Film of the Week: John Wick: Parabellum

In this film, we see what John Wick (played by Keanu Reeves) is truly capable. The first two films showed John trying to resist his old life, but having no choice but to go back either out of revenge, or his past life is catching up with him all over again. The entire character arc for John over all three films sees John wanting to have a normal life, but in this film, he’s come to accept that the only way out is to go back through. At the end, before the final showdown between him and the Head Table’s henchmen, we see him embracing his old life once more, returning to full strength. People were scared of him before, but now they should be shaking in their boots. John Wick is back, and literally no one can stop him.

I’m confident you can list 5 franchises where the quality has declined by the time it’s reached its third film. It’s difficult having to add more to a story that had technically wrapped up at the end of the first film. Some franchises prepare for a sequel, others just come out of nowhere for reasons most related to money. John Wick is an original idea, so the creators can have fun with the story, the lore of the world.

John Wick: Parabellum is just as entertaining as the other two, with no decline in quality whatsoever. The filmmakers have kept things fresh, and even managed to increase the level of action – not just for purposes of making the audience sit on the edge of their seat, wondering if John will survive, but instead to make us watch John absolutely destroy his opponents.

One trait I’ve noticed more in this film than in the first two, his just how strong his will power truly is. After a particularly difficult fight, one in which he’s been battered left, right and centre, thrown around the room numerous times; when John knows he’s won and is no longer required to fight, he collapses to the floor with exhaustion. He’s pushed himself to keep going further than anyone else would have gone, so when it’s time to stop, his body naturally needs to rest. But, when he’s required to get back on his feet, fight another opponent, he always does, without fail. Before we saw John in action in the first film, we were given a brief character rundown on who he is as a person, someone who shows more will power than anyone else, “the man you send to kill the bogyman”. Parabellum demonstrates John’s true capabilities.

As with most successful franchises, the studio wants to keep making more. For some franchises, another film shouldn’t happen, others we want to see more. The John Wick Franchise is certainly one I want to see more of, especially when they teased a battle between him and the head table. The action can only get better, or at least remain on the same level as it’s always been.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)