JOHN WICK

Keanu Reeves was a man in need of a comeback after a number of pretty drab films in recent years. John Wick serves as the perfect platform for Reeves to make that comeback while also managing to be a solid action film as well.

John Wick (Reeves) is a man who, after the death of his wife, just wants to keep himself to himself. As a last wish from his wife, Wick is delivered a puppy so that he doesn't have to grieve alone.

After a run-in with a couple of Russian gang members, Wick is beaten in his own home, watches as his dog is murdered and lies helplessly as his car is stolen. The Russians are totally unaware that Wick is a former assassin who will stop at nothing to get revenge on anyone who crosses him.

Wick goes after them with everything he's got and will let nothing stop him in his tracks.

What I found to be one of the more appealing things about John Wick was its sheer simplicity. Many action films can try and tell too many stories at once but John Wick is just a straight-up revenge story of 'You kill my dog, I kill your family'.

Keanu Reeves actually gives a decent performance as Wick. Reeves has never been the most charismatic actor but he delivers the right amount here to compliment the action. He is never flash but the sense that this guy knows what he is doing just makes him seem all the more cooler.

Then there is the action itself. Both slick and brutal, John Wick delivers quality action set-pieces in spades. They are well shot and choreographed, none more so than the moment Wick decides to take on a nightclub full of enemies to get closer to his target. This is how you shoot an action sequence Hollywood!

Throw in a supporting cast that includes Ian McShane, John Leguizamo and Willem Dafoe and John Wick has the quality you can rely on to boost a film's appeal. 

A sequel is already in the works and with Keanu Reeves back on form, there could be worse things to look forward to. John Wick makes Taken 3 look like a student film made for a cheap laugh.

Verdict: ★★★★