*** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Re: WANTED Review

good review, chuck. i'm a card-carrying seat-fanatic, too, so i feel your pain.

i've read the source material, which i found to be extraordinarily creative and deeply compelling (as well as disturbing), so i'm pretty sure i'm going to hate this show for what it could have been but isn't.

still, who knows? maybe the music and the cinematography will make me forget...

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

The Viper flipping around looks terrible on the big screen. But that is the worst CG in the entire film. Most of the effects look pretty good. The ones that matter do

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

The only thing I want to know is whether Angelina Jolie is hot in this film?





Crawdaddy

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

AJ is too skinny for my taste. But she does look good. They never really play up her looks, except the severity of her attractiveness.

jd,
I read the Wanted trade, just based on your recommendation. I won't share my thoughts on the trade in here (it was...decent; the ending tried too hard, but that's Millar's specialty). I do want to say the film is extremely different, but has quite a few echoes. I prefer the concept of the trade, but the execution of the film. See it as it's own thing, and I think you'll really like it. Consider it a mere inspiration for the film, just like the movies the director liberally borrows from, and you'll like it more.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

A film with Angelina Jolie in it and titled, "Wanted"...well yeah, I'm there.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Angelina Jolie's new "Wanted" Tattoos

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

If you haven't seen them already, you can watch "Night Watch" and "Day Watch" on Netflix Instant View. I really enjoyed the visuals in both of these films and can't WAIT to see Wanted. 100% Fresh at Rotten Tomatoes.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I don't know how I am going to feel about this movie. I'm a fan of the trade but I do believe it tries to hard at some points and there is a bit in there that will not translate well to film I think. I'm also not happy that Angelina was chosen for this role, I would have liked to see someone of color play her character as was originally written so that is nagging at me but I do plan to give it a chance.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

The film is more 'inspired by' issue #1 of the comic book, which was all that had been completed at the time the rights were purchased. Reviews are coming in from critics and most are VERY positive, which is rare for a R rated action flick.

Can't wait!

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I would argue the character being black in the novel served NO purpose to the story. The color was irrelevant. It does merely play to Millar's VERY worst tendency as a writer, which is to "cast" his characters with famous people (in the case of Wanted, it was Eminem, Halle Berry [who would've been terrible in this], and Tommy Lee Jones). He did the same thing in the Ultimates. Quit fantasy casting. I think it hinders the ability of the audience to suspend their disbelief.

And I liked the film, and look forward to seeing it again.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Chuck, let me say that on a few levels I agree completely with you. Her race made no difference to the story whatsoever and I don't even have any preconceived idea of what actress of color that I would have cast had I the power. For me, it was a "would have been nice" moment since i am a person of color it always delights me when a particular interesting or meaty role can go to one of "us". My dislike of Angelina probably came through a bit stronger than I intentended but thats more of a problem for me than her race in this particular role since for whatever reason she just doesn't "feel" right here. IN my opinion anyway, maybe the clarifies what I was trying to say or maybe it confuses it more in any case thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Raasean,
Yeah I was mostly just using your comment as an excuse to rant about Millar's penchant for casting. That said, I agree that I would also like seeing more actors of color (any color) in roles that AREN'T color-based. To be fair, it seems if "race" isn't a factor, it's usually a whitey in major films. That said, Freeman's role is color-blind as well, and he's great (as usual) in the film. So it's a wash in Wanted

AJ is actually pretty good casting for Fox in the film.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I saw it last night.

Let me first say I am no fan of Millar or of this series. His stories tend to start well with interesting ideas and quickly degenerate into crap. Luckily, the writers for this movie began writing it with only the first issue in their hands! So, the only thing they really pull from the series is the beginning and its great, nihilistic tone (and humor).

I DUG this movie. More than Iron Man. I can only hope Dark Knight entertains me as much as WANTED. Jolie couldn't have been paid enough for what she brought to this film. Her charisma, sexiness, confidence run rampant through the film. And, she doesn't even need to talk much. Nice to see her doing this sort of thing.

But, the real genius of the film is Bekmambetov. His visuals sell this hyper-realistic universe. Yes, he gets a little silly/excessive...

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

But, the chases and the super-fighting is done very well.

Great to see a small role for Anton Gorodetsky.

The score rocks - didn't even know it was Elfman until the end.

I'm really hoping the film does $25-$30m opening weekend. It deserves to break $100m for the summer. I'd love to see Bekmambetov doing more summer releases.

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Chuck - did you have any problems with the above? I see you knocked the Viper CGI. I thought it was ok. Interesting to see the same stunt done later (with better CGI) on the Mustang. I thought the CGI on the train wreck was nicely done.

Why is there a meat locker/butcher room inside a textile mill? I have a feeling a LOT of little oddities are all Bekmambetov saying, "I want to film this - it will look cool!"

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Quentin, regarding your spoiler...that's the zen moment I meant in my review. I loved that scene for what it said. Once the film is out and I can discuss it (it's a big spoiler...so don't click if you plan on seeing the film), I'll share some thoughts.

I didn't care about the Viper CGI because that scene didn't do a lot for me (but again, my seat SUCKED). The rest of the effects were well done, especially the super fighting So I am happy with the effects. I'll happily see this in theaters on Friday (before WALL*E, of course) for a comfortable viewing, and I'll keep an eye on Bekmambetov.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I had a good time with this movie but tend to think it opens stronger than it finishes (minus the final line, of course). The first portion of the film wherein our hero discovers his true self was funny stuff. It sagged a bit in the middle losing most of its sense of humor but the ending was bang up fun so what's not to love.

But the first thing I thought about at the end (and it was oddly echoed by someone else in my group who had the same thought) was that this movie gave a new lease on life to Mythbusters, who could now spend an entire show busting the Hollywood myths of exploding rats, bending bullets, shooting bullets in mid-air, flipping cars off the roofs one one another and so on.

I was curious why they ditched the superhero trappings of the comic books. A friend in my group suggested it was because the audience couldn't grasp the funny idea of supervillains ruling the world. Yet they could grasp exploding rats and looms that tell the future and bullets bending. Since this is the summer of the superhero movie with the most diverse group and largest group of comic book movies ever and so far they are all of good to great quality and Hellboy and the Bat don't look to disappoint, either. I half wonder if this movie came out two years from now based on how well people are receiving quality comic book movies if the capes and tights aspects of the original comic movie would still be intact.

Still, it was a fun take on this story with a great visual style and a good wink and nod to the audience throughout. Can't wait to see more from this director, one of the freshest new imports on the scene.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

My one beef at the end was when they surround McAlvoys character in the library. And Morgan Freeman tells the others that it was their time to be killed. And they all believed him. Nobody questioned whether it was BS?? I mean he lied about himself and others. So maybe he was lying about them having to die.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I don't think he was lying. If "Fate" says someone has to die to prevent many more from dying, then it would pick Sloan and his compadres who spent many of the recent years just blasting people for dollars (and in doing so, not preventing the deaths of the "right" people). Maybe they didn't need to die if he was gone but since one already muttered that he would rather have his money than the honor, well...it ended as it should. Actually, that last shot of Jolie out of focus in the background was great. Far more interesting than a more gratuitous shot would have been.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

i really liked this movie. it had my attention the entire time throughout. regardless of the cgi, the action scenes, the funny humor and the gratuitous violence what spoke to me most in this movie was when fox was whoopin wesley's ass and he had an epiphany moment to her question of "why are you here?"

his response of "I don't know who I am," spoke to me on so many levels. not that I don't know who I am but the fact that so many people don't. I consider this movie required watching for some of the people that I know. stop being a victim in life and get off your ass and do something. excellent movie.

my favorite line in the movie was when sloan said, "somebody kill this motherfucker....," lol. he said it so plain as day and the timing was on point. i damn near choked of laughter and the rest of the theater fell out too.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I saw the movie yesterday, and honestly, however absurd and outrageous, I was completely blown away with the hyper kinetic over-the-top action sequences, law-defying physics, geek culture, nihilistic violence and a great comic based story (which I know zip about) with a nice spin on a couple of twists that should put M. Night Shammer Hammer to shame. Even though similar to the styles of Crank and Shoot 'Em Up, they seem tame compared to this since ‘Wanted's’ premise is far more intriguing. The 'loom of doom' is uttery a preposterous concept but highly creative indeed.

And those who may think there is nothing intellectually to chew upon; it has some positive messages in the end.

As a sequel is already in the works, I was a tad disappointed how the writers decided to end this one but there were a couple of interesting scenarios I envisioned before the final climatic sequence.

For the sequal, I was hoping to see two factions of the Fraternity, one with Sloan and the other with you know who...General Zod.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I loved the entirety of Jolie's last shot. Very Spartan. Very "obediant to our laws we lie". That was my "zen moment" from my review.

And if you find the red band trailer, you can hear Morgan Freeman say his immortal line: Shoot THIS motherfucker!

Worth it for that line alone.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

FYI, Chuck...

Michael Brandt (co-writer) spoke after my screening and he said they spent a good day debating what should happen to Fox. Jolie was insistent - she lives by the code, it is her truth, she kills them all plus herself. So, thank Jolie for that scene. Bekmambetov's style just adds to it. Great stuff.

While I also love "Shoot THIS motherfucker," I think my fave line is "What the fuck have you done today?" It's just such a great way to end this movie.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Is it me or has Angelina lost too much weight? She has gotten way too thin, which seems to be the trend in Hollywood. Otherwise, it was a cool flick.

Edit: Funny story. A couple of rows in front of me were a man, his wife, and their 5-6 year old daughter. Why they brought their little girl to an R-rated movie is beyond me. During the sex scene at the beginning, she put her hand over her daughter's face. Of course, during the ultra violent scenes, she didn't bother. I guess head explosions are OK, but people having sex is bad.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

That's America...full of prudes who love their hyper-violence.

Social services should be called on those parents for taking her to the film in the first place.

I wondered if that bullet is still circling the room? It seemed to pass thru everyone's skull like a hot knife thru buttah, so hopefully no one walks into the room in the near future without ducking.

I also hoped Janice would buy it, but the bullet only knocked the hole out of her donut...damn!

As someone else said, this was a much better action film than "Iron Man". I still don't get all the love for that film.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

This movie rocked! Note my sig...

Hey, Hollywood! This film did over 50 million in three days, you morons! R rated films that are good will do big business!!!

Duh!

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

No, she's definitely too skinny these days. It's weird to look at her now and compare her to a few years ago when she was considered voluptuous by Hollywood standards.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Y'all be happy to know that Angelina Jolie is preggers with twins, so she probably ain't too thin currently. But, it will depend on how much of the pregnancy weight she sheds, as to whether the movie-going public will continue to think she's too thin.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

Whether one believed Freeman or not, the entire film is filled with these type of contrivances. At every turn, McAvoy and the audience is just supposed to believe what we're told. The "get control of your life" message rings hollow given how sheepishly McAvoy behaved throughout the entire picture. To actively invite comparisons to Fight Club and The Matrix less than a decade later just reminded me how poorly thought out this movie was in comparison.

As an absurd action film without a brain or sense of morality, I enjoyed Shoot 'Em Up more. I disliked this picture immensely.

Re: *** Official WANTED Discussion Thread

I'm the opposite, I liked this movie a lot better than Shoot 'Em Up. The subjectivity of film is quite amazing.