Review of John Wick (2014) by Matthew C — 21 Jan 2016

This updated take on 1980s assassin flicks certainly deserves its title as one of the best action movies of the past decade. With style, photography, editing, and acting that all elevate the material far above its simple revenge narrative, John Wick continually surprises from scene to scene.

One complaint I can't quite shake, however, is the slight disconnect between the gritty, realistic action of the film and its introduction of an fantastically over-the-top, underground society of assassins and the organized industry that serves and supports their needs. This aspect of the film is almost too unrealistic for even a James Bond film, and indeed feels quite out of place within the environment established in John Wick up to that point. Otherwise, this action flick is loads of fun. Mad props go out to Keanu Reeves! He's still got it! Despite my reservations, I have no trouble believing him in this particular badass role.