Angelina Jolie’s Action Comeback: A Look at “Wanted”
Fans of Angelina Jolie are reigniting their love for one of her standout action films as it scales the Netflix charts. By the dawn of the 21st century, Jolie had already established herself as a superstar and an Oscar winner. Yet, it was in the 2000s that she truly shone, delivering blockbusters like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and the Tomb Raider franchise.
Recently returning to the film scene, Jolie dazzled audiences with her performance in the biopic Maria, yet her brief absence only heightened the nostalgia for her earlier works. Among them, one particular title is making a major comeback in streaming.
Ranking High on Netflix: “Wanted”
A Box Office Sensation
Released in 2008, Wanted has surged into Netflix’s top 10, reigniting interest in this wild action thriller. Adapted from the comic by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones, the film features James McAvoy as Wesley, an office worker thrust into the world of the Fraternity—a covert league of assassins, where Wesley’s father was a member.
Jolie steals the show as Fox, the enigmatic recruiter from the Fraternity. The captivating ensemble also stars Morgan Freeman, Common, and an early appearance by Chris Pratt. Garnering a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, Wanted was not just critically acclaimed but also a blockbuster, raking in $342 million worldwide.
Fans have long awaited a sequel to Wanted, a subject of speculation since its initial release. Despite the years that have passed, the film continues to win hearts, evidenced by its rapid rise in streaming popularity. After being added on July 16, Wanted quickly climbed to rank 10 among Netflix’s most-watched films.
Why “Wanted” Continues to Captivate Audiences
An Unforgettable Action Experience
It’s always intriguing to see which films users rediscover on streaming platforms years after their debut, and it’s no wonder that Wanted still captivates audiences. Emerging in the wake of The Matrix, Wanted offered a fresh, stylized approach to the action genre.
Making waves for its iconic curving bullets, the film has left an indelible mark on pop culture, a technique even referenced in the recent MCU series Ironheart. The action blends wild stunts with a sense of humor, walking the fine line between thrilling and absurd without tipping into parody. This balancing act is what Wanted masterfully achieves, enhancing the experience with moments that provoke laughter alongside adrenaline.
At its core, it’s the rich mythology of the Fraternity that fans long to revisit. With a plethora of untapped ideas, it’s disappointing that sequels remain unmade. Yet, there’s a flicker of hope a sequel could someday emerge. For now, fans can immerse themselves in the exhilarating world of Wanted—a true ride worth revisiting.
Source: Netflix
Wanted
- Release Date
- June 19, 2008
- Director
- Timur Bekmambetov
- Writers
- Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Chris Morgan