John Wick

John Wick (Keanu Reeves; The Matrix Trilogy) is a retired assassin whose recently lost his wife (Bridget Monahan; I,Robot). Days later he receives a gift, a puppy, that his wife has sent to him before passing away. When he crosses paths with Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen; Game Of Thrones), son of a Russian Mobster (Michael Nyqvist; The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy), he becomes Iosef’s next victim. His car is stolen, his dog is killed and he’s beaten pretty badly, but he has survived. Much to the unfortunate luck of Iosef. Now he wants revenge. 

 

John Wick manages to be a film you can simply zone out to. Keanu Reeves is so blank (as usual) that there is no need for disbelief. His character is no Neo so the fights are a bit, meh, but his ability to just be the character makes it so much fun. He doesn’t usually play the tough guy roles so there’s no nagging itch that would otherwise come with watching a similar film with an actor like Liam Neeson or Jason Statham. It’s a new approach for Reeves (at least in the collection of films I personally have seen him in) and the story is a pretty basic revenge tale. 

 

I was often reminded of two films while watching. The first is Joe Carnahan’s Smokin’ Aces. The world of John Wick is filled with Hitmen, all who approach each other like you would approach a co-worker anywhere else which makes it a bit hilarious like Smokin’ Aces, another film about Assassin’s crossing paths. 

 

The second is Brian Helgeland’s Payback: Straight Up Directors Cut (the darker, more grittier version of the film). When the mood is being made light by Wick and Ms. Perkins (Adrianne Palicki; Legion), another assassin, cracking wise while trying to kill one another or the inclusion of the highly underused genius of Ian McShane (Deadwood) who mostly channels his Lovejoy character, the film is dark and brutal. Wick will do whatever he has to for revenge and the men who are protecting his mark are equally as brutal, if not expendable. 

 

Other notable appearances in the film include John Leguizamo (Kick Ass 2), William Defoe (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Dean Winters (30 Rock), Daniel Bernhardt (Parker), Bridget Regan (Agent Carter), and Lance Reddick (Fringe). 

 

PICTURE AND AUDIO QUALITY:

As far as I’m concerned almost everything about John Wick is immaculate. The picture clarity is spot on. Texture and sharpness detailed and cute. There doesn’t seem to be any real issues even in a film as dark and low lit as John Wick. The only real issue I had with the film was while the end credits were running (weird right). Other then that it’s one hell of a ride with a picture quality worth the purchase price. 

 

Audio comes to you in Dolby Atmos which is the updated 7.1 format. If you’ve been updating your surround sound system for all the newfangled format upgrades films have been adopting then you’re going to be in for a pleasant surprise. The music, the gunfire, slap of fist to flesh and the snap of broken bones work their way very smoothly through the ambiance of loud club music or heavy rain. It’s basically the ultimate package for audiophiles to enjoy. I highly recommend it for the experience even if you end up not loving the film. 

 

BONUS FEATURES:

~Audio Commentary

~Don’t F*#% With John Wick: Was looking forward to an interesting look at the character of John Wick who pretty much is a fable turned reality as he runs through the film killing and maiming his victims. Unfortunately this features plays more like a resume for Reeves. I understand he’s a hard working actor, but nothing said in this love letter is anything I hadn’t heard in the special features for The Matrix. 

~Calling In The Calvary: Basically a look at the putting together of the project. Sounds like Reeves wanted it and he just happened to already be working with one of the creators on Man of Tai Chi. 

~Destiny Of A Collective

~The Red Circle

~N.Y.C. Choir

~Trailer

~HD Digital UV Copy and Itunes Digital Copy

~BD AND DVD Formats