John Wick is a mob hit man who upon falling in love with a woman would quit. 5 years later, his wife dies and to make sure he's not alone she arranges for a dog to be brought to him after her death. One day some punks break into his home and they want Wick's car so they beat him up and they kill the dog. Wick sets out to find them and learns the leader is the son of his former employer, Viggo. Viggo then sends some to take care of Wick but he's too good. He then sets out to find Viggo's son. Viggo puts a price on Wick's head.

Ok...from the synopsis alone, this was a film I was going to tread on very lightly; because the premise seemed very, very thin to me. And the other reason I was very reluctant to see this film, is the fact that it starred Keanu Reeves. To those who know me personally, it is no secret that I cannot stand this man anymore. He was never a very good actor...and he peaked in the early to mid 90's...and its been nothing but a heavy downfall every since. So the fact that he was playing a retired hitman...did not work for me in the least bit. Of all the people in the world they could have cast for this role, they landed on him. And I will say this now...I was very surprised. Sure, he “Reeves” the shit out of this performance...but it did actually work for me in the end.

And I don't think it was Keanu alone that made this film work. When you look at the surrounding cast, Willem Dafoe, Michael Nyqvist, John Leguizamo, and Ian Shane...the cast played very nicely off one another. And when you have this level of action-packed, drama...if the cast doesn't have good chemistry...the end result is nothing less than fuckin' horrible. The only actor I thought that didn't work for me, was Alfie Allen. I know many people love him because he's on Game of Thrones...but I hate him, almost as much as Keanu Reeves.

And I'm proud to say this is the style of “action” film that we've seen a thousand times before...basically, it's not the Michael Bay style action film...this is the type of action film that I love to see. I can't honestly say that I was feeling this movie from the get go...because like I said...this guy goes off the rails, because some punk kid kills the dog his dead wife bought for him. And I'm not a heartless bastard...this all happens two days after his wife dies...and it is a very touching scene. Well, as touching as a scene with Keanu trying to act emotional, can be. But I still think it is a pretty sad premise for an action film. Lifetime afternoon movie...maybe.

But, that all being said, once this film starts to rev up (right around the 30 minute mark), that's when this film grabbed my full attention. When John Wick starts taking these Russian mob guys out, you really get the feeling that he is a true force to be reckoned with. And that is honestly something that I was not expecting. I keep saying that a lot...but it is true.

I'm going to end this very short...because I do enjoy this movie, but I fear if I try to right more...I will find a way to skew my own viewpoint of the movie...and I might not end up liking it anymore. But I do recommend this movie to viewers. It is more of a “guy” movie, so tread lightly with forcing your girlfriend/wife to watch this...unless she drags your ass to chick flicks...then by all means, make her watch this movie. This is a very entertaining film, and I can't wait to own it when it comes out to buy.

Till Next Time Kiddies..

-RJ