Wow, it seems like forever since I last wrote a review on this blog, I took a little time off, just to relax, and to rethink some stuff. I kind of got a little bored and sour on writing reviews, I didn’t see many new things, I just wanted to sit back and enjoy film. But I felt like something was missing from my life for a little bit, so I gradually thought about coming back to this site to write some reviews for you all. So in the immortal words of John Wick:
“People keep asking me if I’m back, and I haven’t really had an answer, but yeah, I’m thinking I’m Back”
“are you pissed John?”
“…Yeah”
Release Date: May 17th, 2018
Length: 2H 11M
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
MPAA: 14A (Canada), R (US)
John Wick is a franchise that I absolutely had NO idea about until a coworker of mine highly suggested it back in 2014. I went in knowing nothing, I didn’t watch a trailer, I didn’t look it up, all I knew was that Keanu Reeves was in it. I liked Keanu Reeves a great deal, so I figured “What the hell, I’ll give this a shot.” And boy, this has easily become my favourite action movie series of all time. Each film, the action, the intensity, the lore, and Keanu Reeves in general is just amplified to the next level. We were left on a cliffhanger after John Wick Chapter 2 (2017) and I was thinking alright this next film is going to be bold, and that may be one of the best ways to describe it. Easily my most anticipated movie of 2019.
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (2019) is an action, crime and thriller film taking place an hour after John Wick Chapter 2 (2017) and near the same week of the original John Wick (2014). John Wick is on the run after events that occurred in the previous film, its a race against the clock for John to figure out what to do, where at the same time, there is a 14$ million dollar bounty on his head, no where is exactly safe for Mr. Wick, but we all know the Babayaga, he has his methods.
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (2019) is directed by series veteran, Chad Stahelski. He etched his name in the Matrix franchise as martial arts stunt coordinator, and was approached to direct this franchise. His filmography includes John Wick (2014) and John Wick: Chapter Two (2017). Its safe to say, that he is as much a part of this franchise as Keanu Reeves is at this point. The sheer scope and eye for the smallest details of this film, are definitely what stands out. He is able to push this franchise to the next calibre with every outing, and this film is absolutely no different. Everything in John Wick 3 is turned up to 11 and stays at that level for the entire run time.
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum (2019) stars of course Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Laurence Fishbourne and Halle Berry.
Keanu Reeve’s filmography consists of Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Point Break (1991), Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991), Dracula (1992), Speed (1994), The Matrix (1999), The Replacements (2000), Hardball (2001), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), The Matrix Revolutions (2003), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), Constantine (2005), A Scanner Darkly (2006), Street Kings (2008), John Wick (2014), Keanu (2016), The Neon Demon (2016), and John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). Its safe to say, I really like Keanu Reeves and have for a while. He was fantastic in The Matrix trilogy, and thats where I really started to take notice of him. But I think with the John Wick franchise he has solidified himself not only as a timeless action hero, but as one of the finest action superstars of our time. The way he trains for every film and wants the action sequences to feel authentic and as real as possible. Taking the time to learn everything himself and do most of his own stunts. He’s operating at a whole other level, and as an audience member I am mesmerized by what he does every time he dons the John Wick suit.
Ian McShane’s filmography consists of Agent Cody Banks (2003), Deadwood {TV Series} (2004-2006), We Are Marshall (2006), Shrek The Third (2007), Hot Rod (2007), Death Race (2008), Coraline (2009), Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), John Wick (2014), and John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). I didn’t really take too much notice of Ian McShane until the John Wick franchise. I recognized his face from other films, but didn’t ever take notice. But after watching him in a bunch of films and some TV he is excellent in everything he does.
Lance Reddick’s filmography consists of The Siege (1998), Oz {TV Series} (2000-2001), The Wire {TV Series} (2002-2008), Lost {TV Series} (2008-2009), Fringe {TV Series} (2008-2013), The Guest (2014), Destiny {Video Game} (2014), John Wick (2014), Quantum Break {Video Game} (2016), John Wick: Chapter Two (2017), Horizon Zero Dawn {Video Game} (2017), and Destiny 2 {Video Game} (2017). The man with the badass name and the badass voice, Lance Reddick is a really great actor. His look is immediately recognizable and he is just an excellent actor that I feel does not get enough credit. I think he did a really great job in this latest John Wick instalment, they took the time to branch out his story a bit more and I really appreciated that.
Laurence Fishbourne’s filmography consists of Apocalypse Now (1979), A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987), The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), Mystic River (2003), The Matrix Revolutions (2003), Mission: Impossible III (2006), 21 (2008), Predators (2010), Contagion (2011), Man Of Steel (2013), Rudderless (2014), Hannibal {TV Series} (2013-2015), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). Ah, Mr. Fishbourne, what is there to say about this actor, He is fantastic. I was so glad when he was signed on for John Wick: Chapter Two (2017), as we got a little Matrix reunion, and I was glad to see him back for John Wick 3. He is fantastic in these films.
Halle Berry’s filmography consists of X-Men (2000), Monster’s Ball (2001), Die Another Day (2002), X2: X-Men United (2003), Perfect Stranger (2007), X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014), and Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017). A newcomer to the John Wick family, Halle Berry absolutely kicks ass in this movie. I didn’t really know what to expect from her addition to the film, but boy did she ever bring a lot of cool elements to the table. She was an absolute badass, and she really struts her stuff in this movie, it is absolutely entertaining to watch. I thought she really pulled off this role well.
The action in this movie is really where this movie shines (as is the case with the other John Wick films). As I stated previously, this film takes the action and dials it up to 11. There are more crazy gun fights, theres knife fights, theres dogs getting involved, theres horses, AND theres motorcycles. Its crazy where this movie went, and what happened when we got there. The coordination and everything, its just extremely entertaining to watch, and holy crap I can’t wait to return to the theatre to see this again.
Also I think its good to note that composers Tyler Bates & Joel J. Richard are back doing the soundtrack. The music I always find in the John Wick franchise interesting and noticeable. Its always a great mix, and it adds a lot to the overall character and look of the film. I don’t think it would sound the same without them behind the scenes composing the music, so I’m very glad they were back for the third time.
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum surpassed all my expectations for the next step in this franchise. The John Wick Franchise has solidified itself over the years as a staple in the action genre, each film just gets better and better. Keanu Reeves is always at the top of his game. I have to revisit it again, But i think this third outing has taken over as my favourite film in the franchise and it has absolutely surpassed Avengers: Endgame (2019) as my favourite film of the year.
To no ones surprise, I give John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum a 5/5.
As with any sequel, you have to up the ante from the last film and just push it to the next level, and John Wick 3: Parabellum doesn’t just push it to the next level… it double taps it to the head and keeps on truckin’.