​FILMS

john wick

John Wick (Action/Thriller): 71 out of 100: If you don't mind revenge films, "John Wick" does the trick. It's not a complex story at all, just an entertaining mindless flick which gives the power to most of the characters to kill. It's not intended to be rocket science so just enjoy it for what it's worth.

Apparently John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is the seventh most prolific killer in cinema history. He is an ex-hitman attempting to lead a new life when his wife dies. Her last gift to him as a treasured memory is a puppy. When a gang of mobsters breaks into his home, kill the puppy and steal his beloved car, all hell breaks loose with Wick seeking revenge.

It's a rather grim film with barely a trace of humour. However, the action scenes more than make up for this. The fight scenes are spectacular and well-choreographed although on the gratuitous side. You might even become desensitised by all the killings by the end of the film.

Keanu Reeves doesn't have a great acting range but he is well-suited to portraying the stony-faced assassin. There is something about him that makes him so appealing and charismatic even though he isn't the world's best actor. The villains are nasty and stereotypes but they add to the fun and mayhem of the film.

Credit must go to the direction and cinematography which add genuine atmosphere and mood, assisting the tension generated. The fight scenes are well shot as you can actually see what's happening unlike a lot of action films these days where the quick edits make it difficult to focus. There are also some fantastic aerial shots of New York to set the scene.

"John Wick" is definitely not for everyone as it doesn't have that quality script that a lot of people are after. What it does have in truckloads however, is fantastic action scenes that will please and excite the action movie buff.

Starring Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe and Ian McShane
(101 minutes)
Parental advice: Coarse language and high level violence
Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, aerial shots of New York during the credits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0BMx-qxsP4 (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 6th November, 2014)