John Wick Parabellum Review

First off, if you talk or are on your phones during movies, please do everyone a favor, save your $15, and stay home. Second, two long years of anticipation and this movie still delivers all of the amazement I expected. There's much more I wanna say about this movie, but really just go see it and enjoy.

Story- So hopefully if you're reading this you've presumably seen John Wick Chapter 2. If not, A. why are you reading this and B. GO SEE THE FIRST TWO. As the second movie ends, John is classified as Excommunicado because he conducted business on Continental grounds. Now, he's on the run from every assassin in the world because he has a $15 Million bounty on him. Now John has to fight basically anyone he sees because there are way more assassins there than I thought. MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD. So I was kinda expecting this to be the bookend of a trilogy, but the ending leaves it open for more. I read a quote from the director and Keanu Reeves who said they wouldn't do more but also they would. I enjoy the universe and it would be cool to see more, but at the same time I really want the series to end on a high note. However, it really does end on a very open end, but not nearly as grinding as the second, at least until I inevitably start thinking about it more. Also, when you need to have dudes in full body armor to attempt to injure (yes injure) John MF Wick, and you can't even do that properly, you know that this dude is an utter BEAST.

Cinematography/Props/Editing- I want to mention something another reviewer I follow on letterbox said, in that the action for the most part is no shaky cam, in particular he mentioned the motorcycle scene in the fact that it's a still camera, not shaky. The fluidity of the movements in this movie is unwavering, showing things from the subjects perspective, the inevitable victim of Wick's perspective, the friggin dog's perspective, I love it all. This film is gorgeous, using vibrant set pieces, and mixes it up by changing up the setting. The weaponry in this movie varied even more, and I love a scene toward the end where they address this. One of the things some people disliked but I love is the stylized text when they're speaking different languages.

Acting- I'm gonna start by giving a shout out to the adorable pair of dogs plus Wick's own dog. While the latter doesn't really participate which was slightly disappointing, I absolutely love how awesome the action scenes were when incorporating the cute puppers. They added a whole new level of tactics to the scenes, and they were savage. Next I gotta mention Asia Kate Dillon. I'm not sure if she intentionally was going for a yorgos lanthimos character, but she really did feel like her voice was emoting but her facial expressions weren't catching up. She played an elitist unlikable character regardless so I guess I gotta give props. Halle Berry was fantastic in this movie, and apparently she did a lot of her stunts too which I always respect since Keanu does the same. Laurence Fishburne sorta had a slightly more than cameo length appearance again, but if they make a sequel I feel he'll play a much bigger role. Lance Reddick and Iam McShane both brought their acting chops again, and I loved that Reddick played more of a role in this one. Keanu Friggin Reeves, the Baba Yaga himself, I love this dude. He continuously brings the visceral tactics and amazing stuntwork youd come to expect from this man. He truly is a talent and these movies definitely revitalized his career. Huge thanks to him for giving me some of the most enjoyable movies I've ever seen.

Directing- This movie literally left me exhausted at certain parts because it made you feel just how tired John Wick was, yet he still kicked just as much ass, that's plain and simple. Chad Stahelski essentially is treating this entire series as a passion project, only putting out work he is and should be proud of. I read several little clips from interviews and you can tell, the only thing I'm not sure I agree with is that he should always end a movie on a cliffhanger. Cmon my dude. Other than that, he understands what makes a good action movie. I also was intrigued to learn even more about this underground organization, because the movie unfolded a lot different than I expected which was cool to see.

Soundtrack/Audio- I cant tell if I noticed how good the soundtrack was or if I didnt because I was too focused on the amazing action that was unfolding. I'm gonna go with it was good, Tyler Bates co produced it so I'm sure I'd notice it even more on a second viewing. I love the crunch of the sound effects and the incorporation of the weapon sounds they used.

Final Verdict- A+. Sorry but not really sorry, this movie was amazing and I just couldn't help but love every minute of it. It tripled down on everything and much like the Mission Impossible series, continues to get better over time. Let's just hope it stays that way, but I loved this series from the start. I really can't believe how fun these movies are, leaving me literally speechless most of the time.

#Action #KeanuReeves #HalleBerry #DOGGOS