Whoa, readers. It has been a while since the last time I have updated on a movie review. I do apologize for it. Hollywood is the king of reboots. I love sequels but with remake after remake and they haven’t been that fresh or interesting, I have been skeptical. For example, I saw Ghost in the Shell. It was interesting, but more of a meh movie. I may write a comparison of the Scarlett Johannson’s version verses the Anime…maybe. I saw Roque one which a lot of the scenes that I really found interesting from the trailers were not in the movie. I was disappointed but still enjoyed the movie. I saw Guardians of the Galaxy which I loved, but just didn’t have any time.
This brings me to John Wick. I did watch this film and wrote a review which could be read here Has my opinion changed? The movie is directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad. Also starring the film are the stars Keanu Reeves (Matrix, Bill & Ted), Riccardo Scamarcio (My Brother is an Only Child, Black Arrow), Ian McShane (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Pillars of the Earth, American Gods), and Common (Wanted, Smokin Aces, Terminator:Salvation).
Synopsis
Retired super-assassin John Wick’s plans to resume a quiet civilian life are cut short when Italian gangster Santino D’Antonio shows up on his doorstep with a gold marker, compelling him to repay past favors. Ordered by Winston, kingpin of secret assassin society The Continental, to respect the organization’s ancient code, Wick reluctantly accepts the assignment to travel to Rome to take out D’Antonio’s sister, the ruthless capo atop the Italian Camorra crime syndicate.
Best Things
Although the simplicity of the story hurt it, I enjoyed it much more. The action of the movie is keeps coming. It is not like some other films released that possessed all action but boring. The action and violence lends itself to aid the story. Keanu showed more vulnerability. The absolute best is the world building. The Continental is further developed. The caveats of the rules are further in place and even exploited. It shows how the hidden world of the hitman lies in plan sight with all the “underground” network. The enjoyment of how it picks up from the last movie and carries itself forward. The movie is the same that it is straight forward. Everyone in the movie is awesome and sold their roles.
The new adversaries of John Wick are great. Morpheous…I mean Laurence Fishburne makes an appearance had had a run in with The Boogyman. Cassian, who is the bodyguard of Gianna D’Antonio, is trying to avenge his boss and keeps coming after John Wick with Terminator vigilance (no pun intended with Common starring in Terminator: Salvation).
Awful Things
I can’t say awful but it harmed the movie a little is the simplicity of the story line. Think about any western starring Clint Eastwood or John Wayne; especially any Sylvester StalloneIt was a long movie about two hours.
Recommendations
This movie comes highly recommended. It is fast paced. The story line is pretty predictable but the world building is fantastic. As I stated in this and previous reviews, the story is fairly simple, but I felt more compelled to cheer for Keanu and his character because of the hell he was sent through.
Action :
(5 / 5)
Story :
(4 / 5)
Overall: 
(4.5 / 5)
