Average Action.

Rating: 5/10 (24 November 2015)

John Wick (2014): Dir: Chad Stahelski / Cast: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Adrienne Palicki: Recycled action farce with that ever familiar scenario where one guy kills dozens of hit men and its tone is one of complete dismay for any message. Keanu Reeves stars as John Wick, former hit-man who left that life to settle down with his wife. She is killed during flashbacks. After her funeral a dog is delivered and a card from her lays claim to this being her final gift to him so that he can move on. Problem is that someone takes interest in his car. When he refuses to sell it, they respond by beating him up in the night, killing his dog, and stealing the car. If this nimwitted setup wasn't enough, viewers can predict what happens next. Wick makes a quick recovery and goes on a killing spree that would be the envy of any slasher film villain. Like The Equalizer, we have a hero who can seemingly take on an army, and like that film, these thugs are just targets for violent carnage for the sake of mindless entertainment. Reeves actually fares well as this former hit-man whose past will not allow him to embrace his future. Michael Nyqvist plays the villain, Wick's former boss and whose son committed the sinful act against Wick. Alfie Allen plays Nyqvist's son whose pride overrides intelligence and he soon finds himself fleeing through a nightclub with Wick in pursuit. Willem Dafoe plays a hit-man hired to kill Wick but he actually aids him instead. Adrienne Palicki plays a hitwoman who targets Wick in a hotel room. Directed with skill by Chad Stahelski with a screenplay that sets the tone for retching carnage over meaning. Score: 5 / 10