Review of John Wick (2014) by Odjento — 05 Oct 2015

Please leave any scepticism about this film you had behind you as this film is possibly my favourite action film of 2014.

The premise is pretty idiotic, but it doesn’t matter at all as this film is fully self-aware, playing out stylistically like a videogame merged with an action film.

The choreography alone is impressive enough to make you watch this action romp but with nice subtle touches of foreshadowing and imagery throughout John Wick justifies itself as being an impressive action film.

The action sequences are explosive and the stylised violence really gets you fully immersed in the visceral carnage on screen; and these action scenes are absolute carnage. The night club scene in this film is one of the best action sequences I’ve seen in years.

Keanu Reeve’s is also back on form mastering not only the same deadpan kind of fighting style as he had in films like the Matrix but also adopting legitimate styles of shooting to make these somewhat video game-like action sequences feel to a certain extent realistic.

Also, the hitman/mafia kind of secret society club is a lovely touch and is actually a really interesting addition to the film that I would love to see them delve into more.

The film also has a few comedic moments that really make this film feel genuinely refreshing against all the rehashed action franchises we have rivalling this like Fast & Furious and The Transporter, etc.

However, my main and only problem I have with this film is probably the fact the film is dragged out a bit towards the in, being probably about 15 minutes too long. I wasn’t as interested or engaged in the last portion of the film and it is a kind of underwhelming finale bearing in mind some of the incredible action sequences before. It’s not bad just a bit too long and disappointing.

All in all, John Wick is a breath of fresh air we should all take in.