The Hilarious Charm of "Wanted": Why We Still Laugh at Wesley's Adventures
"Wanted" (2009), the action-packed, bullet-time filled adventure starring James McAvoy, isn't just about explosions and stylish fight sequences. It's also a surprisingly funny film, thanks in part to its charmingly snarky protagonist, Wesley Gibson.
What Makes "Wanted" Funny?
The humor in "Wanted" comes from a combination of elements:
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Wesley's Journey of Self-Discovery: The film starts with Wesley as a meek and mild-mannered office drone. He's practically a walking stereotype of a "boring" guy. But after discovering he's a member of a secret society of assassins, Wesley undergoes a drastic transformation, both physically and emotionally. This comedic journey of self-discovery, where a seemingly ordinary guy learns to be a badass assassin, is inherently funny.
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The Absurdity of the Plot: "Wanted" takes the "assassin" genre and throws it into a blender with over-the-top action, ridiculous twists, and a healthy dose of dark humor. The movie isn't afraid to poke fun at itself, making it more enjoyable for the viewer.
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The Performances: James McAvoy perfectly embodies Wesley's awkward transition from a timid office worker to a ruthless killer. He makes Wesley's learning curve both funny and relatable. The supporting cast, including Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, and Common, also deliver their lines with a tongue-in-cheek delivery that adds to the humor.
Examples of Funny Moments:
Here are a few examples of laugh-out-loud moments from "Wanted":
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Wesley's First Kill: When Wesley finally gets his first taste of action, he fumbles through the process, making a mess of things with his over-the-top attempts at a "cool" kill. The whole scene is played with a comedic sensibility, highlighting the absurdity of Wesley's situation.
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The Bullet-Time Training: Wesley's training montage is hilarious, full of exaggerated poses, absurd instructions, and a surprising amount of slapstick humor. It's a perfect example of "Wanted's" ability to blend action with comedy.
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The "One-Liner" Dialogue: The movie is peppered with witty one-liners, delivered by Wesley and his mentor Fox (Angelina Jolie), that add to the humor. They range from sarcastic quips to self-deprecating jokes, perfectly capturing the film's tone.
Why Does "Wanted" Still Make Us Laugh?
"Wanted" is a movie that embraces its absurdity. It's not afraid to be over-the-top, and it never takes itself too seriously. This is a major reason why it still resonates with audiences. We laugh at Wesley's struggles, the ridiculous situations he finds himself in, and the over-the-top action sequences. It's a movie that reminds us that sometimes, the most effective way to deal with the absurdity of life is to just laugh.
In Conclusion
"Wanted" is a rare breed of action-comedy that strikes a perfect balance between high-octane thrills and genuine humor. It's a film that doesn't shy away from making fun of itself, and in doing so, it creates a unique and entertaining experience. The film's success is due in no small part to the hilarious performance of James McAvoy as Wesley, a character who perfectly embodies the awkwardness of a normal guy thrust into an extraordinary situation. It's a movie that reminds us that even in the midst of chaos and destruction, there's always room for a good laugh.