JOHN WICK

This film is a classic example of Stylish Tosh.  Or, to be more generous, Very Stylish Tosh.

The action and fight sequences are beautifully shot and choreographed, so much so that I wasn't bored by them.  But then again I was never excited or thrilled by them either.  They were just nice to look at.

The problem with a protagonist like John Wick who is almost superhuman is that there's a lack of tension because nothing is at stake - we know he will survive, no matter what.

This is a revenge narrative, which I normally enjoy, but here our hero is seeking vengeance because his dog was killed.  True, the dog in question was a from-the-grave gift from his recently deceased wife.  But by the end of the film, when dozens of people have died, including a good friend of John's, you do have to ask yourself whether it was all worth it. 

Not that anyone in this film would ask themselves such a question because they all must obey the unwritten rules of their world.  A world which is a predominantly male one, so I would argue that there is a lot of Toxic Masculinity on display here.

Except that would be to take it too seriously.  It's intended to be escapist fun, which it is, up to a point. 

Keanu Reeves looks great, and Michael Nyqvist does well as a Russian crime boss.  On the other hand, Willem Dafoe is miscast and wasted as John's friend Marcus.

At least, at around 100 minutes, the film doesn't outstay its welcome.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do