By Shane Conto
Ever since I was a little kid, I have been a huge fan of the action movie genre. Whether it was watching classic action films like Die Hard and Predator or the comic book movies, this has always been a genre that hit hard and thrilled me. As I have become more interested in film, I have been more particular about the films that I watch. This would also include action films. I would consider myself a bit of an action film snob at this point in my life. Nothing grinds my gears more than overly shaky camera work, bad choreography, and a ridiculous number of edits in a short period of time. Watching a film like Taken 3 and seeing 16 cuts in a few seconds as Liam Neeson tries to hop a fence makes me sick. I have become so disenchanted with the action genre as of late. But then 2014 came along, and I was introduced to one of the greatest action heroes of all time…John Wick. Baba Yaga! This film and its sequel brought me hope once again that action films could be great.
I am happy to say, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is one of the greatest action films of all time. I think I must start with the man, the myth, the legend himself…Keanu Reeves. Reeves is given the perfect character to embody which fully utilizes his skills as an intense presence and a physicality that is so very uniquely him to the point that he probably could do everything John Wick does for real. Being a man of few words, Wick allows for Reeves to focus on the physical acting required of the hitman. Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishburne, and others bring a rag-tag group of over-the-top and thoroughly entertaining characters that fill out the film. Halle Berry gives such a great performance that is emotional and affecting. She can equal Keanu Reeves in physicality to the point that I want Sofia (Berry’s character) and her pooches to get their own film! Mark Dacascos is a fun villain to boot.
Derek Kolstad and a group of other screenwriters expand on the stories of the past two films and build towards something meaningful and satisfying. The stakes are higher, the scope is larger, and the criminal world of John Wick is expanded even further. I would watch a film just focusing on the mythology of this world because it is so deep, complex and fully realized. Starz, you already have my money for your show The Continental! The plot centers around the attempts of John Wick to save his life after breaking the rules of the High Table, and I felt strongly connected to Wick’s plight through the whole film. Were there a few segments that felt a little too out there? Maybe. But did they really take me out of the film? Hell no. I was there from start to finish. Kolstad and his team even upped the humor in this installment of the series. The dialogue was sharp and hilarious at moments but in a darkly fun way that truly fit with the tone of the film.
From a technical standpoint, this film is top notch. Dan Laustsen flexes his cinematography muscles during every second of this film. The shots are impeccable and crisp that I would sit and watch shots of the film repeatedly just for the enjoyment. The color palettes are so tantalizingly gorgeous. The truth is, this is an Academy Award nominee for The Shape of Water, no less. I believe there should be another nomination in Laustsen’s future for this film. Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard compose a worthy score that drives the action and fully realizes the aesthetic of the film. I wish I could say this about all scores but this one is special. I must give credit to the production design and costume design as this a fully realized world with beautiful and tangible sets everywhere. If I wasn’t afraid of dying at the hands of so many assassins, I would say I would want to be apart of this crazy world.
I have saved the best for last, and of course, I speak of the direction and action of Chad Stahelski. Stahelski’s career of being a stunt man and choreographer has prepared him for this role as director of one of the greatest action franchises of all time. Every scene and set piece feel new, fresh, and perfectly executed. I sat in awe of what was playing in front of me on screen. Besides Avengers: Endgame, I don’t think I have physically reacted in a theater in the same way that I did during this one. The gasps, jaw drops, and widened eyes of disbelief embellish my film experience as each action scene played out. They were shot with such great intensity that I sat on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The stunt work was incredible and played off like the scenes of ballet that played out in the film. The detail was so noticeable, and I sat and wished that Stahelski could direct every action film in the future. The film ends with excitement to see where this world and John Wick can go next. I cannot recommend this film enough as you are in for a treat of the senses. Bring on John Wick Chapter 4!
Grade: A