John Wick

A Stunning Achievement in Action: John Wick Combines Thrilling Action Sequences with Emotional Depth

MOVIE REVIEWS

Ryan Pethrow

10/27/20142 min read

John Wick is a movie that has quickly become a classic in the action genre. The film stars Keanu Reeves as the title character, a retired hitman who is forced back into the game after the death of his wife and the theft of his prized possession - a vintage Mustang.

One of the most impressive things about John Wick is its stunning action sequences. The choreography is impeccable, with Reeves and the stunt team pulling off some truly breathtaking moves. The fight scenes are intense and violent, but never feel gratuitous or over-the-top. They are always in service of the story and serve to highlight the skill and determination of John Wick.

But what sets John Wick apart from other action movies is its attention to detail. Every aspect of the film feels carefully crafted and considered, from the stunning cinematography to the intricate world-building. The film takes place in a unique universe where hitmen have their own currency, hotels, and rules of engagement. It's a world that feels both familiar and completely new.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Willem Dafoe as Marcus, a fellow hitman, and friend of John Wick. Dafoe brings a quiet intensity to the role and his scenes with Reeves crackle with chemistry and tension. Another standout is Michael Nyqvist as Viggo Tarasov, the film's main villain. Nyqvist plays Viggo with a quiet menace, making him a formidable opponent for John Wick.

But ultimately, the film belongs to Reeves. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, conveying both the pain and determination of a man who has lost everything. His physical performance is also incredibly impressive, with Reeves performing many of his own stunts and fight scenes. It's clear that he put in a lot of work to bring John Wick to life, and it pays off in spades.

One of the things that set John Wick apart from other action movies is its commitment to world-building. The film creates a rich, complex universe that feels like it could exist outside of the confines of the film itself. From the Continental Hotel, a safe haven for hitmen, to the intricate rules that govern the world of assassins, every detail is considered and adds to the overall experience of the film.

But despite its impressive world-building and stunning action sequences, what really sets John Wick apart is its emotional core. At its heart, the film is a story of love and loss, of a man driven to violence by his grief. It's a powerful and relatable story and one that elevates the film beyond its genre trappings.

Overall, John Wick is a stunning achievement in the action genre. It's a film that is both beautiful and brutal, with incredible performances and some of the best action sequences in recent memory. It's a film that deserves to be seen and celebrated and one that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out.