Movie Breakdown: John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum
Pre-Screening Stance:
Come on. You, me and everyone else who has ever enjoyed an action movie is pumped for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
Post-Screening Ramble:
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum begins with the titular character (Keanu Reeves) making his way to a library in New York City. As he runs along, he steadily checks his watch, well aware that in just a few minutes his “excommunicado” designation (from the end of the previous film) is going to kick in and then every assassin in the world will be after his head.
Like the other entries in this series, there’s not a whole lot of setup, so it isn’t long at all before Wick gets caught up in a fight to the death. And then another one. And another one. And a few dozen more. It sounds repetitive, but let’s face it, the action is why anyone wants to see this movie, and thankfully none of it disappoints. The scene with Wick, Sofia (Halle Berry) and her attack dogs is one of the better action sequences I’ve ever seen. The same can be said for the motorcycle mayhem that happens between Wick and a bunch of ninja-like guys with swords. You will undoubtedly be entertained.
For those of you that enjoy the universe that Mr. Wick exists in, there’s plenty here for you as well. This, if anything though, is where the film stumbles. What’s good is a little insight into Wick’s training and background, plus some extra info on the assassins and their guild (or whatever). What’s terrible is The Adjudicator, a new character played by Asia Kate Dillon. She’s sent by the High Table (they rule over all the assassins) to pass judgement on those who have helped Wick, and she couldn’t be more annoying. This is largely due to Dillion playing her in the most cringe-worthy way (imagine an edgy daytime drama side character) , but it’s also because The Adjudicator, is just an outright unnecessary addition. You can’t win them all, I suppose.
I can’t say that Parabellum is better than the two films that came before it, but it is on par with them, and I think that’s still a pretty great thing. Go see it.
One Last Thought:
I really thought the plan was to only make three of these movies, but with what “parabellum” means in the context of this film and considering that it ends with a cliffhanger, I’m guessing they’re going to churn these out for a while. I’m fine with this.
