A modern masterpiece; action cinema at its finest.

Rating: 9/10 (21 May 2018)

Not only does 'John Wick (2014)' feature fantastic action that's tightly choreographed and cleanly shot, it also has a tight story that doesn't rely too heavily on exposition and manages to create a unique world that feels tangible. A lot of people talk about it as if the action excuses the story, as if it is a 'guilty pleasure' or only good because of its above-average - phenomenal, I'd say - fight sequences, but that's actually not the case here. This isn't simply about a man who kills some people because they kill his dog. No, it is much deeper than that, with a tangible connection to the characters and solid reasoning behind everything they do, and just because the story is simple doesn't make it any less compelling or well-crafted. The film is truly fun, somewhat self-aware but also serious enough to be properly impactful, and wholly engaging. You'll be smiling throughout, at both the breathless action and the effortless craftsmanship of narrative. Keanu Reaves and Michael Nyqvist are both fantastic in the piece, two sides of the same coin, and the way that the latter is used to build this ominous legend around the former is almost genius. The flick also offers glimpses into an interesting and fully formed world but never lets that detract from its beating heart, either. I truly believe this is a near masterpiece, a marvel of modern cinema that distils its story to its most basic of elements and is all the more effective because of it. One of my favourite action films of all time. 9/10