John Wick Movie Review

John Wick is a 2014 American action thriller film directed by Chad Stahelski and written by Derek Kolstad. The movie follows the story of John Wick, a retired hitman who seeks vengeance for the death of his beloved dog, which was a gift from his recently deceased wife.

The film stars Keanu Reeves as John Wick, alongside Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki, and Ian McShane. The movie received critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising its stylish action sequences and Keanu Reeves’ performance as the titular character. Some even went as far as to call it one of the best action films in recent years.

In this article, we will delve into John Wick’s plot and characters while analyzing what makes it an exceptional action-thriller. We will also examine how the film has contributed to the resurgence of Keanu Reeves’ career and explore its impact on the genre of action movies as a whole.

Plot Overview

The plot of the movie revolves around an ex-hitman named John Wick who seeks revenge against the people who wronged him.

The film starts with John grieving over his wife’s death and receiving a puppy from her as a posthumous gift. However, things take a turn for the worse when his car is stolen and the puppy is killed by Iosef Tarasov, the son of a powerful Russian mobster.

This leads to John seeking vengeance against Iosef and his father, Viggo Tarasov. The movie explores themes such as grief, loss, and redemption.

John Wick’s character arc reflects these themes as he deals with his grief over losing his wife and seeks redemption through avenging his dog’s death. The supporting cast also adds depth to the story, with standout performances from Willem Dafoe as Marcus, an assassin who has a close relationship with John, and Michael Nyqvist as Viggo Tarasov, the antagonist who tries to protect his son from John’s wrath.

Overall, John Wick offers an engaging plot that is well-crafted and keeps viewers invested until the end.

Character Analysis

As the plot unfolds, viewers are taken on a wild ride through the world of John Wick. However, it is not just the action-packed sequences that make this movie worth watching.

The main character, played by Keanu Reeves, is a complex individual with a rich backstory that provides insight into his motivations and personality traits. A motivation analysis of John Wick reveals that his actions are driven by a desire for revenge after the death of his beloved dog, an emotional attachment to his past life as an assassin, and a sense of loyalty to those he cares about.

His personality is characterized by determination, resourcefulness, and an unwavering sense of justice. These traits are on full display throughout the movie as John navigates through dangerous situations while seeking vengeance against those who wronged him.

Key points to consider while analyzing John Wick’s character:

• His love for his wife and dog
• His dedication to his work as an assassin
• His moral code and sense of justice
• His resourcefulness in difficult situations
• His willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means putting himself in danger or going against powerful opponents.

The Action Sequences

The action sequences in John Wick are undeniably the highlight of the film. The fight choreography is top-notch, with Keanu Reeves displaying impressive physicality and skill in every scene. From hand-to-hand combat to gunfights, each fight sequence is meticulously crafted and executed with precision.

What sets John Wick apart from other action films is its cinematic style. Director Chad Stahelski employs a unique visual language that blends elements of classic kung-fu movies with contemporary action aesthetics. The use of long takes, wide shots, and close-ups creates a sense of immersion in the action, allowing viewers to feel like they are right there in the middle of the chaos.

Additionally, the lighting and color palette give the fight scenes an almost surreal quality, adding to the film’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Overall, the action sequences in John Wick are simply spectacular. The combination of expert fight choreography and innovative cinematic style make for an unforgettable viewing experience. With this film, Keanu Reeves has solidified his position as one of Hollywood’s leading action stars.

Keanu Reeves’ Career Resurgence

Keanu Reeves’ Career Resurgence has been a topic of much discussion amongst fans and critics alike.

The actor, who first gained popularity in the 90s with films such as Speed and The Matrix, experienced a lull in his career before making a comeback with the John Wick franchise.

One reason for Reeves’ resurgence could be attributed to his unique style of acting. He is known for his understated yet intense performances, which have resonated with audiences. His stoic presence on screen has become iconic, and he brings a certain gravitas to his roles that is unmatched by many of his contemporaries.

This style has undoubtedly played a role in fan reception to his recent work, including John Wick and its sequels, which have been commercial and critical successes.

Impact On The Action Genre

Continuing on from Keanu Reeves’ career resurgence, it cannot be denied that his role as John Wick has had a significant impact on the action genre.

The film’s unique blend of stylish cinematography, intense fight scenes, and intricate world-building has influenced numerous other films in the genre. It has also brought attention to the importance of practical effects and stunt work in action filmmaking.

John Wick’s success has opened doors for future action films to experiment with different styles and techniques. Filmmakers can take note of how John Wick utilized a mix of martial arts, gun-fu, and hand-to-hand combat to create thrilling action sequences.

Additionally, the film’s use of visual storytelling and world-building allowed for a more immersive experience for audiences. In this sense, John Wick has paved the way for new approaches to action filmmaking that prioritize creativity, innovation, and authenticity over generic tropes and formulaic plots.

Looking forward, it will be interesting to see how other filmmakers continue to be influenced by John Wick in their own projects. As the franchise continues to expand with new sequels and spin-offs on the horizon, its impact on the action genre will only continue to grow.

Ultimately, John Wick’s legacy lies not just in its box office success or critical acclaim but in how it has revitalized an entire genre of filmmaking for years to come.

Conclusion

‘John Wick’ is a thrilling action movie that follows the story of a retired hitman, John Wick (Keanu Reeves), who seeks vengeance after his beloved dog is killed by Russian mobsters. The film’s plot is fast-paced and engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Reeves delivers an outstanding performance as John Wick, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He brings depth to his character, portraying him as a man haunted by his past but determined to find justice for his loss.

The supporting cast also shines, particularly Willem Dafoe as Marcus, a fellow hitman who comes to John’s aid.

The action sequences in ‘John Wick’ are some of the best in recent years. The fight scenes are choreographed to perfection, with Reeves demonstrating impressive martial arts skills. The gunfights are expertly executed and visually stunning.

Keanu Reeves’ career resurgence can be attributed in part to his role in ‘John Wick.’ His commitment to the character and dedication to performing his own stunts have earned him newfound respect and admiration from audiences and critics alike.

‘John Wick’ has had a significant impact on the action genre, inspiring other filmmakers to raise the bar when it comes to fight choreography and stunt work. It has become a modern classic, beloved by fans around the world for its exciting action sequences, memorable characters, and gripping storyline.

In conclusion, ‘John Wick’ is an impressive action movie that stands out for its thrilling plot, exceptional performances, and breathtaking fight scenes. Keanu Reeves’ career resurgence owes much to this film’s success which has undoubtedly inspired many filmmakers since its release.

Whether you’re an action fan or not, ‘John Wick’ is definitely worth watching – it might just be one of the best movies you’ve seen in recent years.