FilmSnobReviews

Title: John Wick
MPAA Rating: R
Director:  Chad Stahelski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

What It Is: John Wick is a man with a particular set of skills. Said skills have not been exercised in quite some time due to Wicks subsequent retirement. Following the death of his wife Wick receives a package and in it is a cute little Beagle puppy named Daisy. One night after a small run-in with mob brat Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) he is attacked in his own home. His car stolen, and his dog the last gift from his now deceased wife killed. This sets off a tick in John’s head he wants revenge. He needs to know who did this, and punish them.

What We Think: Holy crap man! This is an action film that doesn’t try to be anything but entertaining, and it is that in spades! From the mystery of what exactly is going on with the Continental Hotel to the Red Circle scene Reeves is a high octane machine. Reeves gives for my money his best performances ever, and Wick’s character is a hyper real version of what I’d like to call “angry Keanu”. Think about this Reeves is now in his 50’s and as is evident from the brilliantly shot fight choreography he’s doing his own stunts. Credit first timer Stahelski (a former stunt professional) for really knowing how to shoot the action.

Our Grade: A, This is the best American action film of the year period! Reeves brings it, but Michael Nyqvist is at his villainous best here. You almost feel for his character because he doesn’t want to hunt John Wick but he’s been forced too. Cool bit of info director Chad Stahelski was Keanu Reeves double on The Matrix.