Review of John Wick (2014) by Thequietgamer — 12 Feb 2015

Plot-wise it doesn't do much new. Suffice to say it's far from the only action movie to have a retired hitman make a comeback and hunt down mob members for revenge. The mob bosses son (Game of Thrones' Alfie Allen) is quite the cliche. Outside of a particularly interesting assassin hotel with a unique "management" system predictable elements are abound. However the film knows this and uses it to it's advantage.

There are quite a few funny moments surrounding how scared everyone is of John Wick. Don't mistake for thinking the film isn't taking itself seriously though. While it's not afraid to poke fun at it's cliche, B-revenge movie elements, the tone stays legit and hard for the sake of the action. Which outside of an excellent performance by Reeves is the best thing about this movie.

It doesn't rely on the same shootouts and fist-fights just about every action movie has been re-using for years. It's brutal, fast, excellently shot, and a heck of a lot of fun to watch. With smart tricks and instinct most haven't been seen before, both Reeves and director Chad Stahelski make John Wick look like the almost unstoppable threat everyone says he is.

It's a fun and furious ride that's sure to scratch the itch of even the most demanding action junkies. It's also an excellent film for Reeves. He plays the character so cool he's able to suck you in before the bullets start flying. So if you're looking for an excellent action film "John Wick" is the one I highly recommend. Re-used plot elements aside, it's a fresh and smart action movie.

My total score for the film is a 9.9/10.