Review:
*Originally written May 15th, 2019*
The John Wick series is an unlikely series if I've ever seen one. Starting off as what could have potentially been VOD/straight-to-DVD trash ended up being one of the most creatively shot, entertaining and classy pieces of action cinema released in the past decade. Sure, it's Keanu Reeves going to war with the criminal underworld after the death of his dog, but it ended up being so much more than that.
The sequel only improved on things. Expanding this insane, comic-book like world and upping the stakes, delivering even more creative, brutal violence and a surprisingly dramatic story that felt like it had depth, even making way for an incredibly effective cliffhanger that leads into this inevitable third film. I wasn't sure just how they'd top the second, but my god, they did it. Those crazy sons of bitches did it.
Taking place instantly after the events of the second film, John Wick finds himself with a $14 million bounty on his head after murdering a high ranking criminal and breaking the rules of his underground crime syndicate, leaving him with nowhere to go and no one to help him. I wasn't sure what exactly to expect from the story here, after the first 40 minutes, everything I was expecting was pretty much proved wrong, making this one of those rare films where I had no idea what was going to happen.
I knew this franchise was conceived as a trilogy, but with nothing but growing love and popularity for the series between films, part of me knew this wouldn't be the last we'd see of John Wick. I'll admit I'm a little disappointed at the direction taken here to not end the franchise and instead set up an inevitable fourth film, but then again, much like the Mission Impossible series, I'm always taken back at how they manage to up the ante, so I have faith they'll continue this series in the right way. In all fairness, without spoiling things, it does promise a very interesting direction to take the series.
Even with that, everything story-wise was a genuine surprise. It takes some strange routes to get there, even stopping off at Casablanca for an entire act, but it's always intriguing and makes use of its trademark action and black humour while continuing to grow this ever expanding world of underground assassins with their unique honour system, rules and code.
Among the returning cast of supporting characters, we also get a whole variety of new faces, most of which are very welcome additions. A few of the actors from the Raid series get their chance to shine, after having their talents wasted in forgettable cameos withing huge Hollywood films (There's even a great homage to The Raid 2 thrown in here). Halle Berry makes a excellent use of her screen-time in her first good role in years as an ex-assassin with ties to Wick and has two adorable dogs that even get involved with the action. I'm really hoping one of the spin-off films around this series has her in mind.
Of all the new faces, the main one that sticks out is sadly once again the villain. This series has always had a problem with forgettable villains and this might just be the worst of the lot. Mark Dacascos "Zero" gets some brutal and extended fight-scenes, which he does well in physically, but in terms of character, there's very little there. There's a couple of fun jokes about him being a big fan of Wick, but that wears off pretty quickly and he kinda reminded me of Randall Park in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Take from that what you will.
Franchise returners all get much bigger and expanded roles. Ian McShane is still a delight as the owner of the "Continental", although some of his character choices are questionable towards the end. Lance Reddick has much more to do and even gets involved in some action this time around. Then, Laurence Fishburne is still just awful as "The Bowery King", chewing his scenery to unbearable levels in his brief appearances.
Then there's Keanu Reeves as John Wick himself, a role that's as tailor made for him as John Wick's suits are for him. He continues to expand his range with while playing the cold-hearted assassin with just enough humanity to make him feel like a real human being. His dedication to performance his own stunts and physical work is only rivalled by possibly Tom Cruise. Reeves gives it his all. Many accuse Reeves of being wooden, but he's far from it here, showing Wick his more depth and range than the previous two films combined.
Now, what you're all here for with a John Wick film is the action, and yes, the film delivers this in levels that I could barely take in with just one watch. The third film in this series is absolute carnage brimming with creativity. It's beautifully shot with no shakey-cam bullshit, it's relentless and feels absolutely brutal. Wick makes use of whatever he can to kill someone, from guns, knives, books, his hands and even a horse (All within the first 40 minutes). It is utter carnage.
Each set-piece expands upon itself and ups the stakes to near comical levels, Which is what you should expect at this point. Once you embrace how absurd this world is and how deranged the violence gets, you really do learn to love it. I miss films like this, brutally violent action films with just enough budget to accomplish huge action scenes without having to tone it down for a family friendly audience. These really are the films we should be supporting.
I'd argue that Parabellum is exhausting, but in a good way. It rarely slows down from the action, kind of similar to Mad Max: Fury Road or Mission Impossible: Fallout, it's exhausting, but so rewarding by the end of it and while you're sitting there just taking it all in, it's a transcendent experience. I never thought I'd say that about a film series that started with a retired assassin avenging the murder of his dog.
Amongst all the incredible action, this is also a gorgeous and beautiful looking film. Even the smaller scenes have a cinematic flair to them, but this series loves neon and continues to do so. Some of the sets and designs are absolutely stunning, brimming with interesting details, lighting and colouring. It must be said how underappreciated Tyler Bates score is too, reusing and remixing previous tracks from the series and bringing in some pulsating and tense music to accompany the already insane action scenes.
If you're a fan of this series so far, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed by what's been put on display here. A gorgeous visual feast of creative violence and carnage that manages to be one of the best action films of recent years in a series that just gets better with each film. I'll be amazed if 2019 gives us a better action film than this.
9/10 Dans
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum is out now in cinemas in the UK
Watch the trailer below:
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Letterboxd: Dan
