Directed by:
Тимур БекмамбетовCinematography:
Mitchell AmundsenComposer:
Danny ElfmanCast:
James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann, Common, Kristen Hager, Marc Warren, David O'Hara, Konstantin Khabenskiy (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
25-year-old Wes 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 certain this 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. 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 - Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the 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. (Universal Pictures US)
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Reviews (15)
I was expecting a bigger action bomb, everything was is too free and cool for it to captivate me. This is not another Matrix, this loaded and spectacular ride is basically a banal simple story about an outsider who gets beaten up, goes through a tough training, where the ending can be easily guessed. The action scenes are not as excellent as I expected and the slow-motion effects are not as effective as I expected. However, the whole thing looks daring, unconventional, and above all, it doesn't take itself too seriously, so I'm able to accept the bending bullets, the camera gun, the digital high-speed train, and the flying Viper. I have already said that Bekmambetov has a sense and talent for action, but he should finally give it his all and forget about slow-motion and other technical nonsense that only disrupts an otherwise solid pace.
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Or: How the Russians (I know, he’s from Kazakhstan, but still) pays Czechoslovakia a “friendly" visit, like they did in 1968, this time for American money. I’ve liked Bekmambetov ever since Night Watch, but back then he didn’t manage to keep total control. Then, in Day Watch, he let go of the reins far too much. At the beginning of Wanted, my hopeful smile was wiped from my face by the opening action scene. It’s a long time since I saw such dumbness and pure awkwardness on the silver screen. It’s just far too much. I awaited in horror what was to come. But then it managed to push itself off the bottom of the anti-talent pool to incredible quality. Even the Palahniukesque toiling of the main “pimp" indicated that Timur and his gang might manage after all. And then it really gets going, one idea after another. This is an inaccessible action movie in all ways, despite having a functional story, good actors and even that stagnating Danny Elfman is on his way to the top again. And last but not least, you have to get used to an approach where loads of teenagers are fondling their darlings in the street. I mean pistols, not girls. This is a stylish celebration of weapons. But you know what? The arms industry couldn’t hope for a better commercial.
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Let your heart rate increase to 400, let yourself be kissed by Angelina Jolie, and above all, let go of everything. Because it's just futile writhing from nowhere to nowhere. You won't find a more peculiar way to find spiritual revival anytime soon. Twist the path to the bullets, fulfill the mission, or just enjoy it splendidly. Because James McAvoy as the God of Chaos is watching over you and makes you forget that the plot about a woven message is actually just incredible nonsense. So now you can tell me: why are you here...?
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Bekmambetov picks up in Hollywood where he left off in Russia. He just lovingly wrapped the "nothing" plot in a screaming visual package, using A-list actors instead of ribbons. Morgan mentors on a flywheel (not meant in a bad way), Angelina pouts her lips seductively again after a long time, and James boldly shows his ticket to the acting elite club of his generation. I didn't catch on to the anarchy that much (I’m interested in the comics) and the comparison of forces with The Matrix also seems quite wrong to me. Still, I’m definitely giving it a thumbs up, particularly in that Len Wiseman should get one of the DVDs so he can see how to film "over the top" action without necessarily looking stupid. 4 ½.
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If I were a target, Wanted would hit my bullseye. It's got everything I love: Fight Club-style funny lines, action scenes that recall Matrix, and a twist that is delivered when you least expect it. James McAvoy, who I quite liked because of his performance in Atonement, fits the role of Wesley like a glove. He’s convincing as a cowardly loser who takes anti-anxiety pills for breakfast (and, in fact, for snacks, lunch, and dinner) and as a sharpshooter who knows exactly what he wants. Angelina driving a Lada is irresistible (I think Fox is the most important role of her career) and Morgan Freeman is a tough guy once again. I would highlight the perfect action sequence on the Pendolino train, which arouses both amusement and amazement (were they crossing the Macocha Gorge? :-), the fact that they finally mentioned my native Moravia in a foreign action movie, and the impeccable soundtrack by Danny Elfman who also sings the title song.
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