I wasn’t excited for “John Wick.” It didn’t look that special, and Keanu Reeves certainly isn’t impressing me with his more recent repertoire, so I had every reason to write off this generic-looking action flick. Then it showed at film festivals, and the reviews started coming in,;”John Wick” was supposed to be good, really good, and I had no reason to believe it, but it certainly piqued my interest. So imagine my surprise when “John Wick” not only ends up being good, but ends up being the best action film of the past five years. Keanu Reeves has never been better, the world created is an immerse one with an intriguing amount of lore, it has stylish violence that never goes into grotesque territory and a story I can get behind fully: always avenge the dog.

Recently, Reeves hasn’t been impressing too much; “Man of Tai Chi” was escapist fun, but nothing legendary, while “47 Ronin” was a bonafide mess. I would hope that his performance in this can put him back on the map to make better, more interesting movies in the future, ones that don’t make Universal lose $200 million over. Reeves as Wick is perfect: he’s layered, funny and quite charming as the likable killer. What’s even more impressive is the supporting cast of the film, riddled with action stars with more to bring acting-wise than anyone in “The Expendables.” Michael Nyqvist plays a layered villain forced to do what is necessary when his careless son provokes John Wick out of retirement by killing his dog, his final gift from his late wife. Alfie Allen (Yes, the eponymous character from his sister Lily Allen’s song “Alfie”), plays his son, a spoiled, bratty, cocky child born into privilege and taught to take what he wants. Allen seems perfect for the role if his sister’s song has any indication of his real life demeanor. Adrianne Palicki makes a nice appearance as Ms. Perkins, an old acquaintance of Wick’s, but one that, for the right price, would not hesitate to take him out. Palicki is always fabulous and seductive in her roles, and this is no exception. Villainous characters fit her nicely. Willem Dafoe, Ian McShane and John Leguizamo make nice appearances as contacts of John, and round out the cast nicely.

The film is directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, two former stunt men who made the acquaintance of Reeves while working on “The Matrix” with him. This could be equated to a recent film, “Left Behind.” a religious thriller starring Nicolas Cage which I had the great pleasure of not seeing, but from what I’ve heard, is horribly directed by a former stunt man, Vic Armstrong. This film though, is directed with a cold style to it, which fits the film perfectly. The sky is never clear, it’s bathed in many grey scenes, but is contrasted in an underworld of nightcubs, bars and hotels that the give the surprisingly expansive world of assassins in New York City major life. The film has the storyline of an old 80s revenge thriller, the style of a 90s action film, and the technical proficiency to be found on the best blockbusters around. John Wick is a technical marvel.

I found myself in awe of “John Wick,” not only for the movie itself, but in how it completely shell-shocked me. I expected this film to be a bomb; I didn’t think Keanu Reeves had it in him for a comeback and I’ve never been more wrong. I’m going to make a cheesy reference to the movie, so brace yourselves…

A lot of people have been asking me if Keanu Reeves is back, and for a while I didn’t know the answer, but yeah, I’m thinking he’s back.

Now that that’s over and I’m super pleased with myself, I can end this review with this. You want action? You have great action. You want violence? You have major violence. You want a story? You have a story. You want awesome? This movie secretes awesome through every pixel of every frame. Keanu Reeves is back, and I can’t be happier. I’d like to see this transformed into a franchise, so go see it to make my dream a reality. You’ll probably want the same thing by the time the credits roll.

4.5/5

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate Films

Directed by: Chad Stahelski and David Leitch
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, with Ian McShane, with John Leguizamo and Willem Dafoe.
Runtime: 101 minutes
Rating: R for strong and bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use.
Also available in IMAX theaters.

Summit Entertainment presents, Thunder Road Pictures presents, in association with 87Eleven Productions and MJW Films, in association with DefyNite Films, “John Wick.