★★★★
Super-assassin John Wick is on the run after killing a member of the international assassin's guild, and with a $14 million price tag on his head - he is the target of hit men and women everywhere.
Classification: 15
A technical marvel, John Wick: Chapter 3 puts it best foot forward with exhilarating action, gorgeous cinematography and a relentless performance from Keanu Reeves. However an overabundance of fight scenes and setting the stage for future instalments leaves this particular story yearning for something despite the impressive world building and reaffirmation of John Wick’s motivations being focal points of the film.
Director Chad Stahelski returns to the directors chair and delivers what he does best, brutal unstoppable action. John Wick is back with a vengeance right from the get go, with guns, knifes, swords and library books all tools in his destructive arsenal. Reeves, once again in the thick of it giving the iconic authenticity to the combat the series has become known for. Chapter 3 new additions to the cast continue that tradition with Mark Dacascos and Halle Berry bringing the terror with their fighting prowess. Berry especially, who shines in an action sequence that has her killing every last man who dared threaten her dogs.
The series themes of revenge and consequences are continued in Chapter 3 following immediately from the previous instalments cliffhanger. Initially one would believe this would serve as the end of a trilogy but the film merely sets the stage for John Wick’s latest challenges. Wick, a man defined by violence and death is finally given a moment to reflect on the path he has taken since the death of his wife, he does want to live, to be more than just a killer. This allows the tragedy of the story to unfold, the harder John fights to live, the deeper into hell he descends. He is presented with the question of how he wants to die, as a man or a monster? Chapter 3 is John Wick answering that question for himself and facing the consequences not only for himself but for his allies.
The mythology of the John Wick universe is deepened and enriched with both the new and returning members of the cast. Halle Berry, Anjelica Houston and Mark Dacascos bring even more depth and vibrancy to the history of the world. The characters Reeves spends the first two acts with entirely new yet the chemistry, notably with Berry makes the audience feel we have known these characters for years just as John has. Chapter 3 also begins to address Wick’s motivations beyond the death of his dog which is the focus on the second act of the film. While these reveals are satisfying their integration into the third act and conclusions feel rushed and brushed off for the sake of action.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum continues the franchise’s journey of revenge noir well, similar to 2017’s John Wick: Chapter 2 rather than the original instalment with the focus more on world building and action rather than John himself. While Chapter 3 ends with John’s new purpose established, this film would have benefitted from more of the emotion and character beats the franchise began with. Chad Stahelski delivers some of the most exciting action John Wick has seen yet in pulse pounding sequences that will leave you breathless. So even in absence of desired story the film brings the thrills every chance it can. Parabellum translates as prepare for war, if the events and conflicts witnessed can be any indication, the war to come will be more bloody and vicious than anything we have witnessed in John Wick before.
Actions have consequences.
Director: #ChadStahelski
Cast: #KeanuReeves, #HalleBerry, #LaurenceFishburne, #MarkDacascos, #AsiaKateDillon, #LanceReddick, #AnjelicaHuston, #IanMcShane
Release Date: May 15th 2019
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
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