This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 131! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey friends,
So, you know how you’ve got that list of movies you’ve been meaning to watch for, like, ever? “John Wick” has been chilling on mine for the longest time. And guess what? I finally dove in! 🎉 With Netflix giving me the nudge by pulling it at the end of the month (classic Netflix move, am I right?), it was now or never. Plus, let’s be real, any excuse to see Keanu Reeves in action is a good excuse in my book. 😍
First off, can we talk about how Keanu never seems to age? It’s like he’s discovered the fountain of youth and is keeping it all to himself. Not fair, Keanu. Not fair. Anyway, diving into “John Wick,” I was expecting some standard action fare, but oh boy, was I in for a treat.
The plot? Simple but gripping. Our man John is grieving the loss of his wife and finds solace in a puppy she left him (the cutest puppy in the whole world, I might add). Then some entitled brat (played by Alfie Allen, who you might know as that guy we love to hate from “Game of Thrones”) decides to steal John’s car and, worst of all, kill his puppy. Big mistake. Huge. Because this isn’t just any guy you’re messing with; it’s John Wick, aka the Boogeyman, aka the guy you send to kill the Boogeyman. 😱
I was glued to the screen as John sets out on his revenge spree. The action sequences? Mind-blowing. It’s like ballet with bullets. And the cinematography? Absolutely stunning. Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch really outdid themselves, turning what could have been a run-of-the-mill action movie into a visually arresting masterpiece.
But it’s not all guns and vengeance. There’s a surprising depth to John’s character, a vulnerability that Keanu portrays flawlessly. You feel his pain, his rage, and his relentless drive. It’s a performance that reminds you why Keanu is, well, Keanu.
The supporting cast deserves a shoutout too. Willem Dafoe as a sniper with a soft spot for John? Brilliant. And Ian McShane as the enigmatic owner of the assassin’s hotel? Absolutely fabulous. 😉
Just an FYI to make this even more fun: Did you know that Keanu Reeves performed about 90% of his own stunts for the film? The dedication, folks. It shows. (Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/video/watch/john-wick-2-s-stunt-coordinator-breaks-down-the-opening-car-chase)
Watching “John Wick” was an experience. It wasn’t just the non-stop action or the slick visuals; it was the emotional journey. By the end, I felt like I’d been on an intense and thrilling adventure with John. And it left me pondering the lengths we go to for love and vengeance.
Honestly, the only downside to this movie (and it’s a minor one) is that it can get a tad brutal at times. Heads do roll, and blood does flow. So, if you’re squeamish, maybe give this one a miss. But if you’re looking for a stylish, action-packed revenge story with a killer performance from Keanu Reeves, then John Wick is definitely worth checking out. Just maybe wait until the kids are asleep first.
Catch you tomorrow for the next movie adventure,
Roger