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Rating: "It'll be the usual American nonsense".
It's easy to have prejudices against a film that comes across as yet another Hollywood mess loaded with special effects, shootouts, scantily clad babes, and whatnot, until that typical evening arrives when you have absolutely nothing to do, and you watch it in expectation of a couple of hours of uncomplicated amusement. And, lo and behold, against all expectations, you find yourself watching a really good film. If approached with the right mindset, that is, not expecting a film that will make cinematic history, this film, the latest work of a Russian director with an impossible name, can truly satisfy those looking for a well-directed and well-acted action movie without having to spend hours discussing philosophy to understand the numerous plot twists (who said "Matrix"?).
The story is simple and concise (it’s an adaptation from a comic book), the script flows well and is worthy of a Tarantino film for its numerous impactful lines (how could one not mention the beginning, “it’s my anorexic boss Janis's birthday”) while the direction and the choice of actors are definitely above average for a commercial action film. Want some examples? James McAvoy (the incredibly unfortunate protagonist of "Atonement"), Angelina Jolie (never looked as beautiful as she does here), Chris Pratt (the friend from "Everwood" now playing a certified jerk), Terence Stamp (almost a cameo, but still impactful), and finally the classy touch, superstar Morgan Freeman in the role of an equally super villain. A band of super criminals, a suitably "super" assassin who hides from sight, an ordinary bank employee who discovers he has superpowers, a fraternity of killers that trains him to uncover the truth behind a top-secret conspiracy; the film itself, as you can see, has few cards to play, but plays them well: a cocktail of B Movie, irony, well-executed action, thanks also to some chilling cinematic sequences (shootouts, chases, explosions, fights) and a well-built twist that will surprise, and indeed not a little, those who allow themselves to be caught up in the story.
Initiation, betrayal, revenge: "Wanted" is a small gem in a genre that nowadays offers less and less and more often than not can provide emotions, futile perhaps, but with great style, that will delight and engage anyone who appreciated simple yet impactful films like "Kill Bill" (don’t come comparing the two, mine is just an example!), and for an evening with a cold beer (and belching freely, I might add), it is without a doubt the perfect choice.
Maybe it’s just me, but I can't wait for the sequel to come out...
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