John Wick Creator’s Early Films with Dolph Lundgren Are Free to Watch Now!

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In 2014, a heartwarming story about a man and his dog gave birth to the successful neo-noir action thriller John Wick. Over time, it has blossomed into a series, appreciated for its masterfully choreographed fight scenes, Keanu Reeves’ captivating portrayal of a retired assassin on a mission for vengeance, and the intricate development of an assassins’ secret society known as the High Table. What started as a straightforward story of sorrow and retribution has transformed into one of Hollywood’s trendiest action franchises with a distinctive style.

The character John Wick was brought to life by screenwriter and producer Derek Kolstad, whose passion for his work is evident. Prior to the success of John Wick, he collaborated with the respected action star Dolph Lundgren on not one but two films. In 2012, Kolstad wrote the script for ‘One in the Chamber,’ directed by William Kaufman, and in 2013, he penned ‘The Package,’ directed by Jesse V. Johnson. These films are available to stream for free at present.

Screenwriting Takes Steely Determination

Screenwriting, much like many other creative professions, isn’t for those who easily give up. It often involves enduring prolonged periods of rejection, uncompensated work during the struggle to break into the industry, and intense competition. If a script eventually manages to catch someone’s eye, it frequently undergoes numerous revisions by studios, which may alter the writer’s original concept significantly. However, the joy for a screenwriter in seeing their idea materialize on screen, potentially earning substantial income, and contributing to popular culture through their story is an extraordinary payoff that only a few are fortunate enough to experience.

Kolstad had been writing for more than 15 years before the release of John Wick, which gained massive popularity, meaning success didn’t come right away for him. He contemplated giving up several times and encountered significant difficulties during the production of One in the Chamber and The Package, both films with tight budgets and short shooting schedules. The pressure was intense. In an interview with Indie Film Hustle, Kolstad admitted, “After completing those two projects, I once again considered quitting due to having to take on numerous non-profit work – such as videos and websites for various NGOs – just to make ends meet.” However, he persevered.

Cuba Gooding Jr. & Dolph Lundgren Play Elite Hitmen

The film titled “One in the Chamber” didn’t garner significant critical acclaim due to its direct-to-video release. Critics found the genre writing satisfactory but unremarkable, while the action was present without pushing boundaries. The movie delves into the aftermath of the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and showcases how cities like Prague became hotspots for American criminals who paid hitmen generously. Ray Carver, played by Cuba Gooding Jr., works for two rival gangs, and a failed assassination attempt on a Chechen drug lord sets off a city-wide manhunt for him.

In a plot that promises intense action and drama, it’s revealed that the secretive Severov mafia recruits Dolph Lundgren, a notorious hitman whose existence some question, for a gang war. Though critic responses aren’t overly positive, audiences are eager to watch Lundgren on screen due to his captivating presence. The Action Elite commented that “One in the Chamber” showcases Lundgren at his finest, portraying a likable assassin with unique characteristics, rather than stereotypically villainous roles.

Dolph Lundgren Is the Full Package for Action

In my humble opinion as a film critic, “The Package” – yet another direct-to-video production – didn’t quite live up to its potential, missing the mark for many viewers. This action-packed thriller centers around Steve Austin’s character, Tommy Wicker, a bounty hunter entrusted with delivering a secretive package to a formidable crime lord nicknamed The German, played by Dolph Lundgren.

As Wicker navigates the treacherous underworld, he encounters a series of ruthless adversaries determined to thwart his mission. Unfortunately, the plot largely revolves around these encounters and doesn’t offer much more depth or complexity. However, it is worth noting that this production serves as evidence of Kolstad’s growing proficiency in crafting action narratives for low-budget films.

John C commented on Rotten Tomatoes, “This isn’t an iconic action movie destined to be compared with Rambo, Commando, or Die Hard. Instead, it falls into the category of typical action films. If you’re seeking that kind of entertainment, you might find it enjoyable.” Meanwhile, fans of action were pleased to witness Lundgren’s physical abilities and commanding presence.

John Wick Came Exactly at the Right Time

John Wick was not just your typical action hero. Beyond the usual plotlines, Kolstad’s creativity brought about The Continental Hotel, a unique gold coin currency for assassins, and a powerful crime lord council. Remarkably, the franchise gave Keanu Reeves’ career a new lease of life, with his portrayal of Wick resonating so deeply that viewers grew attached not only to the character but also to Reeves as an actor.

Ultimately, Kolstad found a stage in his writing journey where he felt bold enough to break away from conventional patterns, instead trusting his intuition fully. From there, Kolstad penned more Wick films, as well as Nobody and its sequel. The key to triumph lay in persistence, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue your aspirations. Earlier works like The Package and One in the Chamber served as stepping stones towards greatness, proving that dreams can always be chased.

You can watch ‘One in the Chamber’ without charge on Prime Video, Plex, Fandango Now, and Tubi right here. Similarly, ‘The Package’ is also available for free streaming on these platforms, including Tubi.

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2025-03-01 05:32