Some movies I go to, I really want to like just because I like the premise or the actor starring in it. ‘John Wick’ is a film that i really wanted to hate. Watching the trailer, this looked like a generic action flick, starring an aging movie star, with a cheesy revenge premise. I am not sure why I even decided upon this one, but truth be told, I was pleasantly surprised. While everything I listed above is true, ‘John Wick’ turned out to be a slick, hip, and stylish action flick that makes no apologies for the genre it tries to exploit. I can’t say this was a ‘good’ movie, but it was beautifully shot with grey and blue camera filters, and with video game action sequences which somehow never became tired. This is just a fun time at the movies.
Keanu Reeves plays retired Hitman John Wick. Against the odds, he has managed to leave his life of violence behind and start to lead a normal life with his beautiful wife. Life has other plans and John suffers the loss of his wife to cancer. Her dying gift to John is a puppy to help cope with his grief. While devastated, John is able to get by with the help of the puppy who gives his life purpose and a reason to get out of bed every morning. This delicate balance is destroyed when a young Russian mobster named Iosef takes a shine to John’s muscle car and brings his crew to break into his house and steal his car. John is beaten and his dog is callously killed. I always find it interesting that the audience can take massive amounts of people killing people in film, but the second the dog gets it, all gloves are off.
When Iosef tries to take the car to a chop shop to clean all the ID markings, he soon discovers that the name John Wick is a name whispered only in reverence in the underworld. Even Iosef’s Kingpin father seems beyond anger when he learns what his son has done and is more or less resigned to his and his son’s fate. His gesture to send everyone he has after John Wick seems more of a ritual of what he has to do than having any hope of success. The next 2 hours is an orgy of video game mayhem and violence that even the most jaded movie goer would have a hard time not getting a thrill from. The gun play mixed with martial arts achieves an almost ‘Matrix’ level of coolness as John Wick shoots his way through the underworld in search of Iosef.
Following John Wick on his path, glimpses into his past are revealed and there are interesting explorations of the fraternity of Hitmen. Particularly cool, was the Hitman hotel, which is basically a hidden sanctuary for people in the trade where they can stay without fear of violence. Each member of the hotel staff knows how to professionally deal with issues unique only to Hitmen. I especially like the touch of the cleaning crew for hire that cleans up the mess after each massacre. Wherever John Wick goes, he is recognized by people in or associated with the fraternity and is given the awe like respect that his past seems to have earned him. At some points, we almost feel sorry for Iosef, despite being a thug, because we know that his fate is sealed and its just a matter of time. John Wick is on a mission and any hope he had for returning to a normal life have been shattered
As I said in the beginning, the plot of this film is eye rolling generic and cheesy. The genre is tired. However, it is the execution of this film that is impressive. Beautiful photography and riveting action pacing. Keanu Reeves plays an aging Hitman with just the right amount of disciplined reserve and explosive action. Even John Wick’s mentor/friend Marcus (Willem Dafoe) is played with just the right amount of sinister creepiness and professionalism to make the relationship work. Overall, just a great, fun time at the movies if you are in the mood for a shoot ‘em up. I can’t in good conscience give this film a high rating, but I do highly recommend it for fun’s sake. Prepare to say ‘cool’ often.
I give this film ** stars
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