Wanted

When I first watched the Wanted trailer, I had an inkling that the show was just going to be about mindless killing and kick-arsery. And I was all for that when I went to watch this movie. The show delivered... and then some.

The show revolves around Wesley (James McAvoy), a guy who hates his boss, hates his job, has a best friend who sleeps with his annoying girlfriend, a guy who has to take anxiety medications... a guy who pretty much thinks his life is f*ed up. When Fox (Angelina Jolie) suddenly appears in his life, he realizes that there is more to his life than living it aimlessly - that he can actually be something more than an account manager. And after rigorous, painful training, he becomes a highly-skilled professional assassin and earns a purpose in life.

In the end, however, it's not the fact that he is an assassin that saves his existence. Instead, it is the gained knowledge that he can take control of his life - something that struck a chord in me. It makes you wonder if you really are doing what you want to do, or if you're just living life one routine at a time. Clearly, the movie made me ask myself: "What the f*ck have you done lately?"

Penelope - A brilliant execution of an otherwise cliche plot

The premise isn't very new. Save for the pig snout, the movie is founded on your basic fairy tale elements of unconditional love and a prince charming.

Once the movie begins however, you will realize that the execution of the movie creates the magic, and excuses the simple plot. Humor peppers many scenes, the direction is entertaining through and through - doesn't ram life lessons down your throat, or make you gag at the cheesiness of the lines and situations. Instead, everything is quaint, almost surreal.


The acting was a primary moving force in the movie as well. Christina Ricci's charm contributed greatly to the ambiance. James McAvoy made for a great unconventional modern prince charming and his own journey of freedom was poignant. A lot of characters were explored, instead of focusing mainly on Penelope, and everyone really contributed to how colorful and animated this movie was.

All in all, I do believe that this show is an underrated viewing pleasure. I would watch this over and over. It is the type of movie that leaves you smiling hours after the end credits. It is a movie that reminds us of striving for our personal freedom, and of accepting ourselves for who we are first and foremost.