John Wick (2014)

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Blistering performances.

Pure action and bloodfest. Ex-Hitman takes revenge. Wick's motive can only be a joke. Instead of a violent death of his wife, his motive is a dead dog. Probably a statement: "Never mind the reason, we wanted pure action." Stoic characters. Little substance, but plenty of style, blood and action.

Critics and audiences around the world raved about 'John Wick'. What did I think? Uhm, still deciding. The film starts off with so many Hollywood cliches: the flashbacks to tell the back story, the rainy weather funeral with black umbrellas... Yes, Keanu Reeves was perfectly cast as John Wick. Yes, the action scenes are non-stop and brutal. Yes, the stunts were awesome. Yet, I still didn't enjoy the film. The film has a bodycount of note, you'd think it's a John Woo film! This is just way too violent for my liking with way too much unnecessary killings. Sure, Wick was out for revenge, but this is a very extreme vengeance film. I realize he did not go on a killing spree because they took his car and dog from him. The reason for his revenge goes much deeper than that, I get it, but still...Does this justify Wick killing over a hundred people? Although it is never mentioned in the film, it is obvious Wick is an ex-hitman and therefore probably does not have a conscience, but I can't help but feel this character goes completely beyond revenge. On the contrary, it becomes cold-blooded murder instead. Also, I understand Wick was one of the best hitman, but is it possible that he can outwit and dodge so many hitmen in the club? If this is the case, this organisation seriously need new hitmen!The film also features the "no gun" ending fight scene. Seriously, Hollywood, this is SO cliched and annoying! If Viggo (Michael Nyqvist), the crime boss, wanted John dead, why didn't he just shoot him? Why would a man in his sixties opt for a fist fight with someone as highly trained as John Wick, instead of just shooting him? This scene was not credible at all. Is it a film I'd watch again? Nope. (I must mention I absolutely loved the soundtrack.)

Not only does 'John Wick (2014)' feature fantastic action that's tightly choreographed and cleanly shot, it also has a tight story that doesn't rely too heavily on exposition and manages to create a unique world that feels tangible. A lot of people talk about it as if the action excuses the story, as if it is a 'guilty pleasure' or only good because of its above-average - phenomenal, I'd say - fight sequences, but that's actually not the case here. This isn't simply about a man who kills some people because they kill his dog. No, it is much deeper than that, with a tangible connection to the characters and solid reasoning behind everything they do, and just because the story is simple doesn't make it any less compelling or well-crafted. The film is truly fun, somewhat self-aware but also serious enough to be properly impactful, and wholly engaging. You'll be smiling throughout, at both the breathless action and the effortless craftsmanship of narrative. Keanu Reaves and Michael Nyqvist are both fantastic in the piece, two sides of the same coin, and the way that the latter is used to build this ominous legend around the former is almost genius. The flick also offers glimpses into an interesting and fully formed world but never lets that detract from its beating heart, either. I truly believe this is a near masterpiece, a marvel of modern cinema that distils its story to its most basic of elements and is all the more effective because of it. One of my favourite action films of all time. 9/10

Movie Review: "John Wick" (2014)Premium stunt coordinators Chad Stahelski and David Leitch turn directors for simplistic revengeful story of an extraordinary "Army of One" plot as leading actor Keanu Reeves takes on the entire Russian Mob of New York under heavy gun-fire sequences in stellar choreography by the major stunt work practicing and approving key production personnel collaborators.Quite moments also convince me here as supporting actors as Ian McShane as the back-stage, strings-pulling character of Winston and Michael Nyqvis (1960-2017) as Russian Head-Mobster and Adrianne Palicki as confronting nemesis assassin in a strong hotel room scene as "John Wick" has relentless continuity, formidably carried by actor Keanu Reeves in best form.Cinemajesty Entertainments 2018