The action genre is filled with mediocrity. The biggest mistake most filmmakers make is a lack of confidence in the genre itself. They want to be "more than action", as if "just action" is somehow inferior to, let's say, drama. In the end, we end up with tons of movies that are terrible dramas and similarly bad as action movies.
John Wick 3 delivers on that promise - a pure, confident action film. Which is not to say that an action movie should just be action and nothing else, it just require a different kind of storytelling and world-building. Mad Max: Fury Road is the pinnacle of that, and John Wick 3 continues with that legacy. John Wick's world is full of delightful nuances and quirks, that make it immersive and distinct, helping situate the action. At the same time, the movie knows that it is important to keep a minimalist but engaging plot. All of this is designed to serve the centrepiece of the film - the action sequences. It's an excellent screenplay that is so good that you barely notice there was one.
These are some of the most brilliantly conceived, choreographed and executed action sequences ever. Whether it be gunfights, melee, vehicular chases - every sequence is impeccable. The movie has a high body count, but each kill is more creative than the last. It's that sense of unpredictability and surprise that keeps recurring, that separate the excellent from the merely good. But most of all, it's about rhythm, pacing and movement. It may be a cliched observation by now, but the action sequences play out like a perfectly timed ballet.
It is a certain balance and consistency in tone, rhythm and style that makes John Wick 3 special. Everything is pulpy, ridiculous and over-the-top, yet grounded and realistic. Everything is brutal yet humorous. It walks a tight rope, and somehow pulls off the magic trick without anyone noticing. This consistency and dichotomy is felt in every aspect of filmmaking - from the incredible production design, to the costumes, to the stunt choreography, cinematography, music and editing. Even Keanu Reeves himself pulls off a quite unique performance. I have seen some criticisms for his performance being "bland" - but that's precisely the point.
John Wick 3 is the best action picture since Mad Max: Fury Road, and one of the finest films of 2019. If you like pulpy, violent action movies, this one is essential viewing.
