In “John Wick,” Keanu Reeves returns to the screen in what may be one of his finest roles in a decade. Flexing every one of his talents in the titular role, Reeves elevates what on paper may read as a weak pitch to a heartfelt and graceful, but bloody and visceral action experience.
When the audience is introduced to John Wick, he is a broken man, having lost his wife (played by Bridget Moynahan) to illness. The effect of her death is conveyed with a grace not often seen in action-oriented films.
Reeves fully immerses himself in the role, masterfully expressing his dejected state without uttering a single word. Wick’s emotions are largely stagnant until there is a knock on the door and a puppy — a posthumous delivery from his wife — finds its way into Wick’s arms. But when his shining hope for the future is cut short by the introduction of the son of a Russian gangster (Alfie Allen) — who breaks into Wick’s home, steals his 1969 Mustang and kills the dog.
Unbeknownst to the gangster, Wick is a retired but legendary hitman. What follows is a revenge action-thriller where Wick lays waste to whoever stands in his way in the most satisfying of ways.
Reeves has had a talent and an interest in martial arts since his portrayal of Neo in “The Matrix.” Last year, he directed and starred in the stellar martial arts film, “Man of Tai Chi.” Reeves has had time to hone his craft and he brings it to every bloody encounter throughout “John Wick.”
The film is not for the squeamish. Bodies writhe, heads snap back and limbs are forced into unnatural positions. The movie has heavy use of gunplay, and Reeves disposes of bodies with an elegance which leaves one breathless after every scene. Unlike Reeves’ past films, however, “John Wick” grounds its action in a grittiness which can only be described as wince-inducing. The action is as “in your face” as it can get, and the film thrives on it.
The action takes place in New York City, the perfect backdrop for the brutality and finesse of Wick’s fighting ability. From the long helicopter shots at night, to the close-up frames of blacked-out alleys, the city is both appealing yet repellant. The characters share the duality of the metropolis. Each individual has a history with hidden motives begging to be explored, nearly all of them with layered backstories.
“John Wick” succeeds in most areas, but certainly falters in others. The epilogue feels forced and rushed. Fonts for the English subtitles change throughout the film for no discernible reason. Moments of comic relief help take the edge off of even the most violent scenes; however, at times, they confuse the tone of the film rather than alleviate tension.
“John Wick” is a film made with the same care, skill and grace Wick uses when he plows through rows and rows of Russian gangsters. Keanu Reeves is at his best, and viewers will enjoy his return to more action-oriented roles.
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