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Movie Description
Based on a series of graphic novels, this supernatural thriller explores the transformation that occurs when a cubicle-bound nothing of a man (James McAvoy) learns he has magical powers. WANTED costars Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman and arrives courtesy of Timur Bekmambetov, the director of the stunning Night Watch series., IN THEATRES MARCH 28, 2008
Based on a series of graphic novels, this supernatural thriller explores the unbelievable transformation that occurs when a cubicle-bound nothing of a man learns he has magical powers., Loosely based on the comic book miniseries of the same by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones, WANTED, directed by Timur Bekmambetov, follows anxiety-prone office drone Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) as he is inducted into the Fraternity, a clan of powerful killers that counted his father as a member. Pursued by rogue agent Cross (Thomas Kretschmann), Wesley is trained by the sleek, sexy Fox (Angelina Jolie) and the charismatic Sloan (Morgan Freeman), among others, to be just as proficient and deadly as his father. Once Wesley becomes a master assassin, he must confront Cross, and contend with the stunning ramifications of that encounter.
Straying rather far from the WANTED comic's supervillain-centric premise, WANTED runs with the edgy Eastern European aesthetic of Russian helmer Bekmambetov, who garnered international recognition with the stylish vampire epic NIGHT WATCH. While Jolie is a gleefully destructive presence in her action-heavy scenes, the film belongs to McAvoy, who transforms from milquetoast to manhunter with verve and charm. And like the similarly themed THE MATRIX before it, WANTED also showcases some eye-catching special effects, most notably in the loopy concept of "curving bullets." Though devotees of the WANTED comic may be dismayed with the many liberties taken with the story, the movie is undeniably energetic and entertaining, making it fun summer blockbuster fare.
Industry Reviews
"Much of the entertainment value comes from jaw-dropping stunts and explosive action sequences, which are high-octane fun....Highly inventive..."
USA Today - Claudia Puig (06/27/2008)
"WANTED has audacity to burn....Jolie is all wolf, kohl-eyed and coldblooded....The adrenaline-overdose strategy works for viewers as well as hit men."
Los Angeles Times - Sam Adams (06/27/2008)
"[T]here's global realpolitik glee to the filmmaker's fancy-splatter approach to violence."
Entertainment Weekly - Lisa Schwarzbaum (07/11/2008)
4 stars out of 5 -- "Bekmambetov understands pacing and escalation: set-pieces build in intensity, and each sequence is filled with inventive gags or gimmicks..."
Empire - Kim Newman (08/01/2008)
"[I]t rivets your attention....McAvoy's transition from anxious office serf to swaggering killer has some emotional depth and a runty, fearful stoicism."
Sight and Sound - Kate Stables (09/01/2008)
"[I]ts speedily unfolding plotline doesn't disappoint, with as many twists and turns as its characters' stunning mid-air moves."
Premiere - Malina Saval (06/20/2008)
3 stars out of 5 -- "Relentlessly paced, the film barrels by like the express train Jolie bodysurfs..."
Total Film - Mark Salisbury (12/01/2008)
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