john wick chapter 3: parabellum (2019) review
John Wick: Chapter 3 of the increasingly “all action/little substance” Wick-iverse largely abandons any attempt to tell a meaningfully nuanced story. Wick, played again by the inimitable Keanu Reeves, benefits greatly from leftover sympathy generated in the first installment. It’s why we keep showing up. But as covered in my review of Chapter 2, the fights seem increasingly hollow in comparison. Wick’s only motivation is “don’t die” and for me that’s not enough to sustain a two-hour film. As with many franchises reaching movie number three, the film throws a lot at us hoping some or most will stick. John Wick on a horse? Motorcycle chases that are also sword-fights? It’s all here. Hardcore fans of the series will find Chapter 3 perfectly fine. About halfway through I was bored. I understand that Wick is an action icon because of the shootouts but as entertaining/impressive as it might be from a technical standpoint, there are diminishing returns on slaying nameless, non-threatening assassins. Wick is not immune. Remember how we got to see the backstory/quiet moments of several goons in the first film? I miss that. Chapter 3 is saved by the final act and a plot development that switches things up and creates real story stakes. The under-appreciated Mark Dacascos is a welcome addition as the hand-to-hand heavy even though we learn nothing about him outside of “he’s the bad guy.” His character’s oddball sense of humor juxtaposes nicely with the film’s overall grim nature. Hollywood needs to give Mark more roles while he’s still active. Halle Berry is a surprise standout. It appears she did much of her own stunts and the dog-assisted shootout for which she is centerpiece stands out as wholly unique to this film and an achievement in incorporating animals into action.
John Wick 3 receives a score of 6/10 for general audiences and 7.5/10 for die-hard fans of the series. The movie is saved by the final act and casting of Mark Dacascos/Halle Berry in strong supporting roles.