Never count a movie out. Even with the odds stacked against it, a film can hit you with a left hook leaving you stunned.

“John Wick” (Rated R; 101 min) is not to be underestimated.

“John Wick” is an action film directed by David Leitch and Chad Stahelski that stars Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki and Michael Nyqvist.

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John Wick, played by Reeves, is a former assassin who retired years ago for a normal life. Once his wife dies, he becomes a broken and devastated man. He is devoid of purpose until he receives a puppy in the mail from his late wife. Soon, his life has meaning and he starts to come to terms with his loss.

This all changes when Wick is attacked by a group of Russian thugs. They attack him for his car, but end up killing his dog in the process. Figuring out the thugs work for his former employer, he starts an all-out war to destroy the organization.

This movie had all of the signs of a terrible action movie. The film was low-budget and stars actors past their prime. It looked like something made to be released in a theater and then delegated to video on demand. However, looks can be deceiving, especially in this case.

The world this movie creates is fantastic. Action films are rarely known for having functioning and entertaining worlds. If a world makes sense, it is a plus, but it is not the focus of the genre.

Wick, while a fascinating main character, is the least interesting thing about this movie. Crime syndicates, battling assassins and a demilitarized hotel make up the world within the film. They have a rich backstory, but it is never told through expository dialogue. It all comes out naturally.

This film’s action scenes are set up perfectly. In a time of shaky-cam fight scenes where nothing is visible, it is great to see a movie that is unique. The two directors come from a stunt coordinating background and it is evident. The action scenes are clear and easily understandable.

This was the only appropriate approach to the action. Wick’s character is described as a boogeyman, a ruthless killing machine. Any fight scene involving him needed to be brutal and shown in its fullest.

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The film does a lot to build up Wick. Tough mafia soldiers cringe at his name, and tales of his impossible hits are told throughout crime circles. A death warrant comes to all those who mess with him. This is largely because of a well-written script, but would be nothing with out Reeves.

Keanu Reeves is at the top of his game. He plays his traditional quiet, soft-spoken character, which works for Wick. Beyond that, Reeves brings a frightening quality to the screen. A rage is always building behind his silent exterior.

Please go see this film. It will be the most fun you have in the theater this year. You will be exhilarated, excited and pumped after leaving the theater. If you are a fan of action films, this will not disappoint.

Jacob Pierce can be reached at [email protected], 

on Twitter @JacobPierce1_DE 

or at 536-3311 ext.273