From Mind-Bending Twists to Epic Battles: Unleashing the Underrated Marvel Masterpiece Starring James McAvoy and Chris Pratt

The debate surrounding R-rated comic book films has now found a reasonable compromise. Certain characters seamlessly adapt to the more family-friendly PG-13 content, while others require additional creative freedom. The perception of comic book movies has significantly evolved since the Marvel Cinematic Universe emerged. Today, films like Wanted, with its explicit content, would likely not find a place in mainstream theaters, a sentiment shared by many viewers.

Mark Millar is a complex figure within the comic book world. While his name is associated with numerous beloved graphic novels, he is also recognized as one of the most divisive creators of all time. His work exudes a distinct coldness, darkness, and sadness, permeated with various forms of unpleasantness. Unlike the therapeutic darkness found in Frank Miller's exceptional creations, Millar's storytelling often comes across as cruel. It is conceivable that residing within Millar's psyche might erode one's capacity for empathy.

What is Wanted about?

Why was Wanted so poorly received?

Wesley Gibson's life is filled with misery. Trapped in a demeaning office job under a demanding boss, he faces daily humiliation. Adding to his woes, his girlfriend is both cruel and unfaithful, while his so-called best friend, a jerk in his own right, is sleeping with her. Wesley's existence is plagued by frequent panic attacks, leaving him reliant on medication. With nobody showing him any respect, Wesley finds himself standing in line at the pharmacy, when suddenly, two assassins emerge. Cross, a legendary hitman, is determined to end his life, while a captivating femme fatale named Fox intervenes, saving him from certain death. As Wesley regains consciousness in an abandoned warehouse, he is confronted by Sloan, Fox's boss, who reveals a startling truth – they are members of an ancient secret society called the Fraternity. For centuries, this elite group of assassins has upheld balance and order in the world. Even more astonishing, Sloan discloses that Wesley's very own father was once part of their ranks, passing down supernatural abilities that now reside within him. In a bid to bring down Cross, Sloan urges Wesley to undergo intense training and embrace his destiny as a master assassin.

Wanted is an impeccably-produced action film with a captivating signature gimmick. The primary highlight of the movie that remains etched in most viewers' minds is the ability of the main characters to curve bullets. This ingenious trick grants them a slight superhuman ability while still keeping them grounded in reality, without the ability to fly or shoot lasers. Their unique skill allows them to eliminate targets in extraordinary ways that no one else can replicate. The action sequences are flawlessly executed, reminiscent of other outstanding action films, featuring a multitude of diverse and engaging set pieces. Although the cast of characters mostly embodies one-dimensional archetypes, their portrayal is exceptional. Angelina Jolie's performance in particular has been widely acclaimed. She delivers a solid performance as an action star, slightly undermined by the film's conclusion. James McAvoy effectively embodies both versions of Wesley, effortlessly portraying the downtrodden everyman as well as the determined avenger. Additionally, Morgan Freeman delivers a remarkably enjoyable performance as Sloan, a role that one would struggle to envision him in today. Wanted encompasses several commendable elements; however, it does not achieve perfection in every aspect.

How does Wanted end?

Mark Millar's body of work is incredibly repulsive, leaving readers with an overwhelming desire to cleanse themselves after each encounter. Although the adaptation somewhat lessens the repugnance, Millar's repellant, hateful, toxic, and malicious touch is still evident in the text. The dialogue is a mixed bag, with forgettable lore and only a few noteworthy conversations occurring as incidental exchanges between assassins. There is a potential concept in portraying contract killing as just another job, possibly even paralleling it with Wesley's office routine, but it fails to fully exploit this idea where necessary. Similar to all of Millar's creations, Wanted perceives the world in absolutes of good and evil. Only a minute fraction of humanity is deemed enlightened, their actions beyond reproach, while everyone else is depicted as non-playable characters in a poorly constructed video game. This philosophy resonates with individuals who take Fight Club too seriously, and this damning criticism is the harshest judgment a film of this nature can possibly receive.

The Fraternity's driving force revolves around an enigmatic object known as the Loom of Fate, which selects individuals destined to sow chaos. The loyal assassins unquestioningly pursue the targets designated by the Loom. Following numerous successful missions, Wesley's name emerges on the Loom as a target. Fox is secretly assigned the mission to eliminate him. Wesley eventually traces and confronts Cross, engaging in a life-or-death battle aboard a moving train. Unexpectedly, Cross intervenes to save Wesley from plummeting to his demise, enabling Wesley to exact his revenge by eliminating Cross. Cross's supplier retrieves Wesley and discloses the shocking truth that Cross was his father. Having defected from the Fraternity upon discovering Sloan's deceitful manipulation of targets through the Loom, Cross's betrayal fuels Wesley's unyielding thirst for vengeance as he unleashes his wrath upon the Fraternity.

Wesley successfully executes his assault using the unique tactics taught by his fellow assassins. Upon reaching Sloan's office, he finds himself surrounded. Sloan reveals that, according to the loom, every member of the Fraternity was marked as a target. Fox, remaining loyal to the loom's commands, skillfully redirects a bullet through the room, eliminating all the Fraternity members, including herself. Sloan and Wesley manage to escape unscathed. Wesley seemingly resumes his mundane office job, giving the impression that he has returned to his previous dreadful life. Sloan enters the office with the intention of killing Wesley, only to discover a decoy in his place. Meanwhile, Wesley eliminates Sloan using a sniper rifle from Cross's apartment across town. The film concludes with Wesley turning towards the camera, posing the question to the audience about their recent accomplishments.

Regrettably, the response to Wesley's final query will be the same for every viewer. They have witnessed a movie featuring impressive action sequences and commendable performances, but marred by some of the most strained and forced writing of its time. Wanted would benefit from a thoughtfully edited compilation. Watch it for Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy in captivating action scenes, but be prepared to tune out whenever dialogue is spoken.