JOHN WICK  3.0*** as regular movie (4.0*** as an action film)

 

       This movie is an “over-the-top”  action flick starring Keanu Reeves (in arguably his best action role since THE MATRIX) as the ultimate, unstoppable hit-man, John  Wick, who is in retirement when the film opens. .But then he  finds himself drawn back into his old ways when the punk son of a  Russian mobster steals his prized '69 Mustang and kills his puppy - a gift from his recently deceased, beloved wife.  Hell bent on getting revenge Wick is laser focused on his prime objective which is to  kill the punk no matter what it takes. His leaves destruction and a huge body count in his wake while all the time  being targeted himself with a huge bounty on his head.  

 

 “John Wick” is insanely fun, violently brutal and an overall wild romp. It is propelled by Tarantino-ish  style and  dialog mixed with the swagger of action stars from the 70s. Reeves literally emulates cool in this film and does it with such confidence, that we never doubt the character...even when he coolly and expertly kills countless bad guys with extreme force in some utterly ridiculous and implausible situations. We don't doubt him  for a minute. This is EXACTLY what you want out of an action film. It is briskly paced, brilliantly shot and meticulously choreographed .The supporting cast filled with the likes of John Legiuzamo, Ian McShane, and Willen Dafoe also keeps this film very interesting. These guys don't play good guys…. what the heck…,  John Wick by traditional standards would be a bad guy in any other film. Every character Wick encounters (including one really bad-ass woman assassin) is more ruthless than the next and pushes John Wick to be even more ruthless than they are, creating a very cool dynamic between the character and the plot regarding the idea of how far is too far? However, don't expect some illuminating revelation from John Wick regarding good versus evil… the point here is…… be very careful whose dog you kill..

 

This film wants you entertained and does so with brute force, it never lets up, not even for a second. One scene in particular that will have your blood pumping is a showdown between multiple thugs and Wick in a nightclub. This action sequence is the best in the film and will have you holding onto your seat with white knuckles due  the sheer intensity of it. Overall, John Wick is slick, violent fun that turns into a remarkably surprising film. I highly recommend this film to action buffs who can withstand a whole lot of brutal violence. The rest of you be forewarned.

 

Rated R for strong and bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use

 

Clark