ROTTEN TOMATOES: Wanted's James McAvoy: His Best-Reviewed Films Comments

Wanted's James McAvoy: His Best-Reviewed Films

by Tim Ryan | June 25, 2008

Summary

The action-thriller Wanted hits theaters this week, and though it's toplined by one of the biggest stars in the world (Angelina Jolie), it also features a young Scotsman who's making a name for himself as well: James McAvoy. Back to Article

(1-44 of 44 posts) | Reply

tomwaitsjr writes:
on Jun 25 2008 07:01 PM

The Last King of Scotland is one of the most over-rated lying film of all time. McAvoy's character was entirely INVENTED. Giant bag of suck.

(Reply to this)

arendr writes:
on Jun 25 2008 07:10 PM

Isn't it a bit premature to give the guy a "best-reviewed film" list? How many movies has he actually made?

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jokerboy1991 writes:
on Jun 25 2008 07:36 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812726)
What? Nevermind dont get me started. I think after this weekend McAvoy will be bumped up to the A-list which he deserves. He was great in Atonement, Last King of Scotland, and Starter for 10 and all those movies were really good. I cant wait til Wanted, I think it is going to be awesome.

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arendr writes:
on Jun 25 2008 07:50 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812726)
The Last King of Scotland was mostly made-up. It wouldn't be so bad if it were done in a less cliche and predictable manner. McAvoy's character drove me UP THE WALL.

I really don't get this guy's appeal.

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halose7en writes:
on Jun 25 2008 08:54 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812736)
I agree it's a little early to be giving this guy a "best of" list. I'd honestly never even heard of him before "Wanted", despite the other films he's apparently been in. I don't know if that's more of a sign that I'm out of the loop, or that he just hasn't been in anything that outstanding. Either way, I'm going to see "Wanted". I have a feeling it will rock.

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AustenFan writes:
on Jun 25 2008 10:05 PM

McAvoy's career started in 1995 and, after graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, he has worked steadily (mostly in Britain) since 2000, with 25 films and television shows to his credit. He's on the verge of a major breakthrough, which he richly deserves. Can't wait to see what he does next.

BTW Why was LKOS a "lying" film? It's a thriller set in Amin's Uganda and doesn't purport to be anything else.

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tomwaitsjr writes:
on Jun 25 2008 11:39 PM

The way LKOS was advertised was that it bears some semblance to the truth. The main character was totally made up. The ending . . . well I won't spoil it. . . but that was just cliche and stupid.

AND the beginning was a waste of Gillian Anderson. . .

I know, why not make Mel Gibson's Munich?

. . . most of the Israeli olympiads convert split second to Christianity, and are saved by Jesus. The ones that don't convert get pelted to death with silver coins. . .

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A Lapse In Reason writes:
on Jun 26 2008 12:47 AM

In reply to this comment (#1813251)
why was the end cliche and stupid? What is your reasoning for this or do you just want to bag on the movie? I thought the ending was pretty good I would of liked to see the chap die. Like most of Amins victims, it would of been more realistic, the man was absolutely bonkers and the film portrayed that very well.

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tomwaitsjr writes:
on Jun 26 2008 12:54 AM

I think you answered your own question.

last second secret plane get-away. That's rare. . .

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whiskeyriver writes:
on Jun 26 2008 06:44 AM

In reply to this comment (#1812726)
I've never heard "Last King of Scotland" called a giant bag of suck before. Completely baffling.

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arendr writes:
on Jun 26 2008 09:06 AM

I don't agree that it was a "bag of suck" but it felt when watching it that it wasn't deserving of Forest Whitaker's performance. He was incredible, but that movie just didn't hold up too well otherwise.

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sunsaz writes:
on Jun 26 2008 12:07 PM

Need I remind all the "Scotland" haters that the movie was based on a book? It's not like the producers gathered around and say "Hey, let's completely alter the story of this Ugandan dictator." It's a work of fiction and that's the bottom line.

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catyb writes:
on Jun 26 2008 12:39 PM

sunsaz you voiced my exact opinion.
its not like there was disclaimer like,
'this is based on an actual person.'
it was a compilation of ACTUAL people,
and its not like an actor decides not to
do a magnificent story just because their character
isnt rooted in an actual event or person.

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Jen Yamato writes:
on Jun 26 2008 01:41 PM

I think maybe if you haven't heard of James McAvoy, you *may* be out of the loop...a little bit. I highly recommend Atonement, for anyone who hasn't seen it. Library scene...hot.

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tomwaitsjr writes:
on Jun 26 2008 02:08 PM

Maybe I was ticked off at LKOS by the press. I do think they intended it to appear as a biography of sorts.

IMDB, yah I know, says this: Based on the events of the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin's regime as seen by his personal physician during the 1970s (blah blah blah)

Yah read that, and you think it's a biography, or at least has some semblance of truth. . . not even "in the spirt of."

However, I know when I'm in the minority. I'll stop arguing as it makes me seem Troll-Like. . .

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curiouscat writes:
on Jun 26 2008 05:09 PM

McAvoy is great. Although I have to agree with several of the comments here about Last King... maybe that's just the nature of invented characters based on several real personalities.

It's in Macbeth and Atonement that I saw how good he can be. Maybe give him a few years, he'll really deserve this list already.

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pepsterboy writes:
on Jun 26 2008 07:57 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812763)
Looks like we have some pretty boy fans here. I'm sure Wanted is going to be pretty cool, but let's not get over excited about McAvoy being the next big thing in action flicks.

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Young Turk writes:
on Jun 26 2008 11:00 PM

In reply to this comment (#1814821)
Seriously, my fiance and I rewound it twice....ok 3 times.

(Reply to this)

Young Turk writes:
on Jun 26 2008 11:01 PM

In reply to this comment (#1814821)
Seriously, my fiance and I rewound it twice....ok 3 times.

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Young Turk writes:
on Jun 26 2008 11:02 PM

In reply to this comment (#1814821)
Ok didn't mean to repost that twice.

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skywizard writes:
on Jun 27 2008 01:26 AM

In reply to this comment (#1814371)
yeah its based on the book, but only selectively... the ending of the movie is more like the halfway mark in the book. that's the reason the movie ending seemed unconvincing.

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Lost*Highway* writes:
on Jun 27 2008 03:18 AM

I have to agree with TomWaits...the end did'nt work for me and IMO the film was overrated.

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Drunken Mastermind writes:
on Jun 27 2008 04:55 AM

This guy is probably going to be huge. I loved in him in Atonement and The Last King of Scotland(Whittaker and his performances were easily the best part of the movie)

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varetomir writes:
on Jun 27 2008 02:56 PM

"The Last King of Scotland is one of the most over-rated lying film of all time. McAvoy's character was entirely INVENTED. Giant bag of suck."

Ummm, yeah, it's called a movie not a historic document...

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pate writes:
on Jun 28 2008 05:38 AM

In reply to this comment (#1812726)
Dude... aren't pretty much every characters in movies entirely INVENTED??i dont hear anybody complaining about that. you need to roll with the puches a little better man. stop looking for flaws that aren't there to begin with.

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rapnrabbi writes:
on Jun 28 2008 10:17 AM

Oh come on, he's one of the up and coming stars! He's got a lot of talent and if you haven't noticed he's now got a career set ahead of him. He is rumored to be playing Bilbo Baggins for the Hobbit, check IMDB. If he gets the part he has a long and bright future ahead of him.

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jjlew20 writes:
on Jun 28 2008 12:26 PM

I can't believe there are comparisons being made between mcavoy and ewan mcgregor. Mcgregor peaked for the american audience in moulin rouge and since then has done flops like deception and the island. to compare the two is an insult to mcavoy in that he shows much more sincerity than mcgregor... and much more common sense.

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diegomom50 writes:
on Jun 28 2008 05:53 PM

The article forgot one, Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway. James McAvoy, may not be the next big action star, but he is the next wonderful actor, who can be in any genre. There's more to movies, than action movies.

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ligaya writes:
on Jun 28 2008 07:09 PM

Mmmm, pretty boy fans....doh! Actually, pretty is in the beholder's eyes. Some will think him ordinary, some will swoon. I'm of the "he's kind of everyday and yet dreamy & sexy" persuasion.

James McAvoy has no aspirations to be the next big action guy. He's an excellent actor. I can tell because he doesn't hesitate to sell the audience on believing how much of a spineless doormat he is & doesn't mind drooling & spitting saliva on himself to show how scared he is. He's fearless and fully committed to all his roles. In one scene, he was so committed to hyperventilating that he actually passed out.

I can also tell he's a great actor because I saw his other movies; he has enough of a filmography to announce that we have a major new talent.

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meascanbe writes:
on Jun 29 2008 01:57 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812726)
Um, Tom - I hate to break it to you, but movies are fake. At no point did anyone say anything about Mac's character being a real person. Ever. At all. As a matter of fact, its always been known that Dr. Garrigan was fictional. It was meant to be a mirror or counterpoint to Amin's brutality. Maybe you can sleep better now.

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naturegirl418 writes:
on Jun 29 2008 02:50 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812736)
It really doesn't matter how many movies James McAvoy has made. You are either a good actor or you are not and this guy is a terrific actor. To be able to play a character and make it believable and real is a gift. Not many actors can do that. The one thing that struck me about his acting is that (I don't know if I can explain this properly) he incorporates the normal facial expressions that we all do in his acting; for example: flaring his nostrils when portraying anxiety.... that kind of thing. Every emotion is shown on his face like you are looking at a real person who is actually going through that certain emotion. He can also play so many different roles and get away with it without getting typecast

(Reply to this)

naturegirl418 writes:
on Jun 29 2008 02:51 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812736)
It really doesn't matter how many movies James McAvoy has made. You are either a good actor or you are not and this guy is a terrific actor. To be able to play a character and make it believable and real is a gift. Not many actors can do that. The one thing that struck me about his acting is that (I don't know if I can explain this properly) he incorporates the normal facial expressions that we all do in his acting; for example: flaring his nostrils when portraying anxiety.... that kind of thing. Every emotion is shown on his face like you are looking at a real person who is actually going through that certain emotion. He can also play so many different roles and get away with it without getting typecast

(Reply to this)

naturegirl418 writes:
on Jun 29 2008 02:53 PM

Didn't mean to post this twice

(Reply to this)

naturegirl418 writes:
on Jun 29 2008 02:56 PM

In reply to this comment (#1822038)
I agree when you say that he is a fearless and committed actor.

(Reply to this)

birdfann33 writes:
on Jun 29 2008 04:23 PM

In reply to this comment (#1812726)
are you kidding me, "The Last King..." was one of the best movies of the past couple years......a great telling of what happened and what continues to happen in Africa.....Both Forest and James were simply put AMAZING

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h-town24 writes:
on Jun 30 2008 12:32 PM

There are a lot of stupid people here!

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lnxjenn writes:
on Jun 30 2008 09:10 PM

I haven't seen Atonement yet, but I have enjoyed James in other films. I got a liking for him stemming from "Children of Dune". And he was a good Mr Tumnus.

As for Last King of Scotland, the begining does say "Inspired by True events", not necessarily a true story...

Just sharing my thoughts :)

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randal1013 writes:
on Jul 01 2008 02:52 AM

i didnt know he was the faun in narnia. i thought that was shia lebouf.

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moomin08 writes:
on Jul 01 2008 06:12 AM

Last King of Scotland is based on a work of fiction of the same name. Perhaps tomwaitsjr and arendr aren't aware that movies usually contain characters of events that are "entirely INVENTED". If they want actual events they should stick to documentaries.

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Racer Z writes:
on Jul 01 2008 09:55 AM

Where's Children of Dune? That's the first thing I ever saw him in and thought, "This guy's going to be around for a long time."

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Dycon writes:
on Jul 01 2008 02:13 PM

In reply to this comment (#1813352)
must we forget that in the end we are watching moving stills. i suggest you watch the documentary on Amin then watch Whitaker's performance and perhaps you'll place your comment into the same bag of suck.

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JohnnyJonJon writes:
on Jul 01 2008 05:24 PM

Changing gears here... if you haven't seen Starter for 10 yet, check it out. It's not a great movie, but McAvoy is terrific in it. Save it for a date.

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westmolly writes:
on Jul 01 2008 05:30 PM

It's amazing. I have not seen a young actor this talented in a very long time. His charm is universal and his RANGE of emotions is amazing. His work in THE LAST KING OF SCOTTLAND carried the picture. STARTER FOR 10 was a sleeper that should be re-released. The transformation of his character in WANTED is mesmerizing and the best part of all....for now, he seems to be unaffected by his fame and talent. It is a delight that he chooses to keep his personal life private and he has such a sense of humor about his effect on others. I can't wait to see his next film...and the one after that...and the one after that.

(Reply to this)

Kimmycat24 writes:
on Jul 03 2008 05:03 PM

I have to agree 100% with the previous poster. I went to see Wanted this past Sunday and was just floored. I plan to see it again. James McAvoy was just fantastic as Wesley Gibson. His development from a timid accountant to a world-class killer was just amazing. He can play any character and bring them to life on the screen.

I am one of those "bookish" females that has a terrible crush on James McAvoy.I like the fact that he isn't the "typical" Hollywood hunk. I think he has the perfect combination of the "average joe" and "sexy hunk". He is witty and intelligent and at the same time humble. I read somewhere that he comes from a working class background. I have read numerous interviews in the US and UK media where he prefers to live a simple life out of the glare of the spotlights. I love the fact that he keeps his private life private.
I will not miss any movie James McAvoy is in. He is the best young actor on either side of the Atlantic. I am glad is is trying out different genres. I would hate for him to get typecast. I have all of the movies and televison shows you listed plus others in my DVD collection. "Atonement", "Starter for Ten", "The Last King of Scotland", "Narnia",and now "Wanted" are my favorite James McAvoy movies. Here are some of his other movies and TV shows that I own that weren't listed in the article. Many I ordered from Amazon.com. Check them out.

The Pool(2001)
State of Play (2003)
Shameless Season 1 (2004-2005). Sundance Cable Channel in the US is now running season 2. His wife Anne-Marie Duff plays his girlfriend Fiona Gallagher on the show.
Bollywood Queen(2004)
Rory O'Shane Was Here aka Inside I'm Dancing (2004)
Children of Dune Miniseries(2002)
Band of Brothers Miniseries (2001)Episode 4 "Replacements"
Strings(2004)
Lorna Doone(2001)
Foyle's War (2003)(Series Three of Four-not sure)
Inspector Lynley Mysteries (2003) (Series Two or Three-not sure)

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