The action in chapter 1 plus the action in chapter 2 almost equals all
of the action in this chapter 3. The face of one of the most pioneering action
film series in the “Matrix,” Keanu Reeves, reprises his role in this third
installment of John Wick. For those of you who could use it, here’s a quick
synopsis of the first two chapters to set up where the third chapter takes off
from.
In chapter 1, John Wick, a retired lethal assassin, is mourning
the death of his wife with a furry companion in the form of a new dog. When a
team of Russian mobsters led by the mob boss’ son attempt to steal John’s car
and kill his new dog in the process, they start a war that draws John right
back into a life of violence. He ends up killing most of that Russian crime
ring, including the son and father, before adopting a new dog and trying once again
to retire from that life.
In chapter 2, John is paid a visit by a lead Italian mob boss who
collects upon a debt he claims John owes him for helping him get out of his
dangerous lifestyle the first time and allowed John to marry his now deceased wife Helen. John
repays his debt to the Italian mob boss, who in turn puts a bounty on John’s
head as a way of playing the fool and acting like he had nothing to do with
John’s latest completed mission. At the end of chapter 2, John kills this mob boss as well- but, he does it on the
grounds of the Continental Hotel, which is a safe haven for criminals where
killing is strictly prohibited. The Continental owner has no choice but to
report John’s actions to “the Higher Table” (but not before giving John a one
hour head start to get as far away as possible before a worldwide, $14 million
bounty is put on John’s head).
“John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum” picks right back up where chapter 2
finished, with John making his rounds visiting the few people he thinks he can
still count on for help. However, the word is now out and everybody who’s
anybody who notices John goes all out in an attempt to kill him and cash in.
When I say the action is non-stop, I mean the action is NON-STOP. John can’t
even make it a block without encountering handfuls of fellow criminal assassins
putting their lives on the line for a massive pay day. The fighting
truly does feel organic in a way that makes it seem less choreographed and more free
flowing- almost like full contact capoeira. Nothing feels forced; and, while
there are moments of lengthened dialogue, it certainly works to move the plot
forward.
The film is almost exactly two hours long; but, I only ever noticed
once the film was over. As you may have guessed, I certainly watched it in 4DX;
and, while the movie wasn’t 3D, the 4DX theater seats were moving and punching and kicking at a rapid
rate because of the non-stop hits. Personally, this movie was so enjoyable that
it gets 4 reps out of a possible 5 from me; and, it may just be the best John
Wick movie to date. However, fans certainly have something
MORE to look forward to, as a fourth chapter has already been confirmed for
release in Spring 2021 and seems poised to feature another Matrix teammate of “Neo,” which
certainly has me excited.
Have you caught all of the hits dished out by the third installment to
the John Wick series? If you haven’t and are into action, then you most
certainly should. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. As always,
check with E for all your movie notes either after (but preferably before)
heading to your next movie outing because... there are NO SPOILERS here... NOT
UP IN HERE!
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