Wick Equalized

Rating: Null/10 (1 May 2015)

I suppose for me the idea of John Wick was something like 'Falling Down' but without the social comments and instead of an ordinary guy pushed over the edge, here the protagonist is a retired hit-man.
Needless to say, the entire plot is adequately summed up in the trailer and if you like movies that set out to entertain in a simple way, the comic book logic and emphasis on stunts and action here will be right up your alley. From my viewpoint, I hesitate to say Reeves carries this movie to a certain extent, but I don't want to take too much away from the rest of the cast, though some like Palicki aren't given much of a chance to demonstrate their full range of talents or have a strong impact on the proceedings for lack of time on screen. Nyqvist gives an interesting performance but is fighting against a particularly weak script even by action movie standards, and his Russian Mob Boss character often comes off as somewhat of an imbecile, even if there are deliberate attempts at humor peppered in.
Overall, Reeves is appealing and inherently sympathetic with a sombre low-key performance sort of reminiscent of what he did in 'The Watcher'. Notably his physical work with regards to the action is commendable, but in my opinion it is a shame it was not applied to a movie with a slightly stronger script and direction, when compared with a movie that strives for similar goals like 'The Equalizer' which lacked those deficiencies and made for a more well- rounded and engaging viewing experience.
Worth watching, could of been better, so
** out of ****