The memory of John Wick is simultaneously vague, yet vivid. Static,
in hues of blue, existing successfully as a mascot-driven proof of
concept, but lacking any lasting impression to go beyond the poster, or
stills.
The franchise-starter thrives in a reasonably barren market, but can only masquerade as a cult favourite, underachieving in most of the categories that mint genuine, high-concept action classics.
Keanu Reeves anchors the film as its stoic, uber-capable protagonist, at last returning to the man-in-black action heroes he made famous at the turn of the millennium. The cache of The Matrix is self-evident, but fans will see strands of his Constantine, if so inclined, as he navigates the secret world of this movie's cartoon New York City.
Unlike earlier examples in Reeve's oeuvre, John Wick can only muster an impersonation of style.
A decade of bland, pseudo-realism in corporate blockbusters has clearly bludgeoned the audience if this is celebrated at all. Digital photography is clean and crisp, but there's no real vision behind the design or cinematography, relying on Instagram filters to elevate it above the high-contrast of contemporaries, like The Expendables.
The greatest disappointment of John Wick lies in its failure to utilize a strong supporting cast.
Its one-note attempt at style carries over to the creation of utterly forgettable friends and foes. Indeed, the movie plays almost like a well connected student film, puzzled together over a series of improvised weekends shared with famous friends paid in barbecue. It may not be worth watching if not for its cult of participating personalities.
Ian McShane stands out as a hotel owner savvy to the goings on of his clientele, who just happen to include criminals and assassins. The riff of clear conditions applies Highlander's church neutrality to creating some semblance of a character around McShane's natural charisma. Under different circumstances, he could function as the franchise centre, rendering Wick a recurring presence in his world, rather than vice versa.
Willem Dafoe is under utilized as a seasoned vet of the killing game. It's hard to remember if his allegiances are unclear, or if his character is just poorly realized. His presence invites the mind to wander to a better like-minded movie, where his wader-wearing gang leader was unforgettable in Streets of Fire.
Matrix alum Daniel Bernhardt had more to contribute. Pro-wrestler turned actor Kevin Nash at least brings a natural physicality to his cameo role. All of these characters would've been better had they received any of the creative attention the Continental Hotel received.
Gimmick is not a dirty word, and in the case of John Wick, it's really what's missing. The action is too lowkey, and the story too shallow, to allow a character as minimal as John Wick to carry an entire picture. Everything about the movie suggests this should be a world populated with colourful, memorable characters. The choice to deny that only makes it underwhelming.
The franchise-starter thrives in a reasonably barren market, but can only masquerade as a cult favourite, underachieving in most of the categories that mint genuine, high-concept action classics.
Keanu Reeves anchors the film as its stoic, uber-capable protagonist, at last returning to the man-in-black action heroes he made famous at the turn of the millennium. The cache of The Matrix is self-evident, but fans will see strands of his Constantine, if so inclined, as he navigates the secret world of this movie's cartoon New York City.
Unlike earlier examples in Reeve's oeuvre, John Wick can only muster an impersonation of style.
A decade of bland, pseudo-realism in corporate blockbusters has clearly bludgeoned the audience if this is celebrated at all. Digital photography is clean and crisp, but there's no real vision behind the design or cinematography, relying on Instagram filters to elevate it above the high-contrast of contemporaries, like The Expendables.
The greatest disappointment of John Wick lies in its failure to utilize a strong supporting cast.
Its one-note attempt at style carries over to the creation of utterly forgettable friends and foes. Indeed, the movie plays almost like a well connected student film, puzzled together over a series of improvised weekends shared with famous friends paid in barbecue. It may not be worth watching if not for its cult of participating personalities.
Ian McShane stands out as a hotel owner savvy to the goings on of his clientele, who just happen to include criminals and assassins. The riff of clear conditions applies Highlander's church neutrality to creating some semblance of a character around McShane's natural charisma. Under different circumstances, he could function as the franchise centre, rendering Wick a recurring presence in his world, rather than vice versa.
Willem Dafoe is under utilized as a seasoned vet of the killing game. It's hard to remember if his allegiances are unclear, or if his character is just poorly realized. His presence invites the mind to wander to a better like-minded movie, where his wader-wearing gang leader was unforgettable in Streets of Fire.
Matrix alum Daniel Bernhardt had more to contribute. Pro-wrestler turned actor Kevin Nash at least brings a natural physicality to his cameo role. All of these characters would've been better had they received any of the creative attention the Continental Hotel received.
Gimmick is not a dirty word, and in the case of John Wick, it's really what's missing. The action is too lowkey, and the story too shallow, to allow a character as minimal as John Wick to carry an entire picture. Everything about the movie suggests this should be a world populated with colourful, memorable characters. The choice to deny that only makes it underwhelming.
Originally Posted: https://letterboxd.com/dialmformicker/film/john-wick/
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