John Wick ~ Movie Review

We've all seen the action revenge films popularised in the 80's and 90's, and the latest blockbuster to burst into life is John Wick. A talented assassin (Keanu Reeves)  with Chuck Norris style advertising ('killed 3 men in a bar with a pencil, a PENCIL!'), is out for blood when some rich young pillocks kill his dog.

Alright not the most convoluted story line, but that's where the true genius lies. The writer (Derek Kolstad) and directors (Chad Stahelski, David Leitch) made the rare move of  paring down the emotional attachments for the main character. Wick was originally a deadly assassin (termed the man they called to hunt the Boogieman), however he left the business due to love. Awe so sweet!

Fast forward five years and she's being buried, but all is not lost. He receives a dog through the post from his love to replace her in his affections. Unlike in Turner and hooch this small K9 isn't destined for a side kick role. The slow start and emotional culling are misleading, because within ten minutes Wicks house is broken into, he's lying bleeding on the floor, the puppies dead, and the young Russian neds have stolen his car.


This is where the cast list really hots things up Michael Nyqvist plays the Mafia style father to an idiot braggart son Alfie Allen. The frustration between the sons over-inflated ego and the fathers sense of angry disappointment is palatable. It seems clear that the 'Nouveau riche' expects the status of his role without garnering any respect along the way and being Wicks former employer Nyqvist is far from ignorant of the coming storm.

Now the helpers; Ian McShane, John Leguizamo and Willem Dafoe. McShane owns an assassins hotel, neutral territory where they can rest in safety, with all amenities including on call doctors. A subtly powerful man with an army of options available. Leguizamo runs a stolen car shop, with a surprising amount of bodybuilding types, and refuses to take Wicks car. Dafoe is a fellow assassin, a dab hand with a sniper rifle, he provides a useful early warning service for Wicks.

Taking away the love interest and not having a daft young girl that regularly falls over and hurts her ankle is a refreshing take on action and one that should be followed more often (Yes I'm talking about the series 24!). Another massively unique aspect for action films is the fact that Wick actually appears to be able to hit a target with almost every bullet. Something that James Bond with all his training still struggles to do without peppering walls.
This film has hit mixed reviews, however the Marmite aspect has completely bypassed me. I loved the film and with rumours of a sequel in the wind, the action genre seems to be back. Not satisfied with just a film, Wick also guest starred in the game Payday 2, obviously amid rave reviews and a new perk system.

John Wick The Movie
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