Ten Years Later, John Wick Continues to Take Down the Competition
Image Courtesy of Lionsgate
By Luis Zonenberg
Before Ballerina dances her way in next year, I thought it best to reflect back on where this franchise started in light of John Wick’s tenth anniversary. Since then, many more stunt people have taken the director’s chair, and the franchise starter’s success kickstarted a new era of action films, featuring well-choreographed stunt work and better cinematography. Looking back, is it warranted?
Let us first start off with the story, which centers on retired assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) reeling from the sudden loss of his wife (Bridget Moynahan). To cope, he takes care of an adorable puppy his wife left for him and treats him like any loving father would. But just like that, some Russian gangsters break into his home and hijack his car, killing his dog in the process.
This propels him on a blood-soaked quest for vengeance, leading to excellent scenes of gunplay and mayhem. Yes, even ten years later, these action shots are such a sight to behold. Directors David Leitch (uncredited) and Chad Stahelski were incredibly smart in utilizing long-take wide shots so we can properly witness all of the action play out on screen. The action scenes themselves are also so bloody and creatively thought out that you can just feel immersed as ever.
This is also the movie that resurrected Keanu Reeves’ career and for good reason. He was able to add in real genuine emotion and levity that really helped us resonate with his character, making us feel for him even more. Other supporters like the late Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, and also late Michael Nyqvist all help add in a sense of realism to this high-octane world.
For an action film like this, I was impressed by how well executed the world-building was. The complex system of assassins and thieves with a network and codebook made for a much stronger viewing environment. This really helps the film, as well as the franchise itself, separate from others and give it its own unique identity.
Like many action films before it though, the story is not that well constructed. While it does feature a more emotional connection that I will say others lack, it still remains very light in substance. It clearly trades in more of the action for the story, but the characters and world-building are so engaging that it is easy to forgive.
Ten years later, John Wick remains on the podium for the action genre and for good reason. The action and cinematography truly helped immerse the viewer in the conflict, as well as being hooked by this complex world the writers created. It may be light on story, but John Wick offers enough creative action and drama to reel in audiences after all this time.
Rating: ★★★★☆
