain how the list of victims is chosen, and while it's a little head-scratching, at that point you are already invested and allow the benefit of doubt. Score: 6
Sights & Sounds: The opening action sequence is the perfect tease. Just the right amount of gun fire to keep us drooling for more while we learn about the mild-mannered Wesley. Sure, bending bullets is an evolution/copy from The Matrix, so? Score: 8
PLOT SPOILERS
Best Scene: I will restate that it is the opening action sequence with Mr. X (David O'Hara) leaping out of the building to finish his job of killing. But I am also a sucker for training montages, and Wanted delivers on that front as well.
Ending: Ouch. Here is where the movie runs too long and explains too much. I would have loved something open-ended that would have made this film truly memorable. I few tweaks and it could have ended on the train.
Questions: My one huge problem with the film comes with Wesley taking down almost everyone at the Fraternity. The Matrix allowed us to have mindless violence because Neo had to kill everyone. Shouldn't Welsey have found out if everyone was trying to double cross him, or perhaps there was just one individual behind the betrayal? Also, Terrence Stamp seems to be vying for Actor of the Year, with this being the second of six possible roles in 2008.
OVERALL The phrase, imitation is the best form of flattery, has been said to death. But, since there is a lot of death in Wanted I figured I was allowed to break it out again. Simply put, this film is borrowed/created from Fight Club and The Matrix. It's a poor man's, but it's not that far off from those great films. Solid performances across the board, but it would have been nice for Common to get a little more work. The first half of the film is definitely the strong suit and maybe I will be in the minority thinking the film should have left me hanging just a little instead of overstaying it's welcome. It's still early in the year, but for the best action film, it's between this an Iron Man. Score: 7 out of 10