John Wick: A Review

Keanu Reeves in John Wick Poster
After his wife died of a terminal illness, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) retired from assassination and moved to an isolated home. Wick received a beagle dog named Daisy a few days after her death as a farewell gift from her wife. They lived in harmony together. This peace, however, was disrupted one night by a group of Russian gangsters led by Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen). They beat up John Wick, stole his 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and murdered his dog.

Horrified and upset by this, John Wick is forced to come back to ask for the payment from what was taken. It turns out he’s not just an ordinary assassin; he’s the most terrifying person in the world. The so-called Baba Yaga

Taking inspiration from old Hong Kong action cinema, John Wick is everything an action film should be: gangsters, martial arts, and guns. Director Chad Stahelski and David Leitch's (uncredited) debut film captured and perfected the formula of fast-paced and heart-pounding storytelling with beautifully choreographed fight scenes and a well-thought-out story.

Keanu Reeves is truly breathtaking, as is John Wick. After training for months to perfect Judo, Jujutsu, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Reeves proved that the character he played was as good as the actor who portrayed him. With Reeves acting and preparation, he was able to endear the stoic assassin to the viewers' hearts.

The film's interplay of lights and shadows, immersive sound design, and fantastic cinematography greatly helped elevate the movie's quality. It will be a sin to overlook the emotional gravity presented throughout the film. Reeve's acting combined with his cool demeanor reminds me of Neo of the Matrix and how we root for him throughout the trilogy. Perhaps his portrayal of 'The One' helped him and the viewers quickly sympathize with and patronize the one they now call Baba Yaga.

John Wick is a masterpiece in its own realm. However flawed for presenting nothing new to the table, it's a treat to see Reeves back in action.

4/5

John Wick and Daisy in John Wick Screenshot