Wanted

The first third of the film is pretty strong and entertaining (where the humor is derived from the violence in a competent manner), but the middle act is a bit too paint-by-numbers in an uninspired bit of screenplay writing, though there is some interesting stunts and CGI on display in the second act, and the final third of the film is over-the-top with plenty of homages to other action films poured into the mix that doesn't quite gell into a great finale, but gives pause to honor among assassins, and finishes with a strong final line.

James McAvoy, with his American accent that almost sounds like young Tom Cruise at times, produced some good laughs with his reactions to being initiated into the world of assassins, while also gaining and displaying more and more confidence as his education progresses. Angelina Jolie looked mighty fine in the raccoon eyes-inspired eye make-up and did manage to overcome a spotty script where her character was concerned. Morgan Freeman gets off one of the funniest R-rated lines in the last act that I've heard in a long time, and he does what he does, bringing the gravitas to his role.

I give 2.75 stars, or a grade of B- (mainly for the humorous violence).