John Wick is one of the best action films released this decade with more head shots than a models portfolio. John Wick, a modern revenge tale of a retired assassin who's been pushed too far after the death of his wife. It's a simple plot but it's all we need for this solid action film.
Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, ex-stuntmen who clearly understand that action scenes don't need multiple cuts and shakey-cam. They use steady camera work that follows the action with as little cuts as possible letting us actually see the violence and action we expect to see. The choreography of the fights are fast, sharp and flow with brutality creating a dance of violence on screen. These action scenes are simultaneously elegant and aggressive. The impact of this action appears stronger as the steps in between are full of grace. This contrast follows through the characters as they're all cold and tough yet each is shown to have a softer side on an emotional level. This softer side is displayed in all the dark action sequences using lighting techniques found in most noir genre films where half a character is almost if not silhouette and the other covered in cascading light. The light in the dark action scenes are either neon blue or purple reflecting these softer emotions. Purple is representation of the passion the characters hold and blue representing the sadness. The acting is more than the average for an action film but it is nothing new. What is new is seeing Reeves' get angry which is different from his usual calm characters. John Wick is an action flick that shouldn't become old quick and the stunning visuals won't date fast either. It attached beauty to brutality and should be a strong franchise if Chapter 2 holds up to this. Mr. Cynic Rates this 8/10 John Wick Chapter 2 Review should be posted on the 15th.
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