Slick, stylish action film which is worthy of its high rating

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2015)

Like many people I rely on IMDb ratings and reviews to make decisions about films I have heard little about. When I came to look at John Wick I was interested due to its overall rating of 7.5, but became rather concerned about the negative reviews from other users. I became convinced that the film had been wrongly rated and that the negative reviews were an honest description of faults many found with the film. However, there was such huge discrepancy between the comments being left that I decided to read the Rotten Tomatoes review - which gives the film an 83 and a very solid review. So, I decided Id give the film a try and make my own decisions - man am I glad I did!
John Wick is a slick, stylish action film which brings the protagonist out of retirement and returns him to the criminal world where he was once feared as an ultimate hit man. Everything about the film, from Keanu Reeves acting to car chases and gunfights is slick and thoroughly enjoyable. The script and storyline is relatively simple and you do need to read between the lines at points to understand fully. We are launched into a criminal world that has rules and a safe hotel where people like John Wick can stay, gain information, get rid of bodies, get patched up by a doctor and are safe to stay thanks to the owners rules that no hits are ever to be carried out on site. The owner is played by Ian McShane and the hotel manager by Lance Reddick - both giving superb cameo performances which help create the criminal world shown to us in this film.
The direction, photography and style of, what is essentially a simple revenge film, is fantastic and makes the film highly enjoyable. Yes, there are a few niggles, but the usual ones you find in action films - missing a target early on so that John Wick has reason to kill more people in his search for him. Also there appears to be the worst Police force in the world operating in this city as they never turn up, despite gang war breaking out on the streets and people walking around with assault rifles. The only police officer we meet turns a blind eye to John Wick's actions, so perhaps we are supposed to believe the other cops are doing the same. Other than that though, I completely disagree with all the points being made in the negative reviews posted by other users - I thought the fight scenes were exciting and quite visceral. As for the script - this was simple and minimalistic and at times perhaps you need to read between the lines a bits (maybe the negative reviewers were unable to do so?). For me the dialogue was perfect, fitted in with the style of the film and lines were delivered well by all the actors.
Overall, this is a really fun revenge story with slick action scenes and good acting from all involved. If you're looking for a simple revenge story which is a lot of fun, then I definitely recommend you watch John Wick. Don't rely on the negative reviews some have posted, but make up your own opinion and, like me, I think you will find John Wick to be worthy of praise and seen as, probably, the best action film of 2014.