"B+" Rating by Robert W. Hammerle

There is a wonderful moment in "Wanted" when James McAvoy stares at his fellow assassin, Angelina Jolie, as they are hiding in a confined area waiting for their target. The following conversation occurs between the two that pretty much captures the flare and fun of this high-octane film:

McAvoy: "Haven't you ever just wanted to give this life up and try something different?"

Jolie, (responding quickly and with a bit of acid in her voice):
"NO!"

Simply put, there is nothing about Angelina Jolie that is remotely normal, on or off screen. And let me tell you, there is no other actress who could have played an assassin gifted with almost supernatural powers with the flare and style like this larger than life actress.

"Wanted," directed by Timur Bekmambetov, is one gigantic adrenalin rush from beginning to end. It's nonsensical and absurd, but who cares? The incredible, state-of-the-art special effects combined with Danny Elfman's musical score leave you with the feeling that your theater seat has just turned into one of the most giddy roller-coaster rides that you have ever experienced.

The plot concerns an ancient society of assassins known as "The Fraternity." Led by the wry Morgan Freeman, the group exists to assassinate targets that are deemed a threat to the social order. James McAvoy, an anxiety-ridden accountant, is drafted against his will into this group of killers, and his metamorphosis is as grizzly and bloody as it is completely entertaining to watch.

Let me tell you that this film earns its "R" rating. None of the violence is sanitized, and this movie is not for anyone with an aversion to violence on any level, much less the grand scale of this absorbing absurd film.

While McAvoy adds what little emotional resonance there is to "Wanted," it should be noted that the film never takes itself seriously. Ms. Jolie in particular plays a character who is sultry and sexy and knows it. And while it is all but impossible to take your eyes off of her, there is no conceit to her character. To the contrary, she seems to be having a great time making fun of herself and her colleagues as they go about their deadly business.

More importantly, "Wanted" is as witty as it is subversive. For example, early in the movie when McAvoy is contemplating the meaninglessness of his existence, he reflects upon his absent father with the thought, "I wonder if my father abandoned me shortly after my birth because he realized that he had just fathered the most insignificant human being to ever walk the face of the earth?" Good stuff, huh?

Have you ever secretly wanted to drink a couple Red Bulls and then go skydiving? Why take the risk when you can go watch "Wanted" and have the same thrills.