User reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and thought it was very entertaining. True, there were only a few laugh-out-loud moments, but it kept me chuckling away for most of the 90-odd minutes. I thought Bill Nighy's performance was spot-on and Eileen Atkins' role gave her plenty of scope for comedy moments. Rupert Everett and Gregor Fisher worked well together, and Martin Freeman was very good as Dixon. Although the plot was simple, the film was reminiscent of a lot of British comedies from the Sixties and Seventies, which was probably why I enjoyed it so much. It was also good to see something that wasn't shot in America and didn't follow the stereotypical plot lines that most American films seem to have as a matter of course.

I ended up seeing this title in one of those frustrating moments where my main choice of feature was either on at the wrong time, had not even been released yet or my friends just flatly did not want to see the same things as I, and so we ended up going to Wild Target as an inoffensive compromise. I was expecting it to be real cheesy and void of humour, especially after having seen the trailer. I was pleasantly surprised!

Okay, when one goes to the cinema with such low expectations, they can only but move in one direction, but nevertheless I have to commend the movie on several points. I thought all the one-liners would have been used up in the trailer (and those that I had seen had seemed tacky at best) but I guess the movie isn't about one-liners. Rather then relying on half cocked jokes, it pulls itself onto its own two feet using situational comedy, which gives it a real British flavour. I heard it compared to the humour of the old Earling Studio movies, which seems like a nice comparison. Actually, on doing a little research, I found that the original story came from a French movie (Cible émouvante, 1993). It's easy to tell from the zany characters, offbeat humour and introspective look on life that it was originally French in theme, but as a story it translates nicely onto a typically British backdrop.

Basically Victor Maynard, a cold hearted hit-man played by Bill Nighy (great performance as always - he's legend!) is a middle aged unmarried killing professional who is beginning to loose his touch. This becomes no more obvious when he fails to make a hit on the sensually beautiful Rose (Emily Blunt). Things start to get complicated for Victor when he finds, not only has he lost the killer instinct, but he also starts protecting her from the men sent to finish the job.

I'm not sure about the Rupert Grint character of Tony. He seems the most out of place in my opinion. I suppose Tony was added to feed in a further dynamic between Victor and Rose and their growing relationship, but for me, this relationship triangle was either not developed fully or just failed outright. Maybe it held more credence in the original French story, but in the English version at least, Tony really does feel like the spare tire as his presence seems unnecessary and the character's attributes hammy. By far the weakest link the movie.

Quirky and light hearted; it may only be a lighter shade of grey rather then a full blown black comedy (12A Cert in Ireland), but still a pleasant surprise if you come to stumble upon it.

For those who haven't seen Ciblé Émovante from 1993 do. But Wild Target is seriously a tremendous remake.

Very very funny and just plain good fun - this harks back to the golden age of British comedies, sidesteps (in the main) Guy Ritchie and goes for that same vibe that Shooting Fish had.

The plot of the buttoned-down assassin and the kooky girl and the guy who gets involved by mistake is a vehicle to hang some great lines and situations on; let's just say it involves art forgery, hired guns, kleptomania, and Snowy the Cat. Brilliant stuff. Bill Nighy does his usual comic timing to perfection and he and Emily Blunt, along with the two Ruperts, Grint and Everett, bring a real sense of fun to this. Well supported and very well directed there's not much to complain about here - it's just a great comedy and taken as that you could do much worse.

Honestly, we haven't laughed or just flat out enjoyed a film this much in a long time - it's got a wonderful vibe to it that just makes watching it fun - and after all it's nice to get back to some good old fashioned killing without all the pizazz....

Highly recommended if you like British comedies, do try to get to see the french original, it's a corker, but this, this one is going in my collection....

It is incredibly refreshing in this day and age to come across a comedy that doesn't rely on bathroom/sex humor, dropping curse words or stupid humor for laughs but actually presents an intelligent, smart, witty film with a great premise and even better character dynamic.

Wild Target is a clean cut, hysterical movie that is about an accomplished hit-man (Bill Nighy) who has been hired to take out a beautiful con-woman after she's outed for an art scam (Emily Blunt) but ends up becoming her protector instead. Rupert Grint plays the lovable role of Tony who ends up getting caught in the hijinks when he's in the wrong place at the right time - the dynamic between the 3 lead characters (played by Blunt, Nighy & Grint) is nothing short of entertainment. They become a sort of pseudo family unit that provides adorable moments and of course, laughs.

Eileen Atkins plays the hit-man's (Nighy)supportive mother who is proud of all the people her son has killed. Afterall, he was just following in his Father's (her husband's) footsteps and expects her son to produce a child that will take over the family business.

Martin Freeman plays the new hit-man hired to take out Blunt's character once Nighy, the original hit-man, becomes her protector and botches the job.

This movie is a great film that offers up genuine comedy throughout its entirety. My only gripe is that it was just an hour and a half long because I could have easily watched the 3 leads interact for another hour.

9/10 & I recommend this film to anyone who wants a good laugh and a smart movie.

This movie was pretty cool.

It had all the stuff that a movie needs to be interesting; action, humor, love and thrills. And it all came together in a very good way to make for a superb movie experience.

The story was good and very easy to follow, straight forward, though there were no twists and odd turns of events, which could have made the movie a bit more interesting. But the movie was far from being boring, despite it having a rather one-simple-way plot line. The story was very likable and compelling.

As for the characters, well Bill Nighy was amazing as the lead role, portraying the somewhat eccentric hit-man Victor Maynard. There is something very charismatic about that man, and he was so well cast for this particular role. Moving on to Emily Blunt, in the role of Rose, well she did a good job as well, really bringing her on-the-edge character to life. However, Rupert Grint in the role of Tony, that was the bomb! He was such a blast in this movie, and it was fantastic to see him in a mature role, stepping out of the wizardly shoes of the "Harry Potter" stuff. And it was really good to see the way the characters were given the time and effort to evolve throughout the movie, growing and making you relate to them. Few movies really get around this in a good way, but "Wild Target" managed to do that quite well.

For some reason this movie was more than just your average run of the mill action comedy. The way the characters were portrayed and how they came to life on the screen makes you really feel like you are right there in there with them. And that is really the strongest link of the movie.

There were some funny scenes and moments throughout the movie as well, though not the kind that will make you fall out of your seat with tears trickling down your cheeks. But the comedy in the movie is just subtle enough to be appropriate, without making the movie come off as trying too hard.

"Wild Target" is a movie that you should watch, especially if you enjoy British movies. Thumbs way up for this movie.

Nice little British movie about art forgery, swindling and assassination, all good fun, with a strong cast. Bill Nighy is likable as ever, although convincingly cold-blooded at the requisite moments; Emily Blunt is suitably infuriating and adorable in equal measure; and Rupert Grint cements his Brit Pack credentials, although I'd like to see him in a more serious and 'gritty' role. There isn't much for Martin Freeman (nice teeth); Rupert Everett (nice stubble) or Gregor Fisher to do, but it's good to see them nonetheless. It all feels a bit rushed to me, and the end comes on very suddenly and is all a bit too convenient, leaving a sense that it could have been more substantial and interesting given a bit more effort on the storyline, enjoyable enough though if you have a forgiving nature, definitely worth a look.

Wild Target isn't a great movie, I think the other reviews on this site and elsewhere prove that. BUT, I actually really enjoyed it.

Having directed 'The Whole Nine Yards' Jonathon Lynn knows about how to make a good black comedy work,and he is helped by the fact he has the brilliant Bill Nighy in the lead role. Nighy has played this type of role before (and since) and manages to make his really warm to this contract killer in a way that other actors wouldn't be. He carries the film at times with his dry humour.

It is also nice to see Rupert Grint do comedy and he has some nice moments of interaction with Nighy in amongst all of the madness that you'd expect from a farcical comedy.

The real revelation for me was Emily Blunt. She manages to be funny, sexy and vulnerable in the role of Rose and even though I can't say the script is always water tight, she manages to find the heart in every scene.

Although the film doesn't seem to know whether it's a family comedy or darker it is a fun one to watch. Ignore the negative reviews and give it a chance.

I like British humor and enjoyed this one, and if your a fan this will not disappoint as usual best watched with subtitles, Bill Nighys stiff character seems to fit this role of a hitman contrasting the naïve, cute and sexy Emely Blunt, may be the best chemistry that makes this movie work. As for Ruper Grint is hard to see him in a new film after watching him in the Harry Potter films. It's not as bad as some people said, its a nice well-done comedy, that until this point has made us enjoy the film. This is a good example of a good British dark comedy, for that being said I give wild Target" a 7 out of 10 Stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film and found the story to be original and funny throughout. Emily Blunt plays an extremely sexy con-artist who crosses paths with an up-tight Bill Nighy playing a professional assassin hired to kill her.

The characters are likable and well-cast. Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt strike up a modern day love-story that is unconventional and yet somehow totally believable. The family bond that is established with Rupert Grint as the adopted son worked very well and was charming.

If you want to see something different, interesting and funny then I really recommend giving this film a chance.

Wild Target is a British comedy about an assassin who can't kill a woman and falls for her. That may sound derivative, but the fresh spin that is put on this situation, great acting and impressive character depth all contribute to this movies' success. Emily Blunt plays a swindler who gets in too deep with a man trying to buy a painting. She slips him a fake and that fuels him placing a hit on her which Bill Nighy receives. Bill Nighy is portrayed as a lonely and flat assassin who has killed his whole life. He begins to experience a mid life crisis and realizes that he hasn't lived, he's been too dedicated to work. Bill Nighy is renowned for his acting ability and it is on the mark here. He can flip a switch from quiet and gentle to frustrated and angry with ease. Emily Blunt does a great job playing a girl who is very extroverted and crooked. Rupert Grint provides the finish touch of levity to keep this movie from being serious, which hugely benefits this movie. I am a huge fan of British comedies so my views may be skewed, but I would recommend this movie to everyone who can take it lightly and like to laugh.

This is a movie that is hard to review in a positive way. It is slow and rather dull, with a scattering of "chuckles". It took me three attempts to watch the film right through to the end, and the end seemed very sudden. I hate to not rate a UK movie in a good way, but this particular film just did not rise to the occasion. Shame, I always like to watch movies with Bill Nighy in them, and Martin Freeman for that matter; two really good British actors.

Well, in contrast to the first review, i felt that this was a hilariously funny attribute to the British film industry. With continuous amusing modern slap stick humour throughout.

I had been looking forward to the release of this film for a while, and it was far better than i had ever expected. The cinema was packed and everyone was laughing throughout the entire film, which in my experience is very rare.

There is an incredible cast containing many well known British actors/ actresses, overall a must see film.

Looking forward to the DVD release. Thank you. x

WILD TARGET – CATCH IT ( B+ ) Wild Target is quirky little fun; I had great time watching it. It was really funny and hilarious. I always love smart movies where the characters are not trying to be funny but the situation and dialogues make it funny. Bill Nighy as a Hit Man is amazing, it was so good to see him under play the character and bring the smartness and sharpness to it. Emily Blunt is so radiant, the moment she comes on the screen the whole screen just light up. I truly love her and this time she was really hilarious. She looks gorgeous as always and her chemistry with Bill Nighy and Rupert Grint is startling. Rupert Grint is breaking off the Harry Porter fantasy genre and it's the right type of role for him. He was funny and completes the wacky trio. Rupert Everett and his team were good. Overall I was laughing hard the entire time and it's a fell good movie till the end. Watch it, it's truly worth it.

Most British crime/ comedy films are full of quick takes, occasional twists and turns, precision and attention to detail, in my opinion. I'd put Wild Target amongst the movies that represent that kind of style.

Bill Nighy brings up some classy-ness to his character. A well trained assassin who thinks it's time to retire but that doesn't happen as easy as he'd wish. What's been happening for quite a time now is that very very good and young actors are coming up the big screen surface. Emily Blunt is one of them and does a pretty good job as the attractive thief. Rupert Grint's supporting role is fresh, funny, more mature and just a little bit different that the one we've gotten used to in Harry Potter.

Of course i can't leave out the music. Beautiful tunes of all kinds in addition to the sunny scenery of Isle of Man. Not a great movie hit, as far as the plot concerns, but it was a fun film to watch.

In London, the fifty-four year-old professional killer Victor Maynard (Bill Nighy) is a lonely and methodic hit-man that comes from a lineage of killers and lives in the country. He is considered the best and most expensive killer in London. When the thief Rose (Emily Blunt) lures the powerful gangster Ferguson (Rupert Everett) and sells a fake Rembrandt to him for 900,000 pounds, he contracts Maynard to kill her. He follows Rose and fails in his attempt; but soon he feels attracted for her and spares her life. Meanwhile Fergunson sends his two bodyguards to kill Rose in a parking garage but Maynard saves her helped by the car washer Tony (Rupert Grint). Maynard feels potential in Tony and invites him to be his apprentice and Rose and Tony believe he is a private detective. They flee from the bodyguard that has survived and Maynard decides to protect Rose and Tony. Soon Victor is pressed by his mother Louisa Maynard (Eileen Atkins) that is worried about her family reputation while Fergunson hires two sadistic killers to hunt rose and Victor down. But Victor and Rose seems to be made for each other.

"Wild Target" is an entertaining and funny action movie with hilarious scenes of black humor. The sequence with the parrot is the beginning gives an introduction of what the viewer may expect from "Wild Target". In this genre, British cinema is unique and the plot makes laugh a lot. The gorgeous and sexy Emily Blunt is excellent in the role of a thief and Bill Nighy is very funny in the role of a middle- aged hit-man near retirement. Eileen Atkins steals the show in the scenes she participates. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Matador em Perigo" ("Killer in Danger")

If your taste is really obvious commercial and/or big budget comedies then this might not be for you but if you have a soft spot for classic British comedies that are a bit quirky, don't try to hard then this should definitely be up your street.

It has an excellent cast that all play their characters perfectly although very typically.

Rupert Everett is predictably his usual self as is Bill Nighy but both quite excellently so.

I've seen a couple of negative reviews of this movie but it needs to be emphasised that it's not a mass market comedy. The story is great and the timing of some of the jokes is absolutely perfect.

This is actually one of the few films I'd like to own a copy of when it's released.

This film is about a professional killer having an unusual situation as he saves the woman he is supposed to kill. "Wild Target" tries to be funny and exciting, but it fails to deliver either. It starts off promising as the assassin encounters the hilariously unexpected situation concerning his target, but things go downhill from there. The only funny moments are delivered by the mother. As for the excitement, the storytelling provides little tension or suspense. This means there is not much to engage the viewers. If not for Emily Blunt's good performance of being in love, "Wild Target" would have been even more disappointing.

This enjoyable comedy begins with a first-class hitman named "Victor Maynard" (Bill Nighy) being given a contract to kill a thief by the name of "Rose" (Emily Blunt). However, after a number of unsuccessful attempts, he eventually begins to admire his target and it's then that he realizes that he cannot bring himself to actually carry it out. To that effect, upon learning that another hitman has been hired, he subsequently finds himself in the role of her paid bodyguard instead. Likewise, having worked alone all of his life, he is equally caught off guard by the fact that he now has an apprentice named "Tony" (Rupert Grint) with whom he tries to teach the tricks of the trade as well. Be that as it may, Bill Nighy puts on an outstanding performance as the fastidious assassin who has never needed or wanted companionship and has his hands full trying to keep up with the spontaneous kleptomaniac he is trying to protect. Rupert Grint is also quite good as the young student who has never had anybody either and thinks his benefactor is a private detective. In short, this is a pretty good comedy with a definite British flavor.

If you like madcap farce, you might get some enjoyment from this film. But mostly it lurches ever downwards in a spiral of wasted opportunities for entertainment. So many good actors utterly let down by noticeably terrible dialog and a stupid story.

If you're watching it hoping it gets better, don't bother. Quit now.

Wild Target is the ultimate British black comedy, which makes a refreshing change from all the Hollywood movie's right now.This is hilarious throughout with laughs going to all the cast. Billy Nighy, Emily Blunt and Rupert Grint give terrific performances with superb support from Martin Freeman, Gregory Fisher and Eileen Atkins who make the most of their time on the screen.

There is a lovely chemistry of romance between Blunt and Nighy and you care about the characters and that's what makes this movie so intelligent, though they commit crimes like Nighy is an assassin and has killed people and Blunt is a thief, the audience can remained attached enough to laugh at their predicament but at the same time care about the characters and what happens to them as Nighy falls for Blunt and at the same time they and Grint become like a family, and that is difficult to pull off, but this film does it tremendously. It's also surprisingly touching in places as the transition from romance to drama to comedy is handled seamlessly blending lovely together. The story though basic is good enough and the script is structured beautifully with sharpness and wit embedded within. A terrific British comedy that is one of a kind. It deserves all the praise it has and will receive and judging by the 7.8 IMDb rating it has been given I'd say the praise is high. It's a rating well deserved

The title says the phrase I was uttering through out this film. Wild target is as confusing as Emily blunt digging up the back garden looking for flowers. It's a low brow comedy that at times skirts on the edge of slap stick. That said it did make me laugh. The small cast and feel good vibe means the plot is easy to follow, so you can fall asleep and wake up 15 minutes later and dial straight back into the story. It's all very British, and that helps cover some of the short comings, it's watchable I guess for fans of the cast. But there are far better films that follow the same plotline.

With a very good cast, I had high hopes for this movie. Unfortunately, I've seen better Carry On movies. As for Rupert Grint, this movie confirms what I always thought, he can't act, and was very lucky to get the Harry Potter gig.