Finally got to see John Wick
SPOILER FREE
I've been hearing a lot of people say that this is hands down Keanu Reeve's best film he's made since the Matrix. While that is definitely true, I also try to remind people that really isn't saying much when you look at what came in between those two films. Reeves is not exactly well known for his choosing of good scripts, nor for his acting abilities. He doesn't have very much range, and often ruins good roles with his lack of emotion. The only movie where he ever truly delivered a good performance and showed possible acting chops is The Devils Advocate, though when you're working next to someone like Al Pacino, there isn't really much room for you to mess around. The best films he did are roles that suit his personality such as Speed, The Devils Advocate, Bram Stokers Dracula, Bill and Ted, The Matrix, and now John Wick. So how did John Wick turn out?
It was pretty good. It was no Matrix or Speed but the film works well as a brutal yet enjoyable revenge film. The plot for John Wick places Reeves as an ex-hitman who comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters who took everything from him. What may sound like a generic revenge plot of you kill my love, i'm coming for your ass, works surprisingly well because of the way it's been handled by the filmmakers. This is the perfect role for Reeves to play because he doesn't need to do any kind of advanced acting, and can just slip into the role and wow audiences with some impressive fight scenes and handling of weapons. None of this is unfamiliar to Reeves, so he's able to do what he does best here. He is backed by some strong supporting players such as John Lequizamo (he makes anything better than what it was going to end up being), the always dependable yet creepy William Dafoe, and legendary actor Ian McShane. The tagline for this movie is a warning to the brutality of John Wick's character stating: Don't send him off. And for good reason. The filmmakers are able to sell the point that John Wick is a man whose feared by crooks because of the storm of bodies he leaves behind him and his skills as a hitman. The film is fast paced with a running time of only 90 minutes, making it thrilling and stylish. There's just something about the action and the way it's shot that holds your interest. It's been a long time since Reeves took this kind of role, and it's a good feeling to see him return to this form. Has his acting improved since The Matrix trilogy finished? Not really but the script and story of the film works around that, making him feel comfortable in the part.
Overall John Wick works because of the likeable presence of Keanu Reeves in the part giving us a feeling of nostalgia, while also providing good amounts of thrills, stylistic directing, and excitement. This film works as a good old fashioned revenge movie, and never tries to stray from that concept. It is a fun movie and a good way to kill 90 minutes. There will most likely be a sequel. Not bad, I liked it a little more than Equalizer.
8/10
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