The John Wick franchise is starting to become one of the top action franchises in Hollywood. With every incredible action-filled moment, more and more fans want to see what’s next for John Wick. After what happened at the end of John Wick 2, fans couldn’t wait to see the bloodbath awaiting those who would dare cross paths with Wick. But is John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum another successful continuation of the series or is it one big giant letdown?
Thankfully, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is a crowd-pleasing action extravaganza that fires on all cylinders. There will be those who wi be noted by the story but make no mistake, there will be a lot of hooting and hollering towards all of the mayhem in the film.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum follows John Wick immediately after the events of John Wick 2. Now labeled excommunicado by Winston and the High Table, Wick must find a way to survive the bounty on his head—by any means necessary.
If you’re expecting a non-stop action extravaganza after seeing the end of John Wick 2, you’d be only partially correct. Much of the film expands the mythology of the contract killers world. There’s a huge complex hierarchical structure that they have to build a story around. In fact, these hierarchical structures so complex it reminiscent of La Cosa Nostra’s hierarchy. So if you’re not into this world of contract killing and just want straight non-stop action then you’ll probably think this film is okay. On the other hand, if you’re even slightly interested in this world then you’re going to enjoy the ride.
As a matter of fact, this world expansion is setting up some massive things for the character and the side characters. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of characters in this film—mostly old characters with a sprinkle of new ones. Regardless, John Wick is still the centerpiece, but every character will have their time to shine in the film. Unfortunately, they’re gone as quickly as they’re introduced. Yet something tells me that they’re saving these characters for future films.
That being said, the action sequences are phenomenal. The action sequences are a mixture of a lot of things. No, not in the way that John Wick kills everybody. It’s a part of it but the film takes a lot of inspiration from other classic action films. In addition, the film comes up with its own original action scenes too.
However, if you’re an action-junkie then you’ll recognize a lot of scenes from films like The Bourne Ultimatum, Enter the Dragon, and The Raid—just to name a few. These scenes are both beautiful and brutal. It’s like a majestic dance… But with more knives, bullets, kicks, and punches.
As fantastic as the action is, you’ll be surprised at the amount of humor in the film as well. The humor tends to poke fun at itself and the entire ridiculousness of the franchise. It’s self-aware and that’s why the film is just so damn fun.
A lot of that has to do with the scene-stealing performances by Mark Dacascos and Ian McShane. Mark Dacascos kicks a whole lot of tail in this film. Yet, at the same time, has a lot of hilarious moments in this film. He’s a fun antagonist opposite the serious John Wick. Ian McShane also provides the film with a lot of dry situational humor.
Similar to Dacascos, Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry kick a lot of ass in the film. Their performance may not strike an emotional response in you, but their action choreography will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Regardless, Keanu Reeves still plays John with a wooden and emotionless performance. Not much has changed in the three films. At the same time, this isn’t the type of film where you watch it for an actor’s performance. This isn’t an Oscar-bait film.
Overall, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is one of the craziest and most crowd-pleasing action films of the year. If it weren’t for the convoluted storyline, it would be one of the best action films of all time. With each brutal kill, get ready to hear plenty of oohs, ahhs and some clapping in the theater. That’s a special communal experience.
Rating: 4.5/5 atoms
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