As a longtime fan of Keanu Reeves and the action genre, I can confidently say that the John Wick saga has been nothing short of a game-changer for me. The first film, which initially seemed like a B-movie, turned out to be a masterpiece with its impressive action choreography, stunts, and immersive world. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years since its release!
If, like many others, you still can’t get enough of Keanu Reeves’ action-packed adventure to reclaim his car and seek vengeance for his beloved pup (one of the best plot openings ever), then mark your calendars! The original John Wick is hitting the big screen again on November 3 and 6, celebrating its 10th anniversary in style.
Initially, Director Chad Stahelski harbored concerns that John Wick could potentially mark the end of his directing career. Given its initial trailer, many spectators dismissed it as an ordinary action film destined for a straight-to-DVD release. However, when John Wick hit theaters in 2014, audiences were left astounded by the exceptional action sequences, stunts, and intricate world-building that the movie presented. Since then, the John Wick franchise has blossomed into a financial powerhouse, amassing billions of dollars, and paving the way for contemporary action movies with its innovative approach.
John Wick’s Legacy Continues
Action films often undergo a fresh take approximately every ten to twenty years. The 1980s were characterized by powerhouse heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, but these were eventually replaced by everyday hero stories such as Die Hard. In the late ’90s and early ’00s, “bullet-time” action emerged after The Matrix was released, with spy thrillers using shaky cam techniques gaining popularity, and, in this writer’s view, lingering far too long (in this writer’s opinion, shaky cam is one of the worst things to happen to action movies since Steven Seagal).
In the 2010s, the movie John Wick significantly influenced the action genre in a similar manner. After its blockbuster performance, cinemas and streaming platforms were flooded with movies that resembled it, such as Atomic Blonde and Extraction. These films emulated the fast-paced action style of John Wick, using wide shots, lengthy takes, and meticulous choreography instead of numerous edits and handheld camera work.
As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how powerfully the John Wick saga continues to resonate, even a decade after its inception. Keanu Reeves has recently retired from his iconic role as the suit-and-tie wearing assassin following the release of John Wick: Chapter 4, and there’s no word yet on whether he’ll reprise the character for another standalone movie. Yet, the indomitable spirit of John Wick refuses to fade away. In an unexpected turn of events, Reeves made a shocking appearance in the first trailer for Ballerina, the upcoming spin-off featuring Ana de Armas in the lead role. This film tells the story of an assassin from the Ruska Roma clan, introduced in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and focuses on her relentless pursuit of vengeance.
On June 6, 2025, I’ll be thrilled to catch the ballet performance on the big screen. Meanwhile, I can’t wait for John Wick’s comeback, which is set for November 3rd and 6th.
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2024-10-01 15:32