Movie Review: 'Wanted'

Ever felt like life is passing you by whilst you waste what little time you have left whiling away on a pointless spreadsheet? Do you have a bullying boss? What about untrustworthy friends? Well then, Wanted is the film for you. Call it wish-fulfilment 101.

Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is an average Joe, leading an average life, with average problems seemingly out of his control. Until he meets the Fox (Angelina Jolie) that is. Crashing into his life, Fox reveals herself to be a member of the Fraternity—a centuries-old league of trained assassins imbued with heightened senses, lightning quick reflexes and phenomenal fighting skills. Their motto: kill one, save a thousand.

Recruited into the fold on the promise that he can avenge his long-lost father's death, Wes is subjected to a painful period of conditioning under the tutelage of enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman). Transformed into an uber-assassin, Wes is unleashed into the field and onto the trail of his father's killer, Cross (Thomas Kretschmann), now able to take control of his life no matter where his decisions take him.

Brought to vivid and visceral life via the bonkers mind of visionary director Timur Bekmambetov, Wanted is a unique comic book adaptation amongst an ever-increasing deluge. As crazy as the Russian blockbusters Night Watch and Day Watch that put Bekmambetov on the map, Wanted is an innovative and invigorating feast for the eyes, overflowing with endlessly inventive, eye-popping, extraordinary adult-rated action scenes. Bekmambetov is undoubtedly the real deal: a genuine auteur of action cinema whose pioneering ways may just change the landscape of blockbusters.

Of course, regardless of the strength of set-pieces, the success of any action-centric flick hinges on the humanity at the centre of its story. Transformers™ knew this, Wanted knows it too. Very much Wesley's story, it was essential that the actor at the centre could induce audience identification and make them believe in his transformation.

Therefore, casting the ever-excellent James McAvoy as the mild-mannered, nerdy nice guy was a wise move. Hilarious during the Office Space -aping quirky comedy early on, McAvoy morphs into a menacing and convincing action hero once he develops his astounding abilities, shooting himself onto the A-list all the while.

Surprising, exciting, entertaining, unpredictable, inventive, charismatic, invigorating and truly truly excellent, hopefully in Wanted a new action franchise to love has been born.

Four stars