Wanted

When I first saw the trailer for this movie I wasn't impressed at all. It just looked like another corny action flick designed to fill seats during the Summer. But when the movie was released, I was a bit surprised by all the positive reviews. So I decided to check it out when it came out on video. An impending project suddenly prompted me to move it to the top of the queue. Now that I've seen it I can see why it got good reviews; largely because it's far better than anybody would have expected. This is a case where low expectations work. Sure, there are a lot of gimmicky bullet time-like sequences and some truly over-the-top stunts. But unlike half-hearted action-flicks like Max Payne or the latest Die Hard, this movie is rated-R and wears that distinction proudly; somewhat a rarity for a Summer action movie. There's lots of slow motion shots of bullets going through heads and other gory stuff you'd expect from an edgy action film. It also benefits from a very solid cast, led by James McAvoy. No, Angelina Jolie is not the lead, regardless of the impression you may have derived from the advertising. But she is good in her supporting role, as is Morgan Freeman and Terence Stamp. Overall, this is a movie built to entertain. Set your suspension of disbelief to maximum levels and enjoy.