Erik Davis took a look at John WIck vs. Everly for Movies.com. She deemed John WIck the winner and said:
He’s a killing machine with incredible shooting skills and a fondness for head shots. John Wick is also a romantic whose search for peace following his wife’s death leads to an adorable relationship with a new puppy.
With veteran stunt guys behind the camera, the action sequences are just superb and some of the best you’ll see this year.
Adrian Charlie reviewed the film for Next Projection and gave it an 8.5/10. Here’s a few money quotes:
Director Chad Stahelski goes balls to the wall, earning John Wick a coveted hard R. John Woo and Michael Mann heavily influence this film. Woo for the action and violence, Mann for the style. It’s a wonderful homage that will sit nicely with die-hard action fans.
Cinematographer Jonathan Sela does a tremendous job of shooting the action. The action is easy to follow and the images are jaw dropping. It’s like poetry watching Wick get into a “Collateral” style gunfight inside a nightclub.
John Wick is the kind of film that’s best enjoyed with a crowd; let’s hope this draws a crowd so everyone can collectively enjoy the film.
Update: Chris Tilly reviewed the film got IGN. Here are a few money quotes:
Keanu Reeves is a great physical actor who really knows how to use his body onscreen however, giving Wick genuine elegance as he punches, kicks and shoots his way through the picture. And he’s totally nailed the walking in slow-motion thing.
But the most enjoyable aspect of John Wick is the magical universe that screenwriter David Kolstad creates for the characters…
Clearly influenced by the likes of Steve McQueen, Lee Marvin and Liam Neeson, it’s a performance of great purity; one that reflects the simplicity of John Wick’s mission and the economy of both his dialogue and fighting style.
John Wick is a brilliant B-movie that features a knockout performance from an A-lister. The universe that that’s set up is an intriguing one. The mission that Wick embarks on a compelling one. And in terms of action, drama and excitement, the film truly delivers.
Update X2: Neil Miller reviewed the film for Film School Rejects and gave it a grade of A. Read the article for details but here is the closing paragraph:
It’s one of those movies that, if you’re a fan of this ilk, you are compelled to see again. The kind of special shoot ‘em up that transcends a tired genre with its smarts and style. It’s not just a fun movie to watch, it appears to have been a fun movie to make. The stunt performer background of its filmmaker shines through in some of the inventive close quarters action. Its script builds a wickedly cool world and nods to the likes of Jean-Pierre Melville. And it’s all anchored by a calm, wonderfully playful performance from Reeves, who has found his groove making action flicks once again, knocking us on our collective ass with Man of Tai Chi last year and now this glorious romp that is John Wick.
Bryce WIlson reviewed the film for Agents of Geek and didn’t like it. Different strokes for different folks. I’ll go with the other reviewers.