Just watched Wanted on Blu-ray

SPOILERS -- SPOILERS -- SPOILERS

If Hollywood were to ever pass out an award category for the “most over-the-top movie”, “Wanted” would take the prize for all films over the past three decades. Not that the movie was not entertaining, it just went to extremes that are more common in the comic book genre. Perhaps “Wanted” is based from some graphic novel, but I really wouldn’t know because it’s never been a field of interest for me. Nevertheless, “Wanted” has the feel of an adaption from a graphic novel of some kind. Not to mention, and after reading all the buzz during summer of 2008, I knew I had to enter this movie leaving the brain at the door.

Even though it is majorly over-the-top, and obviously meant to be that way, it does have all the non-stop action, a few laughs, twists and the usual “secret organization” plot that make it all the more fun for fans of the genre. It’s loud, explosive, energetic and moves like a turbo charged locomotive on steroids. I think if the boys on “MythBusters” were to ever do an episode based on all the physics and stunts performed in this movie then everything would be busted. However, I can’t deny I found it fun, popcorn entertainment, even though the relentless pacing at times was a weakness to the plot. In fact, some if the film’s strengths were literally its weaknesses, but if you can manage to not take the film seriously whatsoever, then it’s easy enough to enjoy.

Now, my favorite scene in the film was watching Wesley, James McAvoy, quit his job. It was hardly an action moment but his boss was such a bitch that she had it coming. Plus, Wesley getting the added bonus of knocking his best friends tooth out with an ergonomic keyboard as he’s leaving the office made the violent side of me jump for joy. Sure, in real life you simply go to the HR department and file a complaint about harassment from your boss and your best buddy screwing your girl friend. However, this is an action film that reaches beyond veracity, so the suspension of reality is not only asked for, it’s a requirement.

The overall performances were good enough as can be expected in this kind of movie. Morgan Freeman is always the solid presence he is and he doesn’t fail to deliver that persona we all know too well. Angelina Jolie works her performance well enough but it isn’t like we haven’t seen her in this kind of roll before, so don’t expect any surprises. Jolie did have a small sub-plot to her character, but it was quickly disposed of as soon as we learn anything in favor of more relentless action. I’m not too familiar with James McAvoy but I felt he fit into his roll well enough to enjoy him for a couple hours. Had the film slowed down enough to get in some good old fashioned character development, we may have had an even better movie, which doesn’t seem to be a novel idea in Hollywood these days. But like it is said in “Shawshank Redemption”, never give up hope.

7/10


As far as PQ goes, I can’t say this is one of the best I’ve seen on Blu-ray. It seemed a tad grainier than I’m used to seeing and I was forced to make some adjustments on my Plasma to clear out some of the noise. The down side of that, and in order to get the clarity I was looking for, it slightly washed out the color. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s still a really good picture when put up against other formats, it’s just that I’ve seen better quality on other Blu-ray movies I own. Nevertheless, it makes me wonder if it’s really all that better than the SD version, and in my opinion, there may not be many major differences. On the DVDTOWN scale, I’d give the PQ about a 7/10, but I’m sure opinions may vary.

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[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Dec 3, 2008 - CST 2:04 AM]

Overall, I liked the movie. The thing that stood out the most to me was the Nine Inch Nails song "Every Day Is Exactly The Same". There couldn't have been a better use of a song than in that particular bit of the movie. Oh yeah, and I can't wait to freeze frame on Angelina Jolie's ass.

--SPOILERS

I Skipped the theatrical release of this one and saw it on DVD.
Most notable scene for me is at the end when jolie kind of "decides" for everyone to commit mass suicide and then you have yet another bullet time sequence.

It was over the top, and very similar to the director's previous work.
Night and day watch were interesting films to watch, specially coming from a market like Russia.
Taking a subjective view at them however, they were both some kind of twisted "Underworld meets Se7en" Clones.

They both share similarities to their story with wanted, but make no mistake, it's a pop corn movie. Don't expect great dialog apart from cheesy one-liners, or great sequences apart from the tens of bullet time sequences.

One might say "you said it yourself, it's a popcorn movie, how can you expect that?"
Well, take a look at Iron Man and the dark knight (Super Hero flicks are perhaps the most formulaic of movie genres) they were considered pop-corn flicks but made great business and people loved them because they were original and had to offer something new.

Overall, Personally, "Wanted" failed even to entertain me, probably because everything i've seen in that movie was overdone to death before, and, with every passing second i wish i could be in the same room with McAvoy so i could punch his face off.

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i wish i could be in the same room with McAvoy so i could punch his face off.

Didn't he already get his face punched off when he was tied to the chair in the movie for his "training"?

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Didn't he already get his face punched off when he was tied to the chair in the movie for his "training"?

That's what I was thinking. Hell, I was expecting Al Pacino to walk in at any moment saying, "Nothing... is... what it seems."

"Shoot em' up" was also pretty over the top...

But yeah..this movie was ALOT of fun and is a spectacular Blu-ray purchase. It was nothing like I expected it to be, and may even achieve a kind of cult status. Kinda like "Unbreakable." I want a sequel.

edit.
i also noticed the gritty/grainy nature of the picture,washed out gritty whites, and a few soft/blurry scenes on my monitor. but it is still an overall good transfer. i guess this is how the director intended it to be.

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[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Dec 3, 2008 - CST 5:28 PM]

I usually go to the movie theater at least once a week, and this was the only film of the year that literally gave me a headache. Loud, fast, and mindless wore out its welcome for me in the first ten minutes.

John

Quote:
I usually go to the movie theater at least once a week, and this was the only film of the year that literally gave me a headache. Loud, fast, and mindless wore out its welcome for me in the first ten minutes.

LOL!

Yeah, I remember you wrote something like that in another thread where the movie came up back in the summer. I'll admit, it's not a film for everyone and it's easy to see why it could be loved or hated. I'll agree, John, it is very loud and fast, but the strange thing is, I have no clue why I found this film fun and entertaining over a movie like "Shoot-em up"? In reality, both those films are about the same in delivery but for some reason I couldn't stand "Shoot-em up" Go figure? Movies are certainly strange that way and it's not always easy to explain why a film either connects with me or does not. Perhaps I liked the simple plot and twist, perhaps it was the hotness of Jolie or perhaps it was the action? I really have no clue, especially when it comes to a popcorn flick such as this.

Well, on the bright side, at least we're not as picky as Chris and Eddie. LOL!!!

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[Post edited by Tim Raynor on Dec 3, 2008 - CST 8:45 PM]

wanted is based on a graphic novel. This was one of my Favorite popcorn movies of the summer, i loved it! i wasnt sure if i wanted "Wanted" on blu or dvd, the last couple of blu rays ive bought i been disappointed and feel i i wasted the extra 10bucks. Has anyone else bought it on BLu? just tryn to get other opinions on the PQ before i go fork out 30 bucks on a bluray, when i can get it on dvd for 14 lol

Tims PQ Review.(really, what more do you need?)

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As far as PQ goes, I can’t say this is one of the best I’ve seen on Blu-ray. It seemed a tad grainier than I’m used to seeing and I was forced to make some adjustments on my Plasma to clear out some of the noise. The down side of that, and in order to get the clarity I was looking for, it slightly washed out the color. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s still a really good picture when put up against other formats, it’s just that I’ve seen better quality on other Blu-ray movies I own. Nevertheless, it makes me wonder if it’s really all that better than the SD version, and in my opinion, there may not be many major differences. On the DVDTOWN scale, I’d give the PQ about a 7/10, but I’m sure opinions may vary.

my observations:

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i also noticed the gritty/grainy nature of the picture,washed out gritty whites, and a few soft/blurry scenes on my monitor. but it is still an overall good transfer. i guess this is how the director intended it to be.

7.775/10

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[Post edited by bladerunner1 on Dec 3, 2008 - CST 9:50 PM]