John Wick (Movie Review)

   

Don't "keep thinking I'm back," Neo. YOU. ARE. BACK!

     At this point, considering the resurgence of the action movie genre, it was only a matter of time before Keanu & action movies reemerged together to create something interesting, to say the least. The plot of John Wick is basic if you merely just consider the obvious: His dog gets killed early on and he wants vengeance. Though, there's a bit more to it than losing a companion, he loses something else in his life that serves a much bigger purpose. His wife, played by Bridget Moynihan, dies of cancer and as her dying wish, gives John a dog to cope with the pain. Basically, the dog represents some form of humanity from a guy who once was a part of a criminal syndicate. Unfortunately, this brief moment of peace is interrupted when a couple of men break into his house and proceed on stealing his car, kill his dog and bring out the monster that was once buried away beneath his psyche.

    There really isn't much to say about the acting and the story other than that it's good. The actors and the plot do enough to execute on the simplicity of the film. But, if you came here for a dense narrative, you're in the wrong place. The main attraction is the gun-play. They're well-choreographed and well-shot. A lot of time seemed to have been dedicated to getting a certain tempo to those particular moments in the movie. All of them have a certain fluidity and are surprisingly distinctive.

     Also, it's a short movie (101 minutes) that knows when to end at the right time, so it doesn't prolong into an unnecessary new story arc. As for any faults? Nothing significant to speak of, really. Yes, stilted Keanu is here in all its glory and some lines are a bit off, but that's nitpicking to the max. There's only one way to enjoy a movie like this, which is to allow it to be an action movie, nothing else. Kinda makes me wonder, if there's a sequel to this movie, I do wonder if they'll to explore the criminal market more depending on the film's royalties. 

     If you thought The Equalizer was brutal in its violence, John Wick makes it look like a small accident. It doesn't take much for Wick to lose his mind. Otherwise, welcome to the new paradigm of action movies, Keanu.

Good: Superb action, simple story

Bad: Really nothing

5 out of 5