Wild Target

Wild Target, directed by Jonathan Lynn in 2010, is a lively mix of comedy and action inspired by Pierre Salvadori's 1993 French film Cible émouvante (aka Wild Target). This quirky British caper offers an entertaining showcase for character actors and masters of comedic timing, like Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint.

The movie is a fascinating fusion of hitman thriller, screwball comedy, and odd-couple drama. Bill Nighy plays Victor Maynard, the consummate professional killer. He is a meticulous, methodical, and deeply reserved individual who follows in the family business – his mother, played by Eileen Atkins, was a legendary assassin. Victor is the epitome of an English gentleman, quaintly traditional, polite, and unassuming, yet underneath this tranquil exterior lies one of the most clinical and ruthless hitmen in the business. Increasingly isolated with age, the solitary life of crime is beginning to take a toll on him.

Emily Blunt breathes energy into the film in the role of Rose, a free-spirited but scheming amateur art auctioneer. She's a wild card – charming, spontaneous, and radical, everything that Victor isn't. Blunt's Rose provides a great contrast to Nighy's Victor. People would never suspect that these two would cross paths, let alone forge a bond. Yet, fate brings them together when Rose finds herself in possession of a painting desired by a notorious mobster, artfully played by Rupert Everett.

Joining them is Rupert Grint, famous for his role as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series, in a delightful departure from his wizarding world antics. Grint plays Tony, a novice parking garage attendant swept up in the escalating chaos. The unlikely trio forms a bizarre alliance, with both Tony and Victor finding themselves inexplicably drawn to Rose's magnetic charm. This odd mix of characters adds rich layers to the narrative, combining humor, tension, and unpredictability into one zesty cocktail.

The movie is a brilliant juxtaposition of the quiet and ordinary against the raucously nepotistic. In Wild Target, we are introduced to a world where suburban living meets slapstick duplicity, mixing the mundane with the mortally dangerous. The film pulls off this tonal balancing act with remarkable ease. Its dry British wit and offbeat charm manage to keep the unique blend of different genres from clashing.

Director Jonathan Lynn keeps the pace brisk. He maneuvers the narrative through lots of twists and turns, winding up the suspense while ensuring the comedy bits never feel forced. The humor in Wild Target is dark yet light-hearted, ridiculous yet grounded, quirky yet plausible. The wit is often subtle, engaging audiences to take delight in the personalities, situations, and dialogues rather than relying on excessive slapstick or lowbrow jokes.

The performances are magnificent. Bill Nighy is pitch perfect as the repressed hitman, brilliantly walking the fine line between being fearsome and funny. Emily Blunt is delightful, adding depth to her role's vivacious exterior, and Rupert Grint surprises with a more mature performance peppered with likable earnestness. Throw in a fantastic supporting cast, including Martin Freeman as a rival assassin and Rupert Everett as the posh gangster, and the roster of characters becomes even more exciting.

The cinematography and art direction ensure the screen is always vibrant. The visuals beautifully contrast Victor's grey, regimented life with Rose's colourful, chaotic world. The music, too, adds a whole other layer to the film, perfectly matching the rhythm of the narrative.

In conclusion, Wild Target is a delightful blend of crime-thriller and screwball comedy, crafted with a keen sense of style and a witty screenplay. Its eclectic cast brings a unique energy, and its sharp pacing ensures that it's a lively, enjoyable romp from beginning to end. For those up for a quirky watch, Wild Target is a gratifying detour from your traditional action-comedy.