Movie Review – John Wick

There’s no denying that it’s been a while since Keanu Reeves made a movie of consequence. The days of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure and The Matrix are a distant memory. Hollywood is all about ‘what have you done for me lately?’ Hell, you’d have to go back to 2008’s Street Kings to find a movie of Reeves that actually made more money than its budget at the box office. Well, Keanu Reeves is back with a vengeance in the action thriller John Wick, which pits the actor against gangsters who inadvertently awaken the killer within, by taking that with which he holds dear.

The action sequences in John Wick might best be described as fast, furious and in your face. The majority of carnage caused by Wick is up close and personal. Whether by weapon or hand, Wick quickly starts to amass a high body count. The movie plays out more like a graphic novel or video game, and that isn’t a bad thing.

Considering the limited scope of the movie’s plot, there are quite a few cameo appearances throughout John Wick. Some good, some bad, while others fall somewhere in between. Even with limited screen time these veteran actors leave their marks, often positive ones. It is much easier to forgive the poor acting and “shotty” dialogue. Thoughts of “another terrible b-movie” start to creep in, but quickly dissolve as the adrenaline-laden action scenes begin to mount.

In 2007, Clive Owen starred in an action comedy called Shoot ‘Em Up that featured an insane body count. It was excessive killing, but with a purpose. John Wick borrows from this same philosophy. It is definitely not for everyone, however, as an action flick it is very entertaining and worth seeing.