There are some movies that have good ideas but just don't have the budget to lift them off the ground. Most Wanted is definitely one of those movies, an action flick that got lost in the wind even though it has a pretty good story.

Keenen Ivory Wayans is the hero of the film, a man who joined a covert team only to find that he was a setup man for the assassination of the first lady. He quickly finds himself on the run from the man who set him up, played by the psycho Jon Voight. Both actors do as good as job as possible considering the dialogue, which fluctuates. Wayans definitely is out done by Voight, who proves time and time again that he can play an excellent villain.

The dialogue might not be that great but the story is pretty good. I love conspiracy movies and Most Wanted has a good conspiracy story. The assassination scene is really good and there are some good action scenes that follow.

There are also some not-so-great action scenes. Since Wayans is innocent but on the run from the law, his ability to fire a gun is pretty limited. He can't really shoot any of the cops because they are just acting on orders, and he doesn't get a chance to get at the real bad guys until the end of the movie. Still, the action scenes fit well around the storyline which might be a little too clever for the movie itself. In a few moments, Wayans' comical side really comes to life, especially in one scene where he is chased down the freeway by a hundred civilians. This was a great scene, if not a little cheesy.

The only reason Most Wanted isn't a more notorious action movie is because there isn't anything special about the action scenes. The movie overall is good and the storyline clever, but compared to some movies, the action is a little acting. Plus, nothing is done with the female interest of the story, Jillian Hennessy.

Most Wanted is a thrilling and funny action movie. It might not be very well known but it is worth seeing.

Review by Erik Samdahl unless otherwise indicated.