Wild Target
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Cast: Bill Nighy, Rupert Grint, Emily Blunt
Extras: Featurette
Rating:
I had never heard of "Wild Target" before it was announced on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc, but when the disc finally landed on my desk, I decided to take a look. In this case, it was mostly the cast that attracted me, featuring the ever-brilliant Bill Nighy, Harry Potter's Rupert Grint and Emily "Young Victoria" Blunt. Clearly, there was some calibre here that could produce a decent film.
Victor (Bill Nighy) is the best hitman money can buy. Elusive, he is the man no one's ever seen, the one who gets the job done quickly and cleanly without questions or problems. When he receives the assignment to kill Rose (Emily Blunt) for screwing over one of the most influential art collectors in London, somehow he finds he has trouble pulling the trigger.
At first he attributes it to the distractions around him as he shadows the young girl, but soon he realizes that it is more. He actually admires the free-spirited young kleptomaniac who would steal anything that is not nailed down. With a smile on his lips, he admits to himself that he likes her and lets her go free.
His employer is not very fond of Victor's suddenly softened heart and sends his own henchmen to finish the girl, only to find that Victor has now become her protector. And where did that erratic gun-toting red-head guy suddenly come from, who's shooting at his guys?
With events spiraling out of control, Victor tries to find actual meaning in his life – and love for the first time – while Rose simply tries to stay alive without going absolutely bonkers over Victor's weird peccadillos.
Boy, am I glad I checked this film out, because I had a great time with it. Featuring a wonderfully playful and subtle sense of humor, the film is truly funny and allows the characters to play all their charms on the screen. It makes you constantly question which of the trio is the weirdest, really, but you'll never have the chance to answer the question because another rollicking surprise and plot twist just came around the corner.
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is presenting "Wild Target" in a cool-looking 1080p high definition transfer on this release, that brings the film to life with all its beauty. Rich colors accentuate the mostly urban settings while solid blacks make sure shadows are rendered with plenty of visual depth. Image is rich in detail and shows sharply defined edges that never look exaggerated.
The audio on the release is presented as a DTS 5.1 HD Master Audio track that is balanced and makes sure dialogue is never drowned out. Good, spatial use of the surround channels marks this track, as it recreates the atmosphere of bustling London streets.
As an extra you will find the featurette "On Target with Emily Blunt" on the release.
"Wild Target" is a fun little romp, full of surprises and moments that will make you snicker. Grab a copy when you have the chance, it will be a movie you'll enjoy.
