Travis Simpkins

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Wanted (2008): Angelina Jolie and an Ancient Fraternity of Assassins

Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, inspired by the comic book series by Mark Millar, Wanted (2008) met with generally positive acclaim, thanks to it's fast-paced action and superior film editing. The story concerns a nobody accountant who finds himself drafted into an ancient fraternity of elite assassins. The group, having existed for 1,000 years, selects it's targets by way of divine fate… through a code derived from the spun fibers of a loom. The chase scenes are electric and the fighting is tense and entertaining throughout. Angelina Jolie is tough and sexy, delivering a powerhouse performance. The rest of the cast does a great job as well, including Morgan Freeman, James McAvoy, Terrence Stamp, Common and Thomas Kretschmann.

Wanted: James McAvoy

Wanted: Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy

Wanted: Angelina Jolie

Wanted: Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy

Wanted: Angelina Jolie

Wanted: Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy

Wanted: Angelina Jolie

Wanted: Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman

Wanted: Angelina Jolie

Wanted: Morgan Freeman

Wanted: Angelina Jolie

Wanted: Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman

Wanted: Angelina Jolie

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): Salma Hayek and Pre-Columbian Vampires

Directed by Robert Rodriguez, and written by Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) has become a Cult Classic… spawning both a movie franchise and television series. The story concerns two fugitive brothers who kidnap a family en route to a rendezvous in Mexico… where they make the mistake of waiting at a strip club populated by bloodthirsty vampires (it is later revealed that the cursed bar is built on the upper level of the Pre-Columbian ruins of an Ancient Mayan pyramid). Gory special effects mix with stylish editing in a volatile mix. George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino are great as the Gecko brothers. Salma Hayek steals the show in her brief role as Santanico Pandemonium, delivering an unforgettable dance performance. The supporting cast is good as well, including Cheech Marin, Harvey Keitel and Juliette Lewis.