Sometimes when a new Marvel movie comes out there is a marathon of the previous installments. Why does the John Wick franchise not get the same treatment? I would actually make an effort to see all three movies, and with the guarantee of a fourth installment on May 21, 2021 (hurrah, something to look forward to), the studios and the theaters need to make that happen because I will make the time and train for this kind of marathon.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is the delightful exception to the rule in which the sequels are far better than the original. There is always a gratitude moment when I’m watching a good movie that I think, “I am so happy to be here.” You can just let go, enjoy the experience and appreciate the work because there is practically nothing to critique. You don’t have to grade it on a curve because they have been doing so much good work up to a point, but you can see the flaws, desperately want to ignore them and just enjoy the movie. The filmmakers don’t just say that they’re fans only to ruin the story (Damon Lindehof). It feels as if they are more invested in the franchise as we are, not just financially, but artistically.
I’m really impressed how the filmmakers are taking their time with the story instead of just vomiting up exposition. They created a world, and their characters live in it so they don’t undercut it by constantly explaining or revealing everything at once. With each installment, we learn more, and it feels as if the filmmakers are laying the groundwork for an indefinite amount of sequels until they culminate in a revolution against those in charge. It does not feel exploitative. It feels thoughtful. While John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum never forgets that we are here for the titular character, even a legend like him is only a small cog in a big wheel. Unlike The Blacklist, the real world meaning of the names brings amusement without diminishing the impact of the revelation, and there seems to be healthy respect to retaining historical integrity while world building.
I’m also astonished that with each installment, it feels as if the filmmakers take viewers’ criticism of the prior installment into consideration and immediately make improvements. It could be a practical coincidence, and no offense to the following actors, but weren’t you relieved that neither Common nor Ruby Rose were in this film? He is not a good actor, and while she is stunning, she was one of the weaker elements in John Wick: Chapter 2 and failed to make a lasting impression. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum has no weak links. Even the casting of small parts has actors who are familiar, but not instantly recognizable because they disappear into their character: Susan Blommaert, Said Taghmaoui and Robin Lord Taylor.
They also know how to make an implicit promise then deliver later in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Instead of pencils, pay attention to when John has to discard his weapons, and he gets surly that he has to leave behind an item of clothing. They were right because it comes into play during one of the many fight scenes in the denouement. If action is done right, it should not feel numbing or monotonous, but thrilling. I have no idea exactly how these filmmakers keep things fresh considering there have been three films of increasing lengths as they progress, but they do. The fight scenes are not still long shots, but they are the next best thing. Generally they are extended sequences with very little cutting, but it remains dynamic by following the trajectory of the action. Normally I’ve very concerned about animals appearing in films like this, but most of them can handle themselves, none get hurt and the one that can’t is adorable enough and benefits from some unspoken rules of engagement.
The filmmakers also do not feel as if they are making John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum in a vacuum. They seem to be conscious of their particular place and time in popular culture history. I know that it makes no sense, but it feels as if the John Wick franchise is the unofficial sequel to The Matrix (with the essential exception that it is actually good). Casting choices and lines make allusions to this seminal film. There were brief visual allusions to Blade Runner and Devil’s Advocate. Characters fan girl over meeting Keanu Reeves (as you would). In addition, I have no idea whether or not it is a coincidence, but another casting choice felt like a reference to the Master of Coin in an incredibly popular television show that recently ended. More than a few people loudly laughed at his appearance in the film. The movie has a great sense of humor for such a violent film by exploiting the characters and the actors’ history, physicality and minimal use of dialogue.
Because it has so much substance, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum can drip with style. Whether you’re completely unbothered and chilling in a panic room while others fight for you or by virtue of your power, you can get other people to follow you around and hold your umbrella, there is a Dynasty level, fantasy of the perks of power and experience that is the real fiction that we crave in this franchise. In similar situations, we would literally crap our pants and piss ourselves if we had a psychological showdown with stone cold killers, but in these movies, you dress impeccably, sip your drink and gracefully say the perfect thing. Even the use of subtitles to reflect the emotional impact and nuance of the dialogue with the size and color of the font and the rhythm of how the words appear on the screen is a note painfully missing from most films today. More movies should mimic this approach to subtitles!
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum still has the ability to surprise its audience. The end genuinely shocked me, and the plot twist can be interpreted in two ways. Setting the film in New York City isn’t just a solid choice because it is a beautiful iconic location. (Side note: there is a scene set in the New York City Public Library’s main branch. Keanu Reeves and books. Swoon!) It also evokes a certain amount of plucky, local defiance on an international scale, which lesser movies mined for acceptable, patriotic glory-The Amazing Spider-Man. It strikes a balance between being an independent underdog versus being a jingoistic bully. This isn’t the America of the dystopian hellscape that we currently find ourselves, but a land of immigrants trying to carve out a place for themselves.
If you love the John Wick franchise, then John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is for you. If you’re one of those people who hate violence in movies, then why are you even wasting your time reading this review? Go bemoan the state of civilization somewhere else while the rest of us have fun. Yes, you have to see the other movies to understand this one. See it on the big screen then see it again on the little screen. I’m so excited for 2021.
