After watching the trailer for Wild Target I couldn't help but be intrigued by it's...well, it's impeccable British-ness. I got the feeling that this film would go all out to be a quintessential British Comedy, to an extent where if I could tell as this just by having watched the trailer would it all be a little too much? You have Bill Nighy, who could not be more of a classic British actor if he tried, Emily Blunt who's recent roles include that of the longest reigning Monarch in UK history and Rupert Grint, most famous for playing Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films- Well, culturally, what's more British than Harry Potter??
The British-ness however, ends up saving it somewhat- by the end of the film you're safe in the knowledge that you've just watched a terribly British comedy, and one which tradition serves well. The story itself was interesting enough to keep you captivated for the 2 hours it runs for- An elite hit-man, Victor Maynard (Bill Nighy) is hired to kill a young con-woman, Rose (Emily Blunt), but when it comes down to it he can't, so decides instead to protect her and hilarity ensues. Which it does, a little- there are very funny moments in this film, but not enough to keep you laughing and certainly not ones substantial enough for a film classing itself as a comedy. There are chuckle inducing lines and Rupert Grint, in a completely different role from whatever we've seen him in before, provides some excellent physical comedic value. But the fact that now I'm sitting here struggling to remember examples of these funny times demonstrates the weakness of those moments- at the time while watching yes they are funny; but they leave your mind very quickly and if you're left thinking 'I can't remember why I laughed' that doesn't bode too well.
There were aspects the film could have done without, and certainly unnecessary characters and plot lines. I thought Rupert Everett's role would've been played better by a lesser name, as his character, whilst being necessary, is built up by the film to be more than he actually is. There is also a running theme in the questioning as to what Victor's sexuality is, which is randomly and abruptly dropped in a very surreal scene that looked as is it had been chucked in at the last minute. it open many doors and never closed them, leaving you thinking 'Well, hang on, what about that other bit? what was THAT about?'.
Another running theme throughout the film was the use of french, which before i knew that this is based on the old classic french black comedy 'Cible Emouvante' made little or no sense to me. i understand now that both the writer and director are simply attempting to pay homage but that was lost, literally in translation. We hear Victor learning french, but never learn why. and the phrases are never ones of use, always very obscure lines.
There are a lot of ideas introduced that are never truly explored, and for that reason the relationships between the characters sometimes came across as forced. Whilst all the actors did an amazing job the writing let them down, with the dialogue sometimes coming across as mediocre and a tad cliche.
Having said all that it's only upon deep reflection into the film, and whilst looking at it in an incredibly scrutinising manner, that i actually found these faults. I came out of the cinema feeling that i had been fulfilled and entertained, and thought I'd made the most of the £5.45 i spent (thank you, beloved student discount!!). It was a thoroughly enjoyable film, and as i say at the time did make me laugh very much.
It was great for me, because I'd never seen Nighy in a leading role before, more the fool me, and found him to be quite the revelation. It's definitely made me think about going out of my way to find more of his films and TV appearances, because he is an incredibly fine actor, particularly with his mannerisms and facial expressions. Blunt was quirky and carried the character well, but was overshadowed somewhat by her two co-stars. the only problem was the quirkiness of Rose came through a little over-the-top, as if she was trying far too hard to be different; i don't know if this is because of Coxon's Writing, Lynn's direction or Blunt's acting, but she struck me as too keen in some points of the film. Grint was also, however, an absolute revelation- he and Nighy are now somewhat of a dream team in my mind now. His comic timing was impeccable, although flashes of his other, more famous, characters did come through; however these worked more so in his favour than against him, as his character Tony partially stole the show for me. A very creepy, but again perhaps unnecessary, turn by Martin Freeman as Dixon the hit-man hired to kill Rose and Maynard can be appreciated, but his character needed more developing- they could have made far more of Freeman's talent than they chose to.
As a random, casual cinema goer i would recommend it- it was fun, entertaining and a great way to spend two hours, with fine acting company and quite a good soundtrack. However, if you are a hardcore cinema goer who finds joy in picking out minuscule plot-holes, flaws and perhaps occasional unrealistic dialogue I'd maybe avoid it. Like i said- it wasn't until i really started looking at it in my head that i had my doubts about it. But if you're looking for something to do and can't wait until the 23rd July when TOY STORY 3 is released (why America gets it over a month early is both beyond me and hugely frustrating), i heartily recommend it.
PLUS (and with one sweeping sentence i rid myself of any writing credibility i may have just managed to scrape together) Rupert Grint has his shirt off, and is in the bath. A lot. So, if you ever needed a reason to see this film i have just handed it to you on a plate. A robot wall-papered, Internet-laden plate.
xXx
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