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John Wickexcels, unapologetically, at what it seeks to be: a fun, pulpy, violent B-movie action romp, built upon a cool mythology within a compelling Noir world.
John Wicktransports us into the underworld that exists beneath society - a world that fabled torpedo John Wick ( Keanu Reeves ) thought he escaped when he retired to a happy life with his wife , Helen ( Bridget Moynahan ) . However , when Helen falls victim to cancer John ’s well-chosen earth lead off to collapse - only to be bolster by the introduction of a little puppy , a last gift from his married woman to aid him keep in touch with his softer , more humane side .
Time probably would ’ve healed all if not for the arrogance and barbarism of Iosef Tarasov ( Alfie Allen ) , a youthful Russian mob prince who happen upon John and cruelly snuffs out the last vestige of Helen ’s passion . Of of course , poor Iosef has no idea whom he has wronged ; no idea about John ’s ties to the Tarasov kinfolk or the biblical repercussion of messing with the legend . But Iosef ’s father Viggo ( Michael Nyqvist ) make love all too well what sort of whirlpool of death is follow - and he take a shit any and all preparations possible to wreak John Wick down .
The product of newcomer writer Derek Kolstad - and a reunion between Keanu Reeves and his stunt man collaborators - reverse - directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski ( The Matrix Trilogy ) -John Wickexcels , unapologetically , at what it seeks to be : a fun , pulpy , violent B - film action romp , built upon a cool mythology within a compelling Noir world .
Kolstad ’s script for the motion-picture show is a cheerily surprising comic book - style bit of pulp fun that never takes itself too seriously , and delights in make an intriguing underworld sandbox for the case to play in . From a system of currency , to put on language and an established mythology ( dominate by the caption of John Wick ) , explore the world of gamey - powered gangster , assassin , harpy - and all the middlemen in between - is half the playfulness of the film . As for the literal narrative : it ’s blessedly simplistic and rustic , with no semblance of grandeur : John is wrong , someone has to pay , and anyone who gets in the way as he stimulate his odyssey of payback ends up in a body bag . Simple .
Again , Kolstad ’s strength is in his full ego - consciousness about the hokeyness of the material . or else of essay to drudge his larger - than - life Italian sandwich in " realism , " he fully embrace and has fun with the over - the - top action fantasy , crafting great humor out of John Wick ’s repute as a badass , and people ’s reactions to his return ( or even mere mention of his name ) . While the action at law also delivers , it ’s this almost satirical Riffian on the old Clint Eastwood problematic - guy original that is probably the most enjoyable aspect of the cinema .
… That ’s not to say that directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski are slow up when it comes to creating both the visual and physical dimensions of the film - because they most certainly are not . With so many famous movies on their several stuntman resumes ( The Matrix Trilogy , Bourne Trilogy , 300 , Fight Club , Ninja Assassin , Jumper , V for Vendetta- to name a few … ) it ’s no surprisal that the pair are capable to put together some of the slickest action sequences seen in the post - maraud : Redemptionera - certainly a step up from the usual Hollywood action fare .
While the action may not be that radical or inventive , it is very well executed , crafty and refined in design . With his " Gun - fu " fight way , John Wick is almost hilariously efficient as a whirlwind of death and end - which admittedly lowers the stakes of each conflict , as the outcome is almost never in question . Nonetheless , it ’s a great deal of playfulness to see . When the violence and action is n’t hire place , the directorial trend is n’t nearly as proficient ; however , some well production and set aim - plus some nice cinematography - help keep the center middling satisfied whenever thing slow down .
Keanu Reeves gives his well performance in eld - probably due to the fact that most of what is want from him is the stilted emotion of a stoical killer , or a litany of martial nontextual matter acrobatics that prove he has n’t lost too many steps since hisMatrixdays . The former dramatic act arrive off as cheesy as one may expect , but seeing the actor ’s stylemark wooden conduct juxtaposed to the unsatiable vim of an endearing little pup is pretty effective ( smart conjugation , there ) .
The other standout in the film is Michael Nyqvist ( Mission : insufferable 4 , Girl With the Dragon Tattoo ) , who gives an out of the blue scary , comedic and quirky performance as Russian mob boss , Viggo Tarasov . Nyqvist can make savagely trounce a military man to death into an off - kilter black comedy bit - and his power are refined enough for the directors to commit several scenes to him , sometimes just respond to things alone onscreen . And it ’s all great to find out . Alfie Allen , on the other hand , comes off more like a loose mimicker of hisGame of Thronespetulant brat character , Theon Greyjoy , and is not all that compelling as a villain ( more of a MacGuffin , really ) . gratefully , Nyqvist is there to provide the necessary anchorage ground .
Many other familiar faces protrude up for some fun supporting or bite roles . John Leguizamo , Lance Reddick ( Fringe ) , Dean Winters ( Law & Order : SVU ) and Ian McShane ( Deadwood ) all convey legitimacy to various underworld players who aid physical body out this foreign world;Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.andG.I. Joe 2actress Adrianne Palicki continues to try out herself as a capable action star ; while even the bit role of John Wick ’s " supporter " are handed to talented vets like Willem Dafoe and Clarke Peters ( The Wire ) . On the whole , this is a cast who is above the material - but they all seem to jump in and have fun with it , and that fun translates to the screen door .
In the end , John Wickis a ridiculous , tearing , action fantasy that amply entertains as such . This is not award - suitable cinema , nor does it draw a bead on to be ; it ’s a merriment , fatuous , action movie experience that manages to surprise with richness of world - building and mythos . By the destruction , the film earns more franchise potential than many other property hoping to progress empires before they can even get out of the gate . For Reeves this is another big winnings and iconic character on his survey - one that many will probably bequeath the house hop to see recoil backside and use up name again in the future .
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John Wickis now in theaters . It is 101 moment prospicient and is Rated R for strong and blooming furiousness throughout , speech and brief drug use .
Want a more in - depth discussion of the photographic film ? Be certain to listen to theJohn Wickepisode of theSR Underground Podcast . Or watch over us and spill movies@screenrantor@ppnkof
John Wick is the first entry in the action - thriller franchise directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves . Retired gunman John is brought back into the domain when the frankfurter his latterly deceased sprightliness result him is dispatch . Full of rage and equip with alone scrap skills , John start to track down the one creditworthy for the number of violence and lays waste to any who dare to track his route , sending scare throughout the vicious underworld .
Michael Nyqvist and Alfie Allen in ‘John Wick’
Michael Nyqvist and Alfie Allen in ‘John Wick’
John Wick is the first entry in the action-thriller franchise directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves. Retired hitman John is brought back into the field when the dog his recently deceased life left him is murdered. Full of rage and equipped with unparalleled combat skills, John begins to track down the ones responsible for the act of violence and lays waste to any who dare to cross his path, sending panic throughout the criminal underworld.
