John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum Review
- Half Glass Guy
- May 20, 2019
- 4 min read
Charon: "Do you expect him to make it out?"
Winston: "A fourteen million dollar bounty on his head, and everyone in the city wants a piece of it, I’d say the odds are about even."
The "John Wick" films have become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, with Keanu Reeves leading the charge. The first film did an outstanding job of revealing one of the most badass assassins in cinema history, to its inevitable sequel that boosted the kill count by 100. "John Wick" aka the boogeyman, has set itself from the rest to become one of the best action franchises, especially after "Chapter 3." All I can say is, when I thought they could not outdo themselves this time around, they do and in extraordinary fashion. "John Wick Chapter 3" is a vibrant and loud action thriller that proves that this character can still kick major ass. And not to mention how this series has gotten better with each one, exploring different elements within the assassin universe and how Mr. Wick is not the only assassin that can kick ass.
"John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum" picks up right where "Chapter 2" left off. Mr. Wick (aka Keanu Reeves) is on the run because he broke the Continental's rules by killing Santino D'Antono (aka Riccardo Scamarcio) on the grounds of the Continental, making Wick excommunicado. This means a bounty will be placed on his head (14 million) and he will not be allowed any help from anyone within the Continental system, and every major assassin will be after him to get that bounty. And from there, "Chapter 3" becomes a thrill ride, like at amusement park. What happens in this film is just flat out awesome. Not just from an action standpoint, but from a world building standpoint too.
One thing has to be appreciated in this film and it is the stunts from everyone involved. Keanu Reeves is once again the fearless boogeyman that we have all grown to love from the first two films. Reeves, Halle Berry and the rest of the actors did an brilliant job in creating some of the best action sequences I have seen since the last "John Wick" film. Everything from the choreography to the camera work, it is pure action cinema, which is just a treat to experience.
These sequences include highly trained dogs, horses, motorcycle fighting and even ninja type fighting as well. And these sequences happen fiercely and quick, in fact "Chapter 3" is the longest out of the franchise, but it definitely feels like it is the most fast paced. The action in this film can be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes per sequence, and each one goes by extremely quick due to the excellent fighting that happens. The credit goes all around the board for all of these films, they decide to take things up another notch and Reeves (along with Berry) go along with it to create some unique action. I seriously wonder what they will decide to do next because I have no idea, they keep surprising myself in the best way possible.
Along with the (you already knew) stunning violence is the world building that each entree displays. The first film established the Continental and how these assassins follow rules that no one should break. The second film shows that the Continental is not just in New York City, but all over the world, that assassins are essentially everywhere. Plus, "Chapter 2" showed how John Wick is an individual not to wreck with, especially with business. He displayed his righteousness in killing Santino, even when he wasn't supposed too. Wick knew that Santino was not going to be a good choice for someone being at the "high table," which is exactly what "Chapter 3" explores, the high table and the tiers that the Continental holds. It is fascinating what "Chapter 3" explains and if anyone is a "John Wick" fan, they will most likely be intrigued with these new ideas and the continuous world building that each film brings.
There is not much to dislike when it comes to this franchise as a whole, or even "Chapter 3" for that matter. But one concern, not even a criticism, is how the film ends. I am not sure if they are planning or setting up something with the "John Wick" universe, but this film and the last one ended on notes that do not feel right, other than knowing if there will be another chapter. One criticism that I found was a lack of explaining some things farther. Yes, I liked what they did in "Chapter 3" and how they explained some newer elements, but there should have been some more explanations to certain aspects and characters.
But due to the endless action that is displayed, the film does not have enough time to settle down and have some of those questions get answers. What benefited the film "John Wick" was an emotional arc when he went down the path of vengeance, which lead him to where he is now. However, I would have liked to have know just a little bit more background on certain aspects. And this chapter ends with another question mark of what will happen next. I am sure hope they come back to give the answers we all have.
"John Wick Chapter 3" is another elusive entree in this franchise that displays even better action from the previous two. The fact that a little film from five years ago called "John Wick" has turned into a culture phenomenon just baffles me. I could have never predicted this and I am glad this has become a franchise that is a "must see." And when you go and watch these "John Wick" films, you are not getting the Academy Award winning performance or anything like that, you are getting top of the line entertainment with action and stunts. "Chapter 3" is not only a exceptional action film, but a prominent third film that allows audiences to see this universe grow. "John Wick Chapter 3" is what most audiences are looking for and it is why we love action films.
Rating: A-
Run Time: 2 Hours 10 Minutes
Comentarios