For many moviegoers, Keanu Reeves has fallen off of the radar a bit over the past decade. He’s still been working, but mostly in independent productions. In fact, his last studio film (the much delayed and long-shelved 47 Ronin) was released with little support. Based solely upon advertising spots, John Wick has the appearance of a throwback action effort with a B-movie budget… the type that we’ve come to expect lately from the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, this effort is much sharper – it’s a surprisingly fun, fast-paced ride.
John Wick (Reeves) is a solitary widower who keeps to himself. When his Mustang is abruptly stolen and his Beagle puppy killed by the son of a Russian mobster (Michael Nyqvist), the protagonist does not hesitate. he springs to immediate and incredibly violent action. Wick’s dark history is slowly revealed as he purposefully shoots his way through the underbelly of New York, leaving literally a hundred or more bullet-ridden bodies in his wake.
Admittedly it’s pretty silly stuff… and that’s about it as detailed as the plotting gets. The story may be threadbare and the opening act a little too dark and grim, but it progresses the action becomes more impressive and viewers are treated to amusing, scenery-chewing turns from its grizzled supporting cast.
Stunt coordinators-turned first time directors David Leitch and Chad Stehelski focus on their strength and skill with fight choreography. Thankfully, their lead actor is more than up to the challenge. Reeves doesn’t mince words in his role, but is pushed through some memorably physical fight scenes with elaborate moves. The choreography looks incredibly detailed. He spins, throws punches and delivers blows while reloading and firing weapons at a rapid pace. It’s appear to be an extremely challenging physical feat for anyone and it’s great to see the 50-year old actor convincingly playing action hero.
Another benefit is the sense of black humor that slowly worms its way into the film. As events become more and more outrageous, plenty of subtle gags begin to find their way into the story – there are some funny interchanges with a hotel manager (Lance Reddick) as well as an amusing running gag that occurs whenever Wick is caught in the act of killing by a stranger. It results in deadpan comments from witnesses that are sure to earn a chuckle.
Also helping are the familiar faces in supporting roles. In addition to Nyqvist, Willem Dafoe, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, Adriane Palicki and David Patrick Kelly are all given opportunities to shine and they take full advantage. Dean Winters (familiar to some as the All-State Insurance “Chaos & Mayhem” TV spokesman) provides some effective comedic relief in his scenes as the mobster’s counsel. And as more assassins enter the picture to try and stop Wick, it results in some entertainment value as they characters begin to get in each other’s way.
Frankly, it’s a bit too simple and one wishes the story were less predictable. Yet the working parts gel together more efficiently than anticipated. Once it finds its feet, the movie captures the feel of those over-the-top action fests of the 80’s and slowly charms (or pummels) its way into the good graces of viewers. It is self-aware and intersperses both humor and knowing winks that help keep its revenge-tinged brutal violence from feeling masochistic and mean-spirited. John Wick is by no means a genre classic, but it definitely does pulpy, old-fashioned action flick proud.