With reporting by Josh Horowitz
In the last decade or so, action has become less its own genre, and more of a feature of other movies. Superhero movies have action. Action comedies have action. But actions movies as we knew them in the ’80s and ’90s are harder to find.
This weekend, “John Wick,” starring Keanu Reeves, gives the double tap to that notion.
Directors David Leitch and Chad Stahelski build off of their stunt experience working on films like “The Matrix” series and “The Hunger Games” for their directorial debut, and the results should remind everyone of what the action movie genre can be.
“John Wick” began with the script by Derek Kolstad, which landed in the hands of Reeves. The actor, who had worked with Leitch and Stahelski on “The Matrix” trilogy thought they were right for it.
“I knew that they wanted to direct, so I sent them ‘John Wick,’ thinking that they could bring something special to it,” Reeves told MTV News. “They wanted to do wide shots. They wanted to have less cuts. You’re looking at it, and you’re like ‘Did I just see that?’ Yes, you did.”
And Reeves isn’t exaggerating. The action of “John Wick” feels as natural as killing comes for the main character, a legendary assassin pulled out of retirement for revenge. This is fast, fluid action that impresses on technical and visceral levels.
If you’re a fan of action movies and have been wondering why they’re so rare, do yourself a favor and check out “John Wick,” now in theaters. And to give you a taste, check out the set visit we did below:
Kevin P. Sullivan
Writer/editor for MTV. If it involves cowboys, spies, or hitmen, I’m there. All three would be ideal.
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