John Wick is one of the most entertaining films I have seen all year, and no one should miss it.
It gives the audience a sense of sympathy for the main character, understanding of the events and sequences of action and violence that satisfy our most primal desires. John Wick may not be an intellectual film, but it is one of the best examples of how art and entertainment are not mutually exclusive.
From the very first frames of the film, John Wick intends to present character motivation in as simple a manner as possible. The films’ titular protagonist, John Wick, is a skilled former hitman whose wife has died well before their twilight years have come.
As if this isn’t enough to push him over the edge, his dog is killed and his car stolen by the son of a local crime lord, who also happens to be John’s former boss. All of these circumstances are established within the first ten minutes of the film, and they provide more than enough motivation for John to begin his death-filled spree of revenge.
The fact that the film does not waste time establishing rationale for the character’s actions, or giving the audience a reason to sympathize with him, is what sets it apart from most contemporary action movies. John’s wife is dead, his dog has been killed, and his car stolen. Everyone can understand why he’d want justice, and to watch him utilize his skills is satisfying and more than enjoyable.
As John turns a corner, and manages to take down one hired hand after another, the movie uses as few takes as possible, giving the audience a greater understanding of the action as it unfolds. Thankfully, I feel confident in reporting that the choreographed shootouts and fight sequences are visceral and intense, managing never to tire thanks to a wealth of variation in locations and types of kills.
Yet John Wick does not cease to impress with all I have mentioned. I haven’t discussed the fantastic color scheme of the film, the fittingly somber and when necessary, high energy soundtrack or the wonderfully, original, criminal culture created as a backdrop for the story.
I could easily waste more of your attention drooling over these features and my love for the film in general, but if you still aren’t convinced that you need to see John Wick by now, then that’s something you’ll have to live to regret.
