Wild Target Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A meticulous hitman can’t shoot straight when a quirky art thief steals his heart and a homeless dude steals the show.

🍿 Wild Target: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Victor Maynard

Victor Maynard, played by Bill Nighy, is a meticulous and solitary assassin, carrying on his family’s legacy. He lives a regimented life, adhering to strict professional standards. His world is upended when he’s hired to kill Rose, a beautiful and impulsive con artist.

Rose’s Deception and Victor’s Hesitation

Rose (Emily Blunt) cons art collector Ferguson by selling him a fake Rembrandt painting, leading Ferguson to hire Victor for retribution. Victor tracks Rose, but finds himself drawn to her vibrant and chaotic nature, hesitating to complete the hit. This marks a turning point in his career and personal life.

The Accidental Apprentice: Tony

During an attempt on Rose’s life, they encounter Tony (Rupert Grint), a young man who inadvertently saves them. Victor, seeing potential in Tony, takes him on as an apprentice, despite Rose and Tony believing Victor is a private detective. The unlikely trio forms an unconventional bond as they evade danger.

On the Run and a New Threat

The trio goes on the run, leading to humorous and dangerous situations. Ferguson, determined to eliminate Rose, hires another assassin, Hector Dixon (Martin Freeman), to finish the job. This sets up a showdown between Victor and his rival, while the trio navigates their growing relationships.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Victor Maynard (Bill Nighy): A meticulous and solitary middle-aged assassin whose life is disrupted when he hesitates to kill his target and ends up protecting her.
• Rose (Emily Blunt): A beautiful and resourceful thief who cons a gangster, leading her to become the target of a hitman and forming an unlikely bond with him.
• Tony (Rupert Grint): A young, good-hearted bystander who inadvertently becomes involved with Victor and Rose, eventually becoming Victor’s apprentice.
• Ferguson (Rupert Everett): The powerful gangster who hires Victor to kill Rose after being conned by her with a fake painting.
• Louisa Maynard (Eileen Atkins): Victor’s formidable and overbearing mother who encourages him to continue the family’s assassin legacy.
• Hector Dixon (Martin Freeman): A highly skilled assassin hired by Ferguson to replace Victor and eliminate Rose.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rose: “What do you weigh?” – Rose asks this question repeatedly to various characters throughout the movie, highlighting her quirky and unpredictable nature.
• Louisa Maynard: “Your father would be ashamed.” – Louisa often uses this phrase to guilt Victor into upholding the family’s reputation as efficient assassins.
• Victor Maynard: “I’m a professional. I have standards.” – Victor says this to maintain his image when his professionalism is in question.
• Victor Maynard: “May I do your other foot?” – During a foot massage scene, which marks a turning point in Victor and Rose’s relationship, revealing his growing affection for her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $108,589
• Worldwide Gross: $3,494,154

💥 Wild Target Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Wild Target’ to be a delightful surprise! Bill Nighy is brilliant as the uptight assassin, and Emily Blunt adds just the right amount of chaos. The foot massage scene was hilarious, and the unlikely friendship between Victor, Rose, and Tony made the movie really heartwarming. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s definitely a fun and quirky watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy black humor”
  • “Fans of Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, and Rupert Grint”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted action film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief Language”
  • “Suggestive Themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “While ‘Wild Target’ boasts a stellar cast, the humor is gentle and the plot predictable. Bill Nighy shines as the meticulous hitman, but Emily Blunt’s character occasionally grates. It’s an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, British comedy.
• Empire: “A charming but slight black comedy, ‘Wild Target’ coasts on the strength of its cast. Nighy and Blunt have an unexpected chemistry, and Rupert Grint provides solid support. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s a pleasant enough way to spend an evening.
• Variety: “Director Jonathan Lynn struggles to find the right tone for this remake, resulting in a film that feels uneven. Bill Nighy’s performance is a highlight, but the script lacks sharpness and wit.

Audience Reactions

Bill Nighy’s deadpan delivery made every scene hilarious.: Viewers loved the unexpected chemistry between Nighy and Blunt.

Rupert Grint was surprisingly good in a non-Harry Potter role.: Many appreciated the film’s quirky British humor.

Overall Consensus: ‘Wild Target’ is a generally well-received British black comedy, praised for its cast and quirky humor, though some find it predictable and uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a remake of the 1993 French film ‘Cible Émovante’.”
• “Bill Nighy’s character, Victor Maynard, holds guns with a distinctive grip (thumb and middle finger) due to Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition he also has in real life.”
• “Filming took place on the Isle of Man, which offered tax incentives for film production.”
• “The stolen Cezanne painting mentioned in the credits was a real theft from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, which remained unsolved at the time of filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wild Target?

Wild Target is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wild Target, you might like these similar films:

• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): A hitman experiences a mid-life crisis and returns to his hometown, similar to Victor’s struggle with his profession.
• In Bruges (2008): Features hitmen grappling with their consciences and dark humor in a European setting, sharing a British sensibility.
• Mr. Brooks (2007): Explores the duality of a man leading a normal life while secretly being a serial killer, like the hidden life of Victor.
• Cible Émovante (1993): This is the original French film that ‘Wild Target’ is based on, with a similar plot and characters.

🛒 Wild Target Related Products

• Wild Target [Blu-ray]: Enjoy ‘Wild Target’ in high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content for a deeper dive into the film’s production.
• Bill Nighy Film Collection [DVD]: A collection of Bill Nighy’s best films, including ‘Love Actually,’ ‘Shaun of the Dead’, and more. Experience his range and talent in these must-see movies.
• Emily Blunt Movie Poster: A high-quality poster featuring Emily Blunt from her most iconic roles. Perfect for decorating your home theater or office.
• Personalized ‘Wild Target’ Inspired Mug: Create a custom mug featuring a quote or image from ‘Wild Target.’ A unique and practical way to show your love for the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wild Target features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hotel Song” – performed by Regina Spektor

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Lonely Hitman Falls In Love With His Unusual Target | Wild Target Recap

Ever wondered what ‘Wild Target’ is all about? This recap video breaks down the whole movie for you! It’s like a fun cheat sheet before diving in, and honestly, the story is more quirky than I expected!

Harry Potter’s Rupert Grint on Wild Target | Prime Video

Rupert Grint, aka Ron Weasley, talking about ‘Wild Target’? Yes, please! It’s always cool to hear actors chat about their projects, and Rupert’s insights are pretty fun, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan!

Wild Target Clip: Car Chase

Need a quick dose of action? Check out this crazy car chase scene from ‘Wild Target’! It’s a wild ride (pun intended) and totally showcases the film’s comedic action vibe. I was on the edge of my seat, even though it’s just a clip!

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