Dog’s Movie House: “John Wick 3″ Crazy-Good In All The Right Ways!”

Chapter 3 picks up directly after the end of the second film which finds John Wick (Keanu Reeves) on the run after being declared “ex-communicado” from the Continental Hotel after killing a member of the High Table on hotel grounds. The Continental’s manager and friend to John, Winston (the delightfully droll Ian McShane) has given Wick one hour to go to ground before the hunt begins. Turns out an hour is not nearly enough time.

After being chased by every assassin in New York, Wick manages to get himself smuggled to Casablanca where he runs into an old associate named Sophia (Halle Berry) and gets help from her as payment for a debt. Alas, trouble finds both of them quickly and soon Wick has to get back to New York to save his life and possibly, his soul.

The story is interesting, with its machinations and world-building. The High Table and the history of the Continental are fascinating subjects in and of themselves, but they really serve as a framework for some of the most batshit crazy set pieces ever committed to film. The knife fight at the outset of the film is worth the price of admission alone.

Reeves is outstanding in his third go-round as Wick, still managing to give an engaging, emotional performance while kicking all sorts of ass. He’s actually matched by Berry as Sofia who gets almost as much time as Wick during the extended shoot out in Casablanca. McShane, Lance Reddick, and Laurence Fishburne, do fine work in returning roles. Asia Kate Dillion is wonderfully icy as the High Table’s Adjudicator, a woman who is sent to punish everyone who helped John Wick. Also wonderful is veteran martial arts actor Mark Decascos as Zero, a super assassin who is, at heart, a John Wick fanboy. After toiling away in B-films for the better part of two decades, it’s great to see Decascos in a meaty role.

Director Chad Stahelski continues to execute the most beautiful (and brutal) action set pieces ever while writer Derek Kolstad (along with three others) continues to make this world one we wish to continue to see. For pure action in an interesting and hyperviolent world, the John Wick series continues to be on the best in the business. 5 Out Of 5 on Kendog’s Barkometer! So Sayeth The Kendog!

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