John Wick Review

Exeter Vue has begun the showing of revenge action thriller John Wick. Starring Keanu Reeves this no holds barred, all action set piece may seem like just another notch on Keanu Reeves’ slow career since The Matrix, however if you think this then you are wrong. John Wick is a smart, stylish and bone crunching ride, with plenty to offer and enjoy.

The plot revolves around the titular retired hitman and his struggle after losing his wife to illness, as her last gift to him she sends him a puppy so that he would not have to grieve alone. Whilst he is quietly living his life Russian mafia thieves break into his home and steal his car, killing the dog in the process. Wick then begins a rampage across New York to kill the men who took his last and only comfort away from him.

Keanu Reeves plays the hitman brilliantly and without compromise; the action sequences are high tempo with so much blood being spilled that you will lose track of who has been shot. Not only do you have Keanu Reeves leading this movie but you also get Willem Dafoe as Marcus in the supporting cast which is always worth something, alongside that you have Ian McShane as Winston, owner of the continental hotel and and John Leguizamo as Aurelio the owner of a car repair shop.

Directed by Chad Stahelski this is a really fine piece of work which rolls through the motions with ease and a certain grace. The tidy and clean cut nature of the camerawork and set design really gives a slick feel to this movie, alongside the awesomely choreographed fight scenes. If you want fast cars, gun/martial arts sequences and a couple of beautiful assassins thrown in (not Willem Dafoe) to come together and create a fast paced, action thrill ride the John Wick is for you.

The film does suffer a little from a (could be better) script and a few Russian gangster stereotypes but otherwise I am happy to report that John Wick is one of the best revenge thrillers we have had in ages. With an amazing performance from Keanu Reeves and some wicked set play it is enough make sure that John Wick is a must see for this month.

4/5