“Reeves’ Wick is deadly, violent and acts without remorse, but throughout the film, we find ourselves rooting for him and wish him success as he singlehandedly takes out half of the underworld to get to his target. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way!”
by Randy Krinsky
When talking about the new film, John Wick, where does one start? Helmed by first time directors, long-time stunt men, David Leitch and Chad Stahelski, the pair have put together a film which focuses on their strengths. With a great story, high impact action and innovative death scenes, John Wick delivers! Keanu Reeves bounces back to true form from last year’s underperforming 47 Ronin.
Keanu Reeves stars as the title character, John Wick, a hitman whom old gangsters refer to as Baba Yaga, the Russian boogeyman, or more specifically the man you call to KILL the boogeyman.
- John Wick
- Directed by
David Leitch & Chad Stahelski - Cast
Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen - Release Date
24 October 2014 - Randy’s Grade: A
After successfully leaving his violent life behind him, he is forced to return to his old ways to get revenge on the gangsters who have managed to take what little he held dear. Michael Nyqvist co-stars as Russian mob boss, Viggo, whose former alliance with Wick is forfeited when his son, Iosef (Alfie Allen of Game of Thrones fame), inadvertently mistakes Wick for just another nameless mark. Martial arts film star Daniel Bernhardt is exceptional as Kirill, the formidable bodyguard hired to keep Wick from his intended prey. Co-star Willem Dafoe is also notable as an old assassin friend of Wicks, who finds his loyalties tested when he is offered the contract to kill Wick.
*****
The film gets high marks in all categories. The story is fresh and inventive. The pacing is quick and never veers off course. The death scenes are innovative and bloody, but not gratuitous. The acting is good and the characters relatable. Reeves’ Wick is deadly, violent and acts without remorse, but throughout the film, we find ourselves rooting for him and wish him success as he singlehandedly takes out half of the underworld to get to his target. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way!
