While America remains up in arms over gun control, they certainly seem to enjoy gunfire on the big screen. Whatever your thoughts are on this subject matter, over the top gruesome action in filmmaking seems to be a big hit with society.
A great example of this societal conundrum can be found in the American Action Thriller movie franchise John Wick, which is set to release John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum in theaters on Friday, May 17th through Lionsgate. A series which began in 2014, created by Derek Kolstad and directed by Chad Stahelski, centering around retired hitman John Wick (Keanu Reeves: Speed 1994, The Matrix 1999), you could argue that chapter three in the series is the best to date in terms of action and wit. Interested in finding out more? Read on…
The tale begins as it left off in 2017’s John Wick: Chapter 2 with the hunt continuing for the excommunicado John Wick. Now having a ridiculously high price hovering over his undefeated head, navigating through the streets of New York City, Wick’s mission is to escape. Business as usual for the in-destructive, amidst the non-stop action packed fight to keep his life, he meets up with female hit woman Sofia (Halle Berry: Monster’s Ball 2001, Gothika 2003). Together, with her vicious dogs, Wick and Sofia end up fighting alongside one another as equals, eventually helping circle Wick back to his own New York base at The Continental Hotel for the finale sequence.
Full of action, most of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is portrayed much like a game of Tekken, with an end goal and fighting that occurs in a variety of different styles including some drunken monkey, along with plenty of knives and guns galore. What keeps the fighting exciting is its absolutely over the top nature. Additionally, many familiar faces reappear in the film, including Ian McShane (Deadwood series, American Gods series), as Winston the hotel manager, and Laurence Fishburne (Boyz n the Hood 1991, The Matrix 1999) as The Bowery King, a standout character who manages to provide comic relief even during moments of turmoil.
A film centered around the character of John Wick, much in the way that Keanu Reeves dominated The Matrix series as Neo, he claims his fame in this series. Ironically and comically, no matter what chaos surrounds him, his tie is always tied tight, revealing that he never lets his guard down. It is a running theme, reminding the audience, if peace is desired, then it is time to prepare for war. Speaking of which, there are many unnerving battles exuded throughout the two hour running time of Parabellum leaving you clenching your teeth with worry for the hero’s safety.
The male characters aside, there are two other female standout additions to the adventure that are worthy mentioning. Beyond Berry, other ladies certainly affecting the mood, include Anjelica Huston (The Witches 1990, The Addams Family 1991) portraying a captivating role as The Director, a key liaison in the access granted to John Wick. Then there is also The Adjudicator, played by Asia Kate Dillion (Orange Is the New Black series, Billions series), successfully annoying and antagonizing everyone in her path.
Thinking about how much technology in filmmaking has advanced since The Matrix films into the John Wick series raises two questions. One, how would a The Matrix 4 movie turn out in modern day as there is now talk of it happening? Two, due to the graphic nature and repetition of action sequencing, how many more John Wick films can be made before it becomes monotony? Only time will tell, but it is highly recommended to check out John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum for quite a few moments that guarantee to entertain through a suspense-filled conclusion. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this film 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment