Like father like son provides much ammunition for thought in the action packed Wanted. Based on the hit graphic comics series from visionary Mark Millar this sassy Universal Studios assault on the senses is thrilling adrenalin seeking fans at Empire Studio 12, Scotiabank Theatre, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.
Escapism kicks into high gear when we meet up with common worker Wesley Gibson. Just a run of the mill employee in some billing department with an accounting designation of sorts, our poor chap is a classic case of the typical guy going nowhere. Come to think of it you may say young Wesley’s life is on a downward spiral. Consider him like the guy at the beach who gets sand kicked in his face. Poor Wes faces countless indignities on the job, at home and with his girl. Contrast this drab and dreary lifestyle to that of his long-forgotten dad.
Apparently Mr. Gibson senior carried on a rather clandestine life as a sort of James Bond freelancer. This elder “statesman’s” main purpose in life was to protect the world. Maxwell Smart, look out! As a member of a secret organization called “The Fraternity” killing was in Mr. Gibson’s heritage. Now, apparently, those coveted shoot to kill genes are also in his son’s blood.
Adrenalin goes into overdrive when Wesley is recruited to join this killing clan. Now, we’ve all seen this story line before. Here, however, the story has lots of meat with all sorts of plot shifts. Under the able direction of ace Russian craftsman Timur Bekmambetov (Night Watch) viewers are swept into this cult of executioners.
Before becoming a full-fledged member of the tribe Wesley is put through an unbelievable training session, not unlike the classic get into shape Rocky regimen. Shades of The Dirty Dozen’s passion for weeding out the wimps also come into play here as mild mannered Wesley becomes quite the elite fighting force.
Tongue in check fun all the way with loads of firepower and unbelievably clever (if not ridiculous) stunts makes Wanted a film worth seeking out. Hot Scottish actor James McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland) comes on strong as an unlikely action star with that perfect swarmy charm to make his character believable. People will be rooting for this underdog all the way as he faces bullying in his “ordinary” life before turning the tables and confronting his challenges head on.
Lissome Angelina Jolie (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) is in fine form as Fox, one of the hired folks out to whip Wesley into shape. Man of all seasons Morgan Freeman (Batman Begins) continues to impress as Sloan, the head of this secretive organization with top notch Terrence Stamp (Get Smart) appearing in a small role as an arms procurer.
Beautiful cinematography and a relentless pace makes Wanted top flight fun as a high octane action romp with an unlikely hero bound to win you over!
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Wanted (18A) * * *
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