Keanu needs a payday.

Rating: 7/10 (21 June 2015)

Heh, so that's what it looks like when Matrix and Equilibrium have unprotected relationship. Sadly, if the two movies above were filled not only with... extremely brilliant scenes for the technology of the time, but also quite deep and meaningful plot - John Wick seems to be a pretty one-sided coin.
He lost his dearly beloved, he got mugged, that's all the premise you need. Though I do admit that Viggo's exposition was impressive, some background would be nice.
Granted all the plot unravellings, I don't understand why would he hang up Viggo's call. Both John and Viggo know better, and instead of going on some mad rampage, a simpler fate could've been arranged. Much simpler. Or it could end the same, but it would at least look plausible.
Red Circle encounter is laughable. Beautiful, obviously, until he stares at his desired victim and just lets him run away. I first thought he wants the usual: suffering, torture etc. But apparently he never needed it, so why not end the movie halfway through if there was a chance?
All the side characters are merely plot devices. Female assassin? Has to explain what the management was. Marcus? Deus ex machina.
Yosef's death could probably only rival Talia Al'ghoul's. Home siege, Red Circle, Car scene... all these great performances, yet the very antagonist of this movie was supposed to be hidden in impenetrable fortress, but... Snipe here, snipe there, done. Seriously?
The list can continue, but the point is that very often the suspension of disbelief is raised, even if you really want to keep it.
And, of course, I can't help but stand in line with every Russian who was severely offended by this movie. Now, I know that between Italian and Russian mafia - these nations shouldn't really be surprised when their people are slaughtered, and I would never imagine that Hollywood would ever get Russian actors. But that song? The lullaby? I know russians are a sick nation firsthand, but not even the craziest of us would sing a "lullaby" in a nightclub in a bath with half naked women.
I feel that giving the movie 7\10 is a very generous gift. If not for Wick and Viggo's performance - 5\10 would've been the right place. Aka - a movie that really isn't remotely good, but is at least worth looking for the some thrills. But hey, I can play as John Wick now, he is played by ol' good Neo and there was plenty of gun fu. Who can resist that?