Matthew Dann bids farewell to the John Wick movie series…
The latest – and final – John Wick film has hit cinema screens, bringing this much-loved move franchise to an end. It’s particularly poignant since Lance Reddick, who played Wick’s friend Charon passed away recently. Many people will remember Reddick from The Wire, while the younger generation will recognise his voice work on the popular video games, Destiny and Destiny 2.
This time, we see John Wick pitted once more against the High Table – the shadowy cabal of global crime lords trying to control the world.
He must find a way to defeat the High Table and earn his freedom. However, Wick must battle his way past both new enemies and some old foes to reach his goal.
In previous outings, the franchise has rightfully been praised for its action scenes and technical precision, but somehow, this film feels less fluid. You notice that Keanu Reeves is getting older and slower, and parts of the film feel slightly clunky. Still, it remains very entertaining.
Some scenes felt way too long and drawn out, and the film could have benefitted from tighter editing. Overall, though, it remains very much a ‘John Wick’ movie.
So if you like action films with a simple storyline, lots of running, driving, jumping and falling, then this film is perfect for you. The actors are all great, too.
I don’t think there was a performance that was below par, Keanu Reeves was typically reliable in his acting. Swedish actor Bill Skarsgård was equally as good as Marquis, but for me, it was the supporting cast that stole the show.
Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada were great in their roles as ageing veterans of the High Table.
However, I was most impressed with Rina Sawayama. To me, she stole the show and I think she is one to watch in the future.
Overall, I was satisfied with the film, in the sense that it completed the story. Although it would not make my top 100 by any stretch, it does have charm. I think there is a great opportunity for new characters to emerge, and a new universe of storytelling is sure to come from this.
I saw this film at the Odeon in Tunbridge Wells. Various times are available.
