We’ve seen plenty of movie bad-asses over the years. There’s something that draws us to the action hero. And so, there will never be a shortage of Jason Bournes, James Bonds, or John McClanes. But what sets the John Wick franchise apart from all of these, is the consistency each film carries with it. The atmosphere within the Wick universe is more immersive with each installment. And the best thing about the series is its simplistic plot. The trilogy thus far tells a continuous story of a former assassin on a rampage after his dog is killed. Sounds silly right? Then why does it work so well? Of course, there’s more to the plot than this, but the Wick franchise has always let its action do the talking.
Taking place literally right after Chapter 2, the now excommunicated John Wick finds himself under siege as a $15 million bounty has been placed on his head, and every former co-worker wants a piece. The very first fight he gets himself into comes before the official bounty goes into effect, and we go from there. Trudging his way through the city, Wick takes on all comers. From knife fights right in the beginning of the film to the explosive shotgun massacre at its climax, this third installment is by far the most vicious, and visceral of the three to date.
Even with all the action gushing out of this film, it serves as more of a slow burn. The impending carnage is almost instant, and it’s clear that’s the intention since John is still in the midst of the one hour head start he was given at the end of Chapter 2. And yet, there are portions of the film that drag a bit, and seemingly hold the movie back. But it won’t overshadow the overall film.
Halle Berry also makes her first appearance in the franchise. And even with as little screen time as she is given, she manages to turn in an A+ performance that will serve as not only one of the top highlights of the movie, but the entire franchise. With that said, it would have been nice to see more of her, and hopefully, she’ll return in the sequel.
Another blemish that holds John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum back is the main antagonist “Zero”(Mark Dacascos). Not the character himself, but how he’s utilized in the film. Even with the villain’s smoke and mirrors act, the final battle between the two feels a little anti-climactic, and never does he seem to hold one over on John Wick, who had just gotten out of his most challenging fight against Zero’s very own two students. Not to start any trouble, but shouldn’t it be the other way around?
The world and rules of the Wick-verse are also more present the ever. The traditions and ceremonial-like customs of this seedy world of assassins are ever more felt. And that’s what makes this franchise so fresh. The ballet training sequences, John’s weird sacrifice that seemingly comes out of the left field (the man cuts off his finger) in the desert, and the implications of the final act. The franchise is slowly weaving one epic, brutal story. Chapter 3, while not quite better than chapter 2, is a worthy successor, and a welcomed installment in the franchise. If you enjoyed chapters 1 and 2 say no more. You’ll love chapter 3, and will be begging for chapter 4 to come out sooner rather than later.
