John Wick - Review

Now that's what I'm talking about! That's how you make an action film. John Wick is the perfect film to fit the saying, "simple, yet effective." It fits that saying because the story is extremely basic. No super complicated plot or backstory, just a simple revenge story. So why does a film with one of the most recycled plots ever work here? Vision and style. That's what this film strives on. The colours of the world, the kick-ass soundtrack and score, and the absolutely breathtaking action set-pieces, this film has a unique voice. You know what else is great? NO SHAKY CAM! Oh, thank goodness! As for the protagonist John Wick himself, I honestly believe Keanu Reeves is the only actor who could have played this character. He is the only actor I can think of that rides the line between serious bad-ass and cheesiness. You cast a Nicholas Cage and it becomes too over-the-top or you cast a Liam Neeson and it becomes a Taken knock-off. If you cast a new-comer, it becomes generic. Keanu Reeves was the best choice. Another reason why this film kicks ass is because of the pacing. Many action films can fall into the "being more serious than it actually is" plot lines and they become really stupid (Check out Sean Penn's "The Gunman" for an example) but here, the movie knows what you want to see and it gives it to you. It is kind of like Mad Max: Fury Road where the action IS the story. One last weird comparison for John Wick is the Miami Vice TV series. Sure they both have mob bosses and hitmen involved in their plots, but that's not what I'm talking about. Both have very simple storylines. The acting from the cast is not entirely the best, but the characters are so damn cool and likable that you don't care. Both have kicks soundtracks and both make use of their great neon colours, both are just so "cool". That was John Wick is, very cool. I highly recommend it!