Based upon Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov—creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the Night Watch series—Wanted tellsthe tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the worldwill be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson.25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy) was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certainthis disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut.Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie).After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself.With wickedly brilliant tutors—including the Fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman)—Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he beginsto realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meetsthe eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.
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"Wanted to love it, wanted to like it, got neither"
The willing suspension of disbelief. Some of you will remember that from your school days. Some of you will be learning about it at the moment. Some of you will have absolutely no idea what I'm on about. The willing suspension of disbelief is a necessity for us to enjoy films that we know are a bit far fetched, but in the interests of having a good time, we let the odd unbelievable action slide.
Making a film based on a comic, but with the heroes lacking any kind of super powers was always going to be difficult. The shooting round corners - I can deal with that. The unbelievable car stunts - willing to let that slide. But jumping 40 metres between two sky scrapers whilst killing 5 men purely on a boost of adrenalin - that really was a bridge too far.
I really did want to like this film. The cast is impressive enough - Morgan Freeman, James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie are some of the best actors of their respective generations. They don't tend to pick very bad films. I thought the film would have a chance. Then I got in there, and saw the previous credits of the writers - 2 Fast 2 Furious - game over.
Morgan Freeman will look back at this film and cry. And if he doesn't, then he's lost the will to act - such a great actor should never have been made to utter some of the drivel that this film serves up. Sure enough there are some funny moments, decent actions scenes, and even quite a good performance from McAvoy as Wesley Gibson, but it's just not cohesive enough to pull it all together. The pacing of the film is off - some sections taking too long, and some being over far too quickly. The ending isn't clever - it's obvious. And even as a no brainer action flick, it's just too far fetched to be enjoyable.