Movie Review: Wanted

In September of 2007 an action movie arrived on the big screen that simultaneously spoofed the action genre and held its own when compared to other films of its ilk. It was a movie that concerned itself with how many bullets they could unload at one time in as many different situations as possible. The end result was an action film that took the art of gunfire to the extreme end of the spectrum, creating a comedic action film that was an absolute blast to watch. That movie was called Shoot 'Em Up.

You're probably wondering what that has to do with Wanted. The answer is simple — both of these films have a similar, over the top aesthetic, although the tone is different. Anyway, Shoot 'Em Up was the one film that jumped immediately to mind when I first saw footage from Wanted. Both films are excellent, and as similar as they might feel, they are also quite different.

Wanted is based on a comic book series by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones. I have never read the series, but having now seen the film I have the desire to check it out to see how it compares to the live action interpretation. Hopefully it is favorable as the film is pretty wild.

At the center of the story is Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy), a boring young man in a dead end job with a nasty boss and persistent panic attacks. Sounds like a lot of people I know. Anyway, he goes through the motions, working, going home, dealing with his annoying girlfriend, ad infinitum, with no end in sight. One day, while picking up his panic attack medication, he is approached by a woman he will come to know as Fox (Angelina Jolie) who tells him she knew his father.

This catches the mild-mannered Wesley off guard, as he didn't even know his father. This leads to the big reveal of Gibson senior being a top assassin and Wesley possessing the same skills. Of course, Wesley does not exactly believe this is true and proceeds to go about his mundane life. Still, the thought nags at him until it becomes an itch that needs some scratching. He goes and joins up with Fox and her boss, Sloan (Morgan Freeman), where he learns of the generations-old group of assassins called The Fraternity. Yes, I know the name is a little lame, but you can't win them all.

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

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