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SOUND OFF

Sound Off: Wanted - What Did You Think?

by Alex Billington
June 27, 2008

Now that you've seen it, what did you think? After being moved from February to late June, Russian director Timur Bekmambetov's Wanted makes its summer debut amidst a strong line-up of other comic book movies and big hitters. How does it compare? Is Wanted the surprise hit of the summer? Has Timur pulled off an incredible action movie headlined by James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie? Or is Wanted a boring, already-seen-before action flick with not a single ounce of originality? How does it compare to summer season so far - the best or the worst of what you've seen? Sound off below, leave your thoughts, and let us know what you thought of Wanted.

To fuel the fire, I loved Wanted! I didn't just enjoy it, I loved it. This movie took me by complete surprise. It was a solid action flick from start to finish. I thought James McAvoy did a fine job of playing a fresh new superhero and really added a unique feeling to the film. Wanted to me is like rock music: every band uses the same instruments to make their music, but each band has their own distinct sound and style. Some bands sound way better than others. Wanted is an action film that uses all of the same elements of nearly every action film, but is done with so much unique style and substance that it stands out above the rest. Fantastic work from Timur Bekmambetov - Wanted kicked ass!

What did you think of Wanted? One of the best or worst action movies this summer?

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Related categories: Discussion, Hype, Sound Off

Spider

Great flick! Good acting, cool plot, a really good twist, great action! A big plus to Angelina Jolie's (ass)ets!! Definitely worth checking out!
John

It was definately a solid popcorn/action flick. It had distinct and obvious inspiration from movies such as the matrix and the Bourne series. I wouldn't say I loved it, however I thought the movie kicked ass, was action packed, and was overall a solid film with a good plot. I am anxious to see what the discussed sequel will bring to the table, and will be there again on oppening night.
Nick

Absolute garbage. One of the worst movies of the summer. And probably the year. No amount of visual shenanigans can save this paper thin barely an excuse for a plot. How anyone can say this is a good movie when the Weavers/Loom ridiculous comes up, is beyond me... A popcorn flick does not have to be intellectually bankrupt, but unfortunately this is usually the case nowadays. People use the excuse of a "fun popcorn flick" to excuse massive shortcomings in script and storytelling. Timur Bekmambetov should go to 2nd Unit Directing where his obvious gift for action would be better suited. I also noticed that Wanted is the main advertiser on this site at the moment so it's no wonder that the sites reviewers are so positive. Please don't see this movie. Don't give support to bottom of the barrel Hollywood crap.
alan

hey nick what the fuck is wrong with you all the reviews i read were great and the movie was awsome cant wait for the sequel good plot and stop with damn conspiracies ok the house was packed and every one left happy and blown away so i don't no what the hell is wrong with you
Marqwest

Hey Dude! Its a blog, which mean's if some one want's to call it a "popcorn flick" then let them. That's why it's a blog and not an actual f'ed up critics review like you just gave....and not to mention it's a frigging "movie". Not all of us are expecting Schindler's List.
Fish

Pretty cool movie. Reminded me of the Matrix. I wish it was more true to the comic book series, super villiains and all that. Great special effects, bullets hitting bullets. I believe that viewers not critics decide if the movie is good or not. It can be the worst movie of the year and yet it made a lot of money at the box office. Does profit justify the film, whether the film is good or not, judging its special effects, screenplay, acting, storyline. I believe if you have a solid plus in each area then the movie is great. This movie, Wanted, it tried, the acting was fine, the special effects great, but the storyline and characters were off, need to be true to his source. If you're going to use a book or comic books you should stay with the book or comic book, but sometimes the movie is better than the book or comic book. I was a little disappointed with Wanted for not staying true to his source but its not bad. If you want to see a great movie watch Wall-E.
Pickle

Hey Nick(#3)! Chill the f*ck out! This is the purpose of this blog--to document our opinions. If you hated this film-ok. But nothing gives you the right to bash others for chiming in their thoughts. Btw, I loved this film. Maybe you should have checked out......Wall-E instead.
PimpSlapStick

I knew I wouldn't like it, but I must admit I didn't hate it. Pure fluff and it had jack shit to do with the comic it's based on yet it was just OK.
Kevin

Just came back from Wanted. Pure enjoyable bloody action. It's no masterpiece, but it's fun.
http://screenrant.com ScreenRant.com

Matrix wannabe that was trying to hard to look cool. Didn't hate it, but I feel no need to ever see it again. And that final scene with a bullet traveling in a circle around the room while going through multiple people's heads.... What... the hell was THAT? Vic
chelo12

I wanted to write somthing to describe what I just saw today. Then I found this quote on-line from a movie critic. "Wanted may be the most absolutely stone bonkers, crazy-good movie of the century. Or it may be a gargantuan piece of trash. Chances are it's a combination of the two. But man, does it rock." I agree this movie rocks go see it.
Nunya

@ScreenRant.com - way to go! Next time try at least mentioning SPOILER in your post!
Kellie

Mark Millar said that "(Timur) just absolutely got it and kept about 70% of the book." Yikes. More like 70% is nothing like the book. As a huge fan of the comic series, I had to separate the two and just acknowledge that they are two entities. But at the end of the day, I liked it. It was different in a good way. The ending with Fox seemed a bit far fetched, but then again, most of the movie was.
http://www.zigwa.com James

People should stop comparing it to the comic and let the movie be what it is, inspired by the original source material.
Cody

Hey nick, OF COURSE THERE GOING TO HAVE MOVIE ADS ON A MOVIE FAN SITE YA DUMB ASS
jeanine

A must see!! I felt like it was a cross between Fight Club and Equilibrium - Another plus, the music is by Danny Elfman.
The Marcus

Alex, will you please stop calling Wesley a superhero?
purplecow

Bloody violence like Kill Bill --- twisty effects like The Matrix ---- upclose & personal slap you in the face like Fight Club ----- fantastical events like any other comic-book-based story. Although I feel the story could have been better , with more details -- it did all fit together... ..... Jolie straight up rocks! I loved the movie
Jason

The entire theatre jumped when the first unexpected gunshot went off in the meat factory. There was applause at the end "What have you done today?" It was expected in every way, you knew the end before you went in but you enjoyed the ride anyway. Solid acting oddly enough, only the train falling is totally impossible (like the Viper scenes happen every day in LA) I mean the rest of the unrealism is in check with their abilities. A movie with jokes that doesn't take itself too seriously. Solid! If you are reading this, I assume you have seen it.
john

First off, amazing movie, but i don't see how there can be a sequel. DO NOT READ THIS IF U DO NOT WANT THE ENDING RUINED!!!!!!!!!! Angelina jolie for the most part, MADE this movie, plus everyone was killed, what else can they do, nothing, this movie ended great and should be left this way. would i love to see a sequel damn right, but only if angelina was in it, or at least someone left alive to go after. now in my opinion what would have been cool is if when the bullet was flying around the room at the end, just when it was about to hit "fox" Wesley shot the bullet with the gun she tossed him and saved her.
Faust

Awesome movie... period. If you like seeing people get shot in the head, F'bombs, and angelina jolie's sexy ass then i highly recommend you see this movie. So far its my favorite movie of the year, tho i missed iron man in the beginning of the summer... oh well...
Unseen

Awesome action and sweet sequences that I have never seen before. I loved the Nightwatch series and he is a great foreign director and look forward to the sequels. I dont have time to write more, sorry but I loved the movie for what it was.
Rob G

It rocked! Yeah, yeah, thin plot seen-it matrix moves blah blah blah...Who gives a crap? Go see the awesome action sequences and serious, outrageous violence and be entertained
R.C.

It was a good basic fun summer action flick. Things like the loom of destiny and Wesley's superpowers can be accepted because right at the start we see the "dad" do impossible things and so we know our rules don't apply to the 'Wanted' world. Maybe not great, but definitely fun. Just felt sorry for rats, they didn't deserve that.
http://www.patriciaappelquist.com Patricia

I saw the late showing last night. Early in the day I saw Wall-e. I kid you not..halfway thru the movie I thought ...this would be a great cartoon too. Okay, I will stop there. Definately a "Fight Club/Matrix/modern day spaghetti Western" so much so I expected to see Clint Eastwood walk on. Definately, a simple movie that will make a lot of money. So if the trajectory is right...James McAvoy will now do a film with Kiera Knightley that will suck . Morgan Freeman will give up acting and start directing small indie films Angelina Jolie will have her twins and adopt more kids and make whatever film she wants because she doesn't have to become a character more than she already is...what I mean to say Angelina doesn't stop being Angelina in a film anymore...especially without any specialized makeup...seriously like Gwen Paltrow in Shallow Hal makeup. all because this movie does what it is suppose to do ...entertain you for approximately 120 minutes. Go see it again...you know you will and get the DVD and watch the special features and put the screen saver on your computer...at least that my date said he'd do.
Fenris

It was cool but some things were a bit OTt in a stupid way, liek the russian car chasing a 100kph train lol ! and the supermarket truck chasing the supercar lol
sam

if i wanted to see Matrix, or Kill Bill, or Star Wars (the little twist) i would of watch them. this movie sucked. it should of been stright to dvd.
Omega

i went to see it last night. it was one of those movies that when u walk out, u want to change your life. i was definently glad i went to see it. and true some of it wasnt reallistic but really what movie is nowadays. and those twist made that movie better. i never suspected any of them. the slowmo scenes were off the chain. im glad i went and saw it.
Reverend

I really enjoyed it. Great action film.
Ryan

Meh. I've experienced better. It was nothing at all like it's source material, except maybe in tone. Which I figured it would be until a week ago, when Mark Millar himself said that it was very like the source material (BLAST! tricked again). Anyway, I took the film in as a separate entity, and came away disappointed. I didn't think it was awful per say. a popcorn fueled action flick, but even then I felt it was pretty hollow. Let's just say there was a lot of room for improvement.
Dina

I saw it last night and loved it! Yes, people compare scenes to other movies, but I thought the car, slow mo and bullet scenes were great. I went to see it because of James McAvoy. He is an actor that can play just about any part there is and play it extremely well, I think anyway. I enjoy Angelina and Morgan as well and they all played off each other perfectly.
RandyG

Yeah, I have to agree it's the best movie I've seen this year so far. Iron Man was excellent and satisfying but Wanted was thrilling like Terminator 1 and 2, The Matrix and 300. There were so many interesting twists and visuals, as well as a strong moral question regarding doing the right thing or doing the easy thing. and Nick, you're an idiot.
Nettle

Just to let ya'll know, I saw in an interview with one of the comic's writers that that they deliberately delineated from the original story because they thought it would be more fun to show on screen and easier to ingest. He said the first half hour was almost perfect, then the middle was totally different, then the very ending was very similar
Will

I went to the midnight show of Wanted, expectin' it to be par for the course in comparison to the other movies so far this summer. I was thoroughly impressed. The great score by Danny Elfman is near perfect, save for the inability to buy "The Little Things" as a single song on iTunes. I digress though. A great solid action flick. Doesn't measure up to the Bourne series, as I feel those films set the bar for all future action films. Though, to be fair, this movie didn't intend to have a strong plot. In fact, the character break at the end was enough to prove it. As far as action sequences go, they were strong and in your face. I didn't expect the laugh out loud moments that the movie featured as well. Morgan Freeman swearing was surprising as well, but who wouldn't use choice words when bullets are flying? All in all, a decent action film. Definitely one to watch.
Alfredo

Really damn good movie. My friends and I all agreed though, that the best parts of the movie had already been shown in the trailers. Those ppl that make trailers need to chill in showing all the highs in the movie. I'm sure if I hadn't seen all those ultra-cool parts like 20 times by the time I watched the movie I would've been more in awe of the whole product.
Ivan A. Arcaya,Sr.

I loved the movie and the comic series. It is understandable that the comic series couldn't be translated into the screen. Some of the comic characters would not have been acceptable to non-comic book fans. Mark Millar made the right decision in keeping most of the characters and scenes from the comic series out of the movie. This will give the movie a wider audience and allow for a sequel.
SHANE D

Good movie not sure if it was worth the full price. Note to all the people that see this, throw logic out the window.
http://notjustnewmovies.blogspot.com Ben

Much better than I thought. This year's "Shoot 'Em Up," but better.
3nigma

I thought it was going 2 be another regular shooting movie, but it wasn't. It had great actors, mild humor, and Angelina Jolie's ass. Curving bullets, that's something you don't see anywhere. I really enjoed it and can't wait until the dvd comes out. P.S. The Dark Knight will be better.
Richard

This movie was a real mixed bag for me and I was super-hyped to see this. There are some SPOILERS below to watch out. The first this I thought when this movie started was Fight Club and it stayed true to that style with a bit of Matrix/Borne thrown in. I liked how they just said fuck it make it Rated R. Thats the first good thing, secondly McAvoy was actually awesome, I liked his character, hes a good damn actor, thirdly some scenes were cool as shit, I loved the train scene falling off the tracks. Bad things, well hmm it seemed new yet old. I actually didn't like Jolie that much, she used to be really hot, in this see seemed almost anorexic, maybe just to me but oh well, secondly if these guys were that bad ass at shooting/killing people it seems like chases and fights would be useless, like they wouldn't need to do that they'd just curve bullets all over the place and kill whoever whenever, that leads me to he bullet curve thing. Yes Cool, to a point but when the backtrack the bullet from like a dude head thru 10 buildings, some cards, between a train car, thru a donut, etc etc etc etc, it gets just stupid, that took me out of the movie big time. So. I liked it, I wasn't dying to talk about it or anything after, and personally think that Ironman and Hulk are still kings of the hill for the summer so far, as far as comic movies go. I will buy the DVD tho so I guess that qualifies as a success. PS Cant wait to see Wall-E tomorrow but even if I love it I don't think I can compare it to movies like these, they are too different.
movieraider321

I loved this movie. Only one movie previously has made me walking out of the theater thinking "I can kick anyone's ass." And that was 300. An awesome movie, great action packed extravaganza, seriously go watch it. Worth the money imo.
that guy

the story was awesome. the action, top of the line. besides it had Morgan Freeman, even if the movie would have been a bomb, it would be saved by his mere presence. i gotta say, seeing Mr. Tumnus killing people was the biggest shock to me. and did anyone else leave the theatre thinking that it was too short a flick? that was the only disappointment to me. i wanted more. i still do. i'm going to have some bad ass dreams tonight i'll tell you what. gun barrel in an eye socket human shield type shit.
Jordan

i thought this movie was a ton of freaking fun to see. the last scene was amazing. on the level of equilibrium gunfights. loads of fun. go if you love over the top action. don't compare it to the matrix. there are no computer systems. just cause the movie bullets that don't fly straight doesn't mean that you have to compare it to the matrix.
iDavid

The movie absolutely ROCKED. The viper sequence and the rest just kicked so much ass. This was a non-stop action popcorn movie. As to the poster above complaining about the weavers and the loom, this was based off a comic book, buy yourself a clue. Was a totally cool use of the matix bullet time. The movie was a great afternoon of total kickass fun.
tinman

I saw the movie last night. I did not have high hopes for it but Wall-E was sold out. I walked out of the theater pleasantly surprised. I've never read any of the comics so I don't have that bias. good points and bad points for me. I thought the car scenes (specifically the sideways flips) were absolutely ridiculous and should not have been quite so overdone. Made me think of Transporter2 (which I hated) As Richard(#40) said, the backtracking of the bullets was a bit too much. A block or two timed between trains okay but the number of obstacles they had in there just made it seem like something you wouldn't even see in a comic. The gunwork was fantastic. A lot of fun ideas thrown in there and no matrix-style bullet time; there was still a time dilation in there but it was done quite a bit differently. The main character was believable (as far as superhuman abilites like 400bpm heartrates can go) and very well acted. The only character I really didn't care for was Fox. I think the last role I saw where I thought Angelina Jolie was worth the salary was Hackers All in all though, I found it a lot of fun and well worth seeing on the big screen.
blake b

I EFFING LOVED THIS MOVIE.. even the cheesy/corny, unnecessary things.. they fit in perfectly! lol I left this movie feeling like the biggest badass in the world.. I'm glad there wasn't a really big guy in the theatre lobby, because if there was.. i would have drop-kicked him in the chest, just for the hell of it!! If you love Action Violence Stupid Comedy, and Angalina Jolie and want something different,(or if Wall-E is sold out), go watch this movie... overall 9 out of 10
that guy

and if you forget how to spell Angelina, we won't hold it against you.
OldSchool

Loved the trailers,was very excited to see it, was completely let down. Once again the best parts are in the trailers. Oh sure there was blood and violence not seen in the trailers but who cares. The story was weak, the fights were cliche and the camera work was annoying. Anyone who calls this a combination of Fight Club and The Matrix better mean loose story wise because that's about it. Those two films are incredible and worth watching over and over. This one, wait for the second run showing. Please, no sequel.
Nick

From Mick LaSalle's review of "Wanted" at the San Francisco Chronicle: "How powerless -- how threatened, how desperate, how beat up, how angry, how precarious, how hungry for success and in despair of ever achieving it -- do people have to be to invest emotionally in the story of a nobody who becomes a murderer? I'd say, "A lot," and that the sound of cheering you'll hear tonight in the multiplex is not good news."
Nick

http://hollywood-elsewhere.com/2008/06/nothing_to_prai.php
Joel Mismo

Thanks for leting me know that this flick is not like the comic book, I was looking forward to that, I don't think I'll be paying to see a diferent "adaptation" of the Wanted premise. Dissapointed, and I haven't seen the movie yet!
C.M Lamson

I thought it was delicious, and I'm not just talking about Angelina Jolie's ass. Loved every second of it. I mean, how awesome do you have to be to be nine thousand years old and still kick ass?! Cheers to you Morgan Freeman. Loved it.
iDavid

Well I read the review from the pussy over at hollywood elsewhere. Wanted is simply a kick-ass action movie. Is it derivative? Sure! Does it deliver in the action area? Sure does! Does it violate the laws of physics and probability? Absolutely. Does it Rock? I sure enough does. Guys like that other reviewer should just spend their time watching Sex in the City, Steel Magnolias, The sisterhood of the traveling porky pants and other chick flicks. Turn in your man cards dudes. Wanted was a great summer popcorn flick. It certainly has no pretensions of being Atonement. Spend your bile dumping on crap like "the love guru" and "heartbreak kid" and Zohan (grinding on and having sex with really old women?). The great popcorn movies so far have been Ironman, incredible Hulk and soon The Dark Knight. And possibly the new mummy movie. Eagle eye looks good as well.
Ray

good fucken movie!
Crapola

Great film, not really like the matrix at all. It does have bullets in it, but what action film doesn't? The directors style is like a moving painting, but with laughs.
Claudia77

Horrible unrealistic cheesy movie. DON"T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY on this STINKER!
http://www.classicuggaustralia.com/ lanny

this is absolutely strong movie. not really like matrix at all I agree. title has enough attraction already.