By The Double Feature: Versus crew takes a look at “John Wick”
Synopsis
An ex-hit-man comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that killed his dog and took his car.
Blak’s commentary
A grieving husband. A dead dog. And with those two emotionally heavy plot points, a terrific action franchise is born. “John Wick” was the perfect action vehicle to serve as a resurgence to Keanu Reeves’ career. At a time where there was a box office lull post-Matrix, the suit-wearing, gun-toting assassin was the perfect role to bring Keanu back to the action stratosphere. With strong supporting turns from Willem Dafoe and John Leguizamo, “John Wick” presents a terrific underworld of assassins, from the great “Continental” hotel to setting up terrific locations for gun fights. Another great element is Michael Nyqvist and Alfie Allen casted as the villainous father-and-son duo, setting themselves up as terrific, worthy antagonists. “Wick” is the start of a great series and the start of a great relationship between director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves.
4 / 5
Brad’s commentary
What do you get when you kill the dog of a retired assassin? Apparently its one of the best action movies of the century. John Wick is a retired assassin who comes back into the game after the son of the mob boss he previously works for attacks him, steals his car, and kills his dog. Following that encounter John goes on a killing spree through the city of New York to get revenge. In doing so it opens a world full of other assassins, cleaning services, and safe havens for these assassins to stay. While it does get over the top at times, the action is intense with perfectly choreographed fights and chases throughout. Bringing a compelling story of revenge to a bustling world of secrets and intrigue, there is no better way to be introduced to a world that you want to see more of as soon as the credits start to roll.
4 / 5
Double Feature: Versus Podcast
Check out Blak and Brad’s full thoughts on John Wick as well as John Wick: Chapter 4 on the latest episode, available to listen to now!
Double Feature VS is a podcast series in which two friends Anthony and Brad step in front of the mic and clash heads, come together, break up, and come together again on the subject of two competing films on each episode. Directorial debut vs Sophomore slump (or success), critically acclaimed vs fan-favorite, original vs sequel, blond vs ginger, ebony vs melanin, etc. The possibilities? Endless. The arguments? Futile. The debates? Epic (also humorous). The combination of audio material, written film reviews and video commentaries (all found on doublefeaturevs.com) are all part of what makes this a great new series for cinephiles, moviegoers, movie lovers and everybody in-between.
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