Stars Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki with appearances by Bridget Moynahan, John Leguizamo, Lance Reddick, Ian McShane, Randall Duk Kim and Willem Dafoe Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch After trying his hand at directing, Keanu Reeves settles for being directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, a couple of stuntmen he worked with on The Matrix trilogy. Reeves’ current output is interesting, moving in quite different directions. This might be the darkest character he’s taken on in a long while. As John Wick, Reeves might reestablish his action star status. The action set-pieces are truly amazing and each one sizzles with the numerous set-ups and locations, different fight styles from hand-to-hand or knife fights, and even a vehicular set-piece that is simply remarkable in its execution. Reeves proves himself more than able to carry out the stunts himself (reportedly). The story is set up within the first ten minutes of economic storytelling, giving you a sense of John’s current place in the world and what sets him off on his trail of vengeance. In terms of a story, there’s nothing completely original but what is there manages to hold everything together and string the action set-pieces coherently with some considerable skill. Reeves carries the movie well, delivering a solid performance as the titular character and he’s ably supported with a host of established stars popping up for cameo roles. Most are on-screen for very limited time, but they do help create the world that John inhabits, and what a world with its clandestine operations and rules. The cast of core characters is relatively small, but they do well without the sense of a bum note anywhere. Michael Nyqvist is solid, Alfie Allen is as weaselly as his Game of Thrones character,while Willem Dafoe is as reliable as ever. There isn’t much to expect and this is catered more to fans of action movies, and they do deliver on that front. Expect anything more, and you’ll likely be disappointed, looking for something that isn’t there. Rating: ***1/2 / 5 Barnes and Noble / Amazon / Book Depository / ISBNS Net (for best deals) E-Bookshop / Lybrary / aLibris / Blackwell
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