Lock and load. Amazing news!
With Oscar season quickly approaching, we’re absolutely pumped to see the likes of The Post, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Stronger in the cinema, but while there’s massive appeal in slow-burning dramas, there’s also an awful lot to be said for a breathtaking and adrenaline-pumping action film.
In this sense, very few films have matched the standards that John Wick set when it was released in 2014.
Like the titular assassin, David Leitch and Chad Stahelski’s superb actioner used all of its stealthy brilliance to creep in under the radar and kick the living shit out of the action genre. In doing so, the film quickly established itself as one of the most entertaining and stylish shoot-em-ups in years.
Truth be told, it’s adherence to believable stuntwork, fight sequences and weaponry made it stand out from the rest of the CGI-saturated crowd.
Much like he’s done throughout his career, Keanu Reeves delivers a no-frills, effortlessly cool and totally committed performance as the ex-hitman that comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.
As we’ve seen in Point Break, The Matrix, Speed, Constantine, and others, Reeves knows this genre better than most other actors and you get the impression that he’s having an absolute blast while playing the character.
It’s also worth mentioning that Reeves’ commitment to the role is second to none. In an era of special effects and ropey CGI, it’s refreshing to see an actor go the extra yard to make the viewing experience feel more ‘real’ for the audience.
Take a look at his training.
Clip via – 5.11 Tactical
Sharp suits, fast cars, great action and a timely reminder that you should never… ever… EVER… fuck with a man’s dog are all on offer in this fantastic film.
If you haven’t seen John Wick then do yourself a favour and check it out. It’s the best action film since The Raid – we don’t say that lightly.
With a rating of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and glowing reviews like the ones below, we know exactly what you’re going to be watching tonight.
Entertainment Weekly: “One of the most excitingly visceral action flicks I’ve seen in ages.”
Rolling Stone: “John Wick is the kind of fired-up, ferocious B-movie fun some of us can’t get enough of.”
New York Times: “Harboring few ambitions beyond knock-your-socks-off action sequences, this crafty revenge thriller delivers with so much style – and even some wit – that the lack of substance takes longer than it should to become problematic.”
Variety: “Back in action-hero mode, Keanu Reeves joins forces with his ‘Matrix’ stunt double to deliver a slick and satisfying revenge thriller.”
Lock and load.
If you need another reason to love Keanu Reeves, this interview with our very own Eoghan Doherty should do it.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
