John Wick: Blu-ray Review
The Movie:
When sadistic young thugs senselessly attack John Wick (Keanu Reeves) – a brilliantly lethal ex-assassin – they have no idea that they’ve just awakened the boogeyman. With New York City as his bullet-riddled playground, Wick embarks on a merciless rampage, hunting down his adversaries with the skill and ruthlessness that made him an underworld legend.
It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen Reeves in the action movie genre but now was a good a time as any to jump back in with both feet. The film starts rather quickly and you get a sense immediately what tone the film is going to take. The story is very simple and uncomplicated which leads it to have a very straight forward approach without having to try to piece things together in your head. The action is so intense and the fight choreography is so elaborate that I was immediately engaged with the film. It was like Reeves hadn’t missed a step at all since The Matrix. There’s also a good amount of humor rolled in there as well. For instance, EVERYONE (police included) seems to know about John Wick and what he used to do. When people speak his name and are told about has transpired they simply cringe and say “Oh”. To me that was hilarious every time that would happen. Normally revenge movies don’t always work well as sequels because by the end they most likely resolved whatever aspect they were going after BUT this one was different. I would like to see what else is in store for John Wick and I think it could definitely work as a sequel or a prequel for that matter. This was the perfect “comeback” film for Reeves and he plays Wick with such intensity yet with sadness and sensitivity behind it all. This is one that can’t be miss and I completely suggest picking it up.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary by Filmmakers Chad Stahelski and David Leitch
Don’t F*#% With John Wick – This feature looks at the hard work that Reeves put in for the great fight choreography.
Calling in the Cavalry – This takes a look at the first pitch for the film itself along with what the 2nd unit contributed to the film.
Destiny of a Collective – This feature is about the collaborative efforts of the two directors.
The Assassin’s Code – Details the code that the hitmen use in the film.
The Red Circle – This is mainly about the big scene in the nightclub within the film.
N.Y.C. Noir – This is particularly about the style of the film and why the choices were made.
