Wanted (2008, U.S.)

So I would probably see this movie no matter what, because I have a HUGE girl-crush on Angelina Jolie. Also, Atonement got me interested in James McAvoy (only as an actor, I don't think he's gorgeous like some girls do), and I haven't seen him in anything else (with the exception of Wimbledon, in which he had a tiny role). Then there's Morgan Freeman, and you know how I feel about him. Add that all together with a really awesome preview, and I was pretty excited about it.

So here's my recommendation: if you have a weak stomach and want to see this one, bring something to vomit in. It was incredibly violent, and not the stylized, clean, Matrix-type violence I was expecting. It was more much more crude, like 300 but less fake, like No Country for Old Men but more thought out. It was disgusting.

Aside from the violence, everything else was great. The plot was interesting, engaging, and somewhat complex (in a good way); the violence was like a beautiful dance (well, plus the blood and gore); the narration was personal and yet distant (and spot on); and Angelina Jolie was, of course, beyond sexy. Morgan Freeman was in a somewhat god-like position, which is exactly where he belongs. I have definitely decided James McAvoy is a great actor. His character was vaguely reminiscent of Edward Norton's in Fight Club (see below), but it was still him. Great acting all around.

Oh, very interesting note here: while watching the credits, I was shocked to see "Music by Danny Elfman." Of course, I adore Danny Elfman. And I had really liked the score of Wanted. But never in a million years would I have put the two together. Usually I would describe his work as "whimsical," but this was harder, more driven. It almost made me think of techno. I definitely need to re-listen to the score and try to pick out the Elfman in it.

If I had to describe Wanted using other films, I would say that it was like The Matrix (styled violence, bullet time, etc.) mixed with Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Angelina Jolie, assassins, etc.) mixed with Fight Club (violence, narrative style, etc.) And yet it really was unique, one of a kind. Minus the extreme violence (which I just really can't handle), I would've given this one a 4.5. As it is, I can't quite do it. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it -- although I could have done either. Which leads us to our default rating.

Did I mention how sexy (and badass) Angelina Jolie was?

Rating: 3.5

Hancock (2008, U.S.)

Will Smith has been in some pretty awful movies (in my opinion). Case in point: Men in Black, Wild Wild West, Bad Boys... But he's a great actor. Truly great. And while this was just another Will Smith action flick, it wasn't just another Will Smith action flick. I would have waited to see this when it came out on DVD, but again, Mom wanted to see it.

It was definitely not what I expected. It was funny, it was dramatic, there was a bit of action, there was some weird, angsty, (interracial--good for you, Hollywood!) romance. The premise was actually quite good, and while the execution was slightly lacking, it still turned out well. The only part that really bothered me (and detracted from the film) was Hancock shoving one man's head up another man's rear. That was just disgusting and stupid and didn't do anything for the movie at all. So that was disappointing.

Also, the score was pretty good, alternating from subtle to in-your-face super hero-ish music. I believe I've seen several movies with music by John Powell, but I don't think it's ever stood out so much. So I think that was a good thing.

Overall, I would recommend you see this one, if you like heroes, Will Smith, or summer blockbusters. (I would probably give this a 3.5 on a normal day, but I can't give it the same score that I just gave Fool's Gold. So it gets a 4.0.)

Rating: 4.0