Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language and some sexuality.
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov
Starring James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Terence Stamp
A pathetic office pee-on named Wesley is recruited by a secret organization of assassins to complete a seemingly impossible mission. After going through unreal physical training (literally) and mindbending weapons instruction, Wesley uses these new skills to fight injustice the good ol’ American way… by blowing holes out the back of people’s heads.
This movie was probably the most offensive film I have seen in 2008. This film was so full of gratuitous violence, liberals will hate it; and the film had enough graphic sexuality throughout to offend conservatives too. That only leaves teenagers, who probably will love it.
Sigh.
Can I say anthing positive about this film? Well, I have to admit that the action was pretty revolutionary. I’m always impressed when a film provides something original and new. Anyone who has seen the preview saw the whole “curving bullet” motif. Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov probably “wanted” (pun intended) to make another The Matrix out of this adaptation of Mark Millar’s 2004 comic book miniseries. This film’s action sequences were so radical and innovative, the film might have been ground-breaking in the way The Matrix was, but lacked the storyline and overall likeability to pull it all together.
Performances weren’t bad. The leads just weren’t likeable characters—probably more of an assault on the script than the actors. It’s hard to not like Morgan Freeman, but in this film he was just so-so. And if Angelina Jolie’s offscreen personality isn’t enough to turn you off, then this film will do the trick. She’s far from likable—the exact opposite in fact. She’s about three purges from anorexia, and let’s be honest… the chick is just weird!
The film is a downer. I’ve seen Scorsese films with happier endings.
Skip this one.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I would never let my kids see this film. I wouldn’t let my parents see this film. If the violence and sex doesn’t push you over the top, then the theme of the film will: Poor loser realizes that he shouldn’t let others push him around anymore, solving his problems with violence. After he gets his vengeance in the end of the film, he concludes with this line, “This is me taking back control of my life. What the f*** have you done lately!”
Side Note:
As said above, we recommend you skip this film. But on the occasion that your teen actually has already seen it, you may want to dialogue about the film with them. These questions below may be a help to you.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
