John Wick Review

It's been a while since Keanu Reeves has made a good movie. I've always been a fan of him, but it seems like he hasn't been a part of a really successful project since The Matrix. That was 15 years ago. I think it's about time the man made a comeback. We may be witnessing just that with his new film John Wick.

John Wick is an action movie about an ex-hitman, John Wick, who decided to leave the business of contract killing because he fell in love. His wife unfortunately falls ill and dies of cancer. While she was still in the hospital, she had left John a puppy named Daisy in order for him to be able to grieve with somebody by his side. A few days after her death, John gets entangled with members of a Russian gang, who ultimately attack him in his home, kill his dog, and steal his car. It just so happens that the gangster who led the attack was the son of John's old employer. John suits up for one last job, seeking vengeance for what they did to him and his dog. That may sound like a pretty dopey set-up, but it's handled well, and Keanu sells the fact that this dog is pretty much all John had left of his wife. Once you just accept this as the premise, John Wick is a lot of fun.

As I mentioned before, I like Keanu Reeves. I don't think he's the most skilled actor, but he's certainly a likable guy. For years now, I've wanted him to make a really good movie like Speed or The Matrix. Something to reignite his career. Again, this could be just that for him. He gives a reserved but impressive performance in John Wick, the best I've seen from him in years. He does a good job of giving the character depth, even in the midst of what seems to be a pretty straightforward revenge flick.

The action in John Wick is some of the most technically impressive I've seen all year. Whether it's a visceral hand-to-hand combat sequence or an elaborate shootout, the action sequences are all handled with utmost skill and proficiency by directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski. I'd have to say they're the most well-executed action scenes I've seen since The Winter Soldier back in April. One in particular stood out to me; there's a sequence in which John Wick infiltrates a nightclub. That scene alone was worth the price of admission.

While all the awesome action is happening, there is actually some genuine world building going on. It's set in New York City, or some similar metropolitan area. However, the film explores an alternate side to the city, the part of the city where assassins can check into a hotel exclusively meant for hitmen on a job and can call in the "cleaners" to get rid of any messes that come with the occupation. I felt really engrossed in the world that the movie took place in, and there were enough memorable characters and aspects of the setting that I can easily imagine a franchise being built upon it. Not only could I imagine it, I hope it happens.

One facet of John Wick that I was pleasantly surprised about was its deadly dry humor. There were moments in the film where I, along with the rest of the audience, literally couldn't contain laughing out loud. It was actually a really funny movie. And none of the actors flinched while delivering the deadpan-style humor.

John Wick was a very enjoyable movie. That being said, there were aspects of it that I didn't particularly care for. One of which was the pace of the first 30 or so minutes. It's certainly methodical in setting itself up, which isn't inherently a bad thing. In fact, patience is often a good thing when dealing with pace and laying the foundation for a story. However, in a shoot-em-up action romp such as this, it can start to drag a bit. I did find that the film's slowness out of the gate was rather unnecessary. Once the movie picks up, though, you forget about it.

The script is not one of the film's stronger points. It's not terrible, but it just doesn't develop much of an interesting plot. There are also some fairly cheesy lines that are said, but it's not overwhelming or anything.

I had a great time with this movie. If you're looking for a fun action flick that can basically hold you over until Interstellar, this is a fine choice. It's hard-hitting, slickly made, and hopefully the start of a brand new action franchise for Keanu to spearhead. It doesn't provide much in the way of a story, but the world it takes place in is interesting enough to keep you engaged.

B+