Thu November 20, 2008

Starring: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie

Runtime: 110 min
Year: 2008

Website
IMDB

Wanted
John McGowan, Entertainment Editor
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Take one ancient fraternity of assassins, add mind and bullet-bending fight scenes, Angelina Jolie in leather, and the quintessential Morgan Freeman. What you've got: Wanted.

This film is destined to be one of the summer's biggest draws in what promises to be a great film season. Wanted builds upon already established genres to create a varied movie experience. From the opening Office Space-like scene to the Matrix-like fighting style, both the comedic and dramatic extremes of the movie spectrum are covered. Even the assassins' idea of vigilante justice draws upon the Boondock Saints and being above the law.

Before you run out to the theater to witness this incredible blend of movie magic, make note of this warning and the key ingredient missing from the mix: a well developed plot. That's right, the eye-popping stunts and graphics take the place of a meaningful storyline for a majority of the movie. Not until the end does the plot truly begin to unravel and thicken to provide for character and plot development. To the movie's credit, an unexpected twist within the final scenes of the movie pulls the audience back into the plot for a final few minutes of suspense and action.

Despite the lack of developed content, Wanted is well worth the price of admission for the visual spectacle and sheer entertainment value. Who can refuse seeing a team of assassins bend the direction of their bullets and hit targets while standing on top of moving trains? While it may not lead to a blockbuster sequel, Wanted works as a stand-alone source for summer action and a few laughs if a night out with friends is on the agenda.