Read Mixed User Reviews for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

6

Karmazyn83May 20, 2019

Lets contemplate about components of perfect action movie for a moment- What makes action movies special. Is it it's characters, is it ability to create fantastic choreography or maybe new, shiny special effects. Is it sound design orLets contemplate about components of perfect action movie for a moment- What makes action movies special. Is it it's characters, is it ability to create fantastic choreography or maybe new, shiny special effects. Is it sound design or perhaps a good story ? What will elevate action movie to a new heights? What you need to do to create an instant classic? John Wick 3 creators might not have found all the answers but they definitely created something special and unique.

John Wick Parabellum is a direct continuation to the previous movie. It picks up just after 2nd movie finishes, just when John Wick is about to be made excommunicado. The first 20 minutes of the movie are really special and I enjoyed it immensely. John Wick needs to escape from the never ending wave after wave of assassins who try to collect very large bounty put on his head. In a city filled with assassins controlled by secretive yet very powerful and feared organization this is not an easy task. Assassins are everywhere here, on every corner of every street, which actually begs a question. Are there are any normal people left in the world?

The stunts from the start to finish were really special, some of them really unique and brutal. People were gasping in the cinema, me including. The sheer unfiltered violence and constant fight for survival, this movie does this well. There was even a fantastic sequence featuring German shepherds, the scene with the dogs added more excitement to brutal showcase of John Wick's and Halle Berry's gun skills. It felt like a continues shot, maybe even it was. When camera was rolling and following dogs attacking army of villains, this was very fluid and kept me on my toes from start to finish. Let me tell you this again, this movie does this sort of action really, really well.

Where it falls short is the actual story. There was an opportunity here to do more with the story, unfortunately it took a backstage here or maybe even left the fast moving Wick's car and stayed on the side lines as what we got here is a predictable plot with predictable twists and really not that interesting main character. Even Polar has better story than JW. John's motives are confused here, his choices do not make much sense and his strategic thinking leaves a lot to be desired. It does not work for John's benefit, it makes him rather not so special - a flat and shallow character, apart of amazing survivability skills he has nothing else to offer. Is he really just a blunt weapon, tip of the spear, instrument of destruction. What is the whole point of this destructive adventure? We have here this faceless organization, their cruel motives and ways, their world dominance. Movie fails to explain this to us more. The story and subsequently the movie is lacking depth !

Remember that this is a pure action movie, however special it is, misses this final piece of the puzzle in its attempt of becoming instant classic and is sadly just punching above waist, becoming average movie which will definitely entertain you but will leave you begging for answer and more, more sense and more emotions. I will keep it simple for you, If action is what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed here.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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6

familyguyMay 20, 2019

Did D&D are secret writer of this movie ? Action and choreography still over the stop but story act flush down toilet . THis is game of thrones season 8 level of writing . John wick can purchase plot armor in continental now . Every time heDid D&D are secret writer of this movie ? Action and choreography still over the stop but story act flush down toilet . THis is game of thrones season 8 level of writing . John wick can purchase plot armor in continental now . Every time he should be dead some thing happen and he safe . If wasn't for action scene and set layout i give this movie 4/10… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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6

HTGamerMay 19, 2019

Parabellum is an entertaining John Wick film, with some unbelievably great action scenes, but it drops the ball in the story/lore department.

The John Wick movies have always been about cartoony violence, beautifully choreographed combat,Parabellum is an entertaining John Wick film, with some unbelievably great action scenes, but it drops the ball in the story/lore department.

The John Wick movies have always been about cartoony violence, beautifully choreographed combat, and high-octane action. If you thought the action scenes were over the top in the 2nd movie, then Parabellum raises the bar even higher. It's just ridiculous, in a good way. John Wick even kills his enemies with a book! Can you believe it? A book. And you thought killing with a pencil was merely an exaggeration.

I can't praise enough the part where John Wick works with Sofia (Halle Berry) and her trained dogs to fight against waves of enemies. I have never seen such an action scene before. The dogs were so obedient and effective as if you could command a pet in a videogame, and they weren't CGI either. It was marvelous.

However, Parabellum's story is a mess. I know, this series doesn't focus on storytelling, but still there was a core story and some character development for John Wick. This time he has no clear goal, he's being chased by every assassin, he's constantly on the run, desperately going from place to place. This mess shines the most when John Wick goes through a lot of trouble and makes a new promise, only to break it. It defeats the purpose of doing all this in the first place. Where is the strategist John Wick who planned every detail of his hit on Gianna d' Antonio and then survived the soldiers of Santino by planting guns to cover his exit in the second movie?

Also the 3rd movie fails to grow this series' fictional world like Chapter 2. The lore hinted at in the first movies was unique, but now they introduce mundane real-world elements such as the cutting of a finger to prove one's loyalty. Then we got a pathetic Adjudicator and the rather young Elder who runs the High Table. Both characters' logic is messed up, I mean would a member of a secret society obsessed with rules and loyalty really trust a traitor and just forgive them in an instant just because they say "sorry"? And guess what, there is no ending, no resolution, only a cliffhanger to set up a 4th movie. It all feels forced though, not organic. All these problems stem from the so-called franchise fatigue and bloat.

I definitely want to watch a 4th John Wick movie, but next time they'll need to bring a better and more focused story, and not just "lots of guns".… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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6

OzayricaMay 20, 2019

This would be average if not elevated by the choreography and Keanu Reeves' amazing acting. The structure is also too predictable, with the best fight sequence right at the start then long breaks, sporadic fighting and a gratuitous andThis would be average if not elevated by the choreography and Keanu Reeves' amazing acting. The structure is also too predictable, with the best fight sequence right at the start then long breaks, sporadic fighting and a gratuitous and gruellingly boring ending fight. But the gore is well done and the hand to hand combat is impressive.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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6

realreviews123May 20, 2019

Action scenes were as expected with great choreography. Otherwise I was let down by the poor hale berry fight scenes, some slow fight scenes that felt more fake, a poor story line, unrealistic (many chances guys in movie could have killedAction scenes were as expected with great choreography. Otherwise I was let down by the poor hale berry fight scenes, some slow fight scenes that felt more fake, a poor story line, unrealistic (many chances guys in movie could have killed John but decide not to so they can continue fighting) and less of that cool music in the fight scenes we enjoyed in the first 2 films. Overall I would say 3/5 but did not compare to predecessors.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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6

arcommandMay 20, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie feels incredibly dragged out in the long run, and it almost doesn't advance in story in comparison to the first 2, and exactly why did they go to Casablanca… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

Jonath1984May 29, 2019

Idk.... I am a huge John Wick fan but Parabellum just didn't do it for me. The movie starts out exciting but midway it loses it momentum. The fight scenes also become a little lack luster towards the end. I do feel they made this movie theIdk.... I am a huge John Wick fan but Parabellum just didn't do it for me. The movie starts out exciting but midway it loses it momentum. The fight scenes also become a little lack luster towards the end. I do feel they made this movie the sacrificial lamb just to keep the franchise going some people are rating this movie with 8s and 10s is most definitely not either of those… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

Bluecoop_847May 26, 2019

I loved the first 2 John Wick movies! However, John Wick 3 was simply a filler movie that fell flat on it's face. The story line is boring and confusing, the fight scenes were too repetitive and seemingly go on forever, a major portion of theI loved the first 2 John Wick movies! However, John Wick 3 was simply a filler movie that fell flat on it's face. The story line is boring and confusing, the fight scenes were too repetitive and seemingly go on forever, a major portion of the movie was completely pointless and the movie was just far too predictable. Giving this movie a 5 is extremely generous. Hoping John Wick 4 gets this saga back on track.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

FatihGMay 17, 2019

I loved the first John wick movie the second one was decent i liked it more than most people but when it comes to the third one i felt bored for the first time in the series. The Action is obviously competently made which is expected at thisI loved the first John wick movie the second one was decent i liked it more than most people but when it comes to the third one i felt bored for the first time in the series. The Action is obviously competently made which is expected at this point like the first two movies keanu is likeable as the titular character. the second act where we get to know Halle berrys character is the weakest part of the movie 6/10 which is still a positive grade… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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4

GinaKMay 20, 2019

I wanted to like this movie, but it just didn’t work for me. I have seen martial arts films where the action is downright artistic and not as dull and repetitive as in this film. Keanu seemed bored and detached instead of sad and driven.I wanted to like this movie, but it just didn’t work for me. I have seen martial arts films where the action is downright artistic and not as dull and repetitive as in this film. Keanu seemed bored and detached instead of sad and driven. Everyone else in the cast seemed to be “acting” and artificial. I was very disappointed.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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6

crankyermaMay 18, 2019

I liked the first two JW films, the first one decidedly more. But this one was so light on story and character that it was boring. The non-stop onslaught of glitz and action to the exclusion of everything else is mindless to the point ofI liked the first two JW films, the first one decidedly more. But this one was so light on story and character that it was boring. The non-stop onslaught of glitz and action to the exclusion of everything else is mindless to the point of becoming numbing. It's like watching someone else play a video game. They should probably make sure they have a story to drive the action next time. This was a MASSIVE let down.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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6

moviemitch96May 18, 2019

The 'John Wick' films are some of, if not, the coolest, most intense, and expertly choreographed action films I've seen! Having highly enjoyed the previous two films, I was definitely looking forward to this third outing. Keanu Reeves is justThe 'John Wick' films are some of, if not, the coolest, most intense, and expertly choreographed action films I've seen! Having highly enjoyed the previous two films, I was definitely looking forward to this third outing. Keanu Reeves is just as awesome as ever! Can't praise the guy enough! And while it offers the same over-the-top crazy action that's come to be expected, I have to say that this one seemed to really expect me to suspend my disbelief more times than I could count. Characters in this film that very much should've died on numerous occasions somehow survive and defy death unexplainably to the point where it became ridiculous and I absolutely could not suspend my disbelief about any of it! (And this wasn't as near as big of an issue in the first two films.) The ending also felt rushed and half-baked and just begs for a sequel, which I'm honestly not sure I'm ready for given how this film made the whole premise of this franchise wear quite thin in my opinion. Overall, the action sequences are still undeniably impressive and Keanu's still great, but there's a fine line between suspending disbelief and completely implausible scenarios, and this film crossed that line a surprising amount, so if you can get past that, it's still a fun action flick, but it's definitely the weakest installment yet to me mainly for those reasons.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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5

TrevorsViewMay 23, 2019

There’s a question nobody’s asking, but is important to ponder over: If two people existed without laws over them, could they walk together unless agreeing to do so? The answer is right in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.

First step toThere’s a question nobody’s asking, but is important to ponder over: If two people existed without laws over them, could they walk together unless agreeing to do so? The answer is right in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.

First step to answering the question above, it’s good to analyze the extremely weak relationships that continue to build up John Wick’s misadventures. Instead of allowing a sense of soul, priority goes to the heavy action, even sacrificing heart for the sake of tension or comedy. As effective as it may be, there’s virtually no attention to story arcs, blood is even allowed to splatter on the lens as a glamorization of dying very graphically. Though this movie has many cases of that beautified murder left and right, especially throughout a chase on a closed bridge that ensures the chasers have it all to themselves to do whatever they want.

Second, none of the conversations these so-called “characters” hold with one another establish any real conflict. In one crucial scene when John gets an upside-down crucifix burnt onto his back, it feels more like a mere video game cutscene than a character study. Anjelica Huston in particular drags things down to borderline absurdity with her bad accent that almost worsens the dialogue. Although in complete fairness, this screenplay still contains the same amount of verbal exposition as a classic stylistic action piece of the late 90’s, The Matrix’s… that being, too much.

Third, a positive quality this time, the audio artistry of this film has a full, complete trinity of design work. Point one: John actually rides a horse down the streets of New York to flee motorcycles, in any other production this would be absolutely ridiculous, but the soundtrack makes this somehow a cool moment! Point two: the theater seat pulses as everything from the speakers go BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Point three: The noise of glass shattering draws focus onto anticipations framed behind the subjects to make the viewer think, “Ooh! This will be a wicked fight!”

Fourth, the production design of old green marble serves as the perfect stage of memorable hand-to-hand combat. After an opening race against the clock to stir up fury, every set piece looks orderly while deceptively spiteful, the most impactful one being some glass stairs that symbolize transparent vulnerability. All the classy violence that happens inside and outside these walls stays consistently fresh even when guns clash amidst dungeon-like horse stables immediately before the provocative image of a backlit ballerina. Then, it’s all drowned out by the end when the mega techno colors melt into a sharp green climax. It’s the perfect balance between serene and gruesome imagery to generate strong depictions of pain; colors are heard, beats are seen, a visual-audio combo producing something wicked. Congratulations to everyone on the production crew!

Fifth, a negative this time, as much as this movie tries to depict what a potential war breakout could look like, it fails. Now, here’s a joke: Knock, knock. Who’s there? Iran. Iran who? I ran far away, because America may go to war against Iran soon, possibly starting a disturbance called, “WWIII.” War is no laughing manner, and this pretty picture about a man named John isn’t nearly as prophetic as a number of scenes featuring people from the Middle East make you believe. It can’t be relevant for today, considering it can’t even settle on a time period to take place in. Which is it? The 1980’s? The 2000s? The 1970’s? The 1940’s? The series’ attempt at style by incorporating technological elements from different decades doesn’t serve any real purpose for whatever theme it wants to generate… the fact that a horse shed exists in the middle of freaking New York City doesn’t help!

Sixth, and this is the entire series’ biggest drawback, despite its miraculous theatrical wonder, John Wick’s journey still winds up being pure unadulterated nonsense. This is a reality where time doesn’t exist, an assassin can get away with murder, and passersby at a train station never notice two guys within a crowd trying to kill one another. There’s never a grounding of logic or reality, even by the standards of its own fantasized world—almost nobody ever runs out of ammo unless by plot demands! Instead, it’s all style and no coherence, its stylized closed captions leaving more sensitive viewers eye-hurt from the overly excessive adrenaline.

Again: If two people existed without laws over them, could they walk together unless agreeing to do so? Well, think of it this way: one cannot stretch beyond limitations, others must agree upon those limits decided by authority. Thus, based on the way John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum encourages a chaotic existence where everyone wants to hurt each other, the answer is undeniably no.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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6

greenisgoodSep 27, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. TL;DR - Though the excellent action choreography, flawless editing and visceral seamless flow of the scenes carry over from the series as a whole; sadly this coupled with probably the worst scattershot of a story in the series and by its own narrative makes John Wick 3 downright pointless to exist. It was a bit disheartening. The story damages the movie quite a bit causing multiple character's progression to be sloppy and make no sense. It can still be enjoyed for the excellence in the action sequences but a bitter-sweet experience is the best this movies gets to be as it is hard to not see through the paper thin veil of 'Stretching For Profits'.

The Good
Reeves as titular Wick still has his intensity about him, intact thankfully due to the actor's efforts. The amount of training he has been through shows itself in spades making scenes flow naturally during a number of Wick's many action sequences. Halle Berry also plays well as a begrudging ally to Wick due to a believable and previously set up 'Marker' in the Series narrative. The action sequences were a little bit stretched out but keep itself from breaking illusion just enough using location and or setting switching with the opening sequences and Berry/Reeves/Hounds Tag team ones being stand outs. The concept of the 'Adjudicator' was an intriguing one lending an additional air of mystery to the Assassin World.

The Bad
Now for the most important part of a movie be it any genre which is where Parabellum makes the worst mistake by it's own hands, the Story. I do not know if it was Studio meddling or other reasons that tries to continue Reeve's most successful franchise with literal padding instead of a being a 'Well Written Excellent Action Film'. This entire movie felt like it was supposed to be a part of the Third Act for the Over Arching Series Plot but was stretched just to milk out a Fourth Movie.

Even for padding I do not know why the writer's decided to take Wick on a literal circle ending up right where the movie starts effectively feeling like they were deliberately pranking the audience. They top that with a downright nonsensical and unnecessary explanation to the Mythos of the Franchise by showing us a Member of 'The Table', the supposed Order behind the whole Assassin Universe. This 'Member of The Table' literally deflating any tension, mystery or anticipation behind 'The Table' and it's motives.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

LamontRaymondMay 17, 2019

I think some of these respected critics are drinking the Kool-Aid here. Sure, it's a fun action flick with the great fight choreography, but in the 70's?? Nah. Not even close to the first one, in my mind. The world building, the originI think some of these respected critics are drinking the Kool-Aid here. Sure, it's a fun action flick with the great fight choreography, but in the 70's?? Nah. Not even close to the first one, in my mind. The world building, the origin story, etc. - None of that is present here. And Asia Kate Dillon brings VERY little to the table. They never establish her has an evil or negative force that scares you.… Expand

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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4

SSRMay 19, 2019

I liked the first film, which was an average action revenge flick. Wasn't so taken with the second film, which starts to disappear up its own mythology. The third film is worse in that respect, saved only for me by some great actionI liked the first film, which was an average action revenge flick. Wasn't so taken with the second film, which starts to disappear up its own mythology. The third film is worse in that respect, saved only for me by some great action sequences. Best described in a review I read as suffering from "franchise bloat".… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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5

BarnySep 1, 2019

It's not that bad of a movie but it's getting a little bit repetitive now after the third installment. Some of the action scenes were surrealistic (unlimited bullets) and a little too plastic due to the heavy use of CGI.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

MarkHReviewsJun 20, 2019

“John Wick 3” has an impressive ensemble of actors at its disposal: Halle Berry, Laurence Fishburne, Anjelica Huston (really?!), Ian McShane (“Deadwood”), Asia Kate Dillon (“Billions”), Lance Reddick (“Bosch”), Mark Dacascos (“Hawaii“John Wick 3” has an impressive ensemble of actors at its disposal: Halle Berry, Laurence Fishburne, Anjelica Huston (really?!), Ian McShane (“Deadwood”), Asia Kate Dillon (“Billions”), Lance Reddick (“Bosch”), Mark Dacascos (“Hawaii Five-O”), Susan Blommaert (Mr. Kaplan for several seasons on “The Blacklist”). All search mightily, and mighty unsuccessfully, for morsels of meaningful dialogue or a storyline to justify or even plausibly explain all the mayhem in which they were, are or will be engaged.

In the previous installment of this series, John Wick (to say “a brooding Keanu Reeves” is just redundant) has violated the assassin’s code by murdering another assassin in the Continental Hotel, an establishment designated as a sanctuary by the High Table (which is like the International Assassins Union) where murdering other guests is considered to be in very poor taste. “John Wick 3” promptly informs us that Wick is now “excommunicado,” apparently meaning he can no longer receive arms or assistance from those associated with the High Table. Whatever. Details like plot or character motivation are only incidental elements in “John Wick 3,” which makes the “Fast and Furious” franchise look like Ralph Fiennes’ version of “Coriolanus.” Midway through, Wick informs The Elder that he wants to live, in order to regularly recall and honor the memory of his dead wife. That is, when he’s not temporarily distracted by sending hundreds of others to join her in the afterlife.

The point of John Wick 3 is violence. We get gun violence (with constant head shots, apparently for those who find gun shots to the torso just too subtle), knife violence, sword violence, crotch-chomping dog violence, horses kicking guys in the head violence. At a key moment in the proceedings, Ian McShane’s character intones, “And you, Jonathan, do what you do best.” One does not get the sense that an international peace conference is about to break out.

For those who will enjoy this film, and there are many, the action sequences are exquisitely choreographed, at times appearing balletic in their precision. Director Chad Stahelski, a former stuntman and stunt coordinator, whose only previous directing credits are the two previous installments of the Wick series, does know how to deliver high-quality action. Some of the scenes even evoke “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and other visually impressive action films, with a dash of Monty Python’s “Spamalot” thrown in for good measure. All this choreography has the effect of making the violence surreal, a sharp contrast to the **** stalking and murder in recent films like “Hotel Mumbai.” However, it’s all mayhem in search of a purpose. What elevated “John Wick 2” was an actual storyline and a sense of self-deprecating irony permeating all the action. With a running time of 2 hours 11 minutes, “John Wick 3” simply doesn’t have time for those non-essential elements.

If you’ve found your summer beach books too intellectually challenging, go see “John Wick 3” for a refreshing break.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

sirrongJan 18, 2020

The movie feels pointless -- unless you are really interested in types of neck killings.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

KoreancriticJun 5, 2019

So, lets start on what makes the John Wick series great, realistic action scenes, great fighting choreography, amazing cinematography, and an interesting yet grounded world. Let me preface and say John Wick 3 is not a awful movie, if you areSo, lets start on what makes the John Wick series great, realistic action scenes, great fighting choreography, amazing cinematography, and an interesting yet grounded world. Let me preface and say John Wick 3 is not a awful movie, if you are watching it, it is so you can see Keanu Reeves brutally dispatch every assassin after him and you get that. Where my problems lie are around the loss of some of the great parts of chapter 1 and 2, the grounded realism. The movie's 2nd half felt for the lack of a better comparison like watching a video game. The world lost it's pulse, and i feel that it needs to be pointed out. I wish they stuck to what made the first two so revolutionary as an action film. I love the John Wick series but this is the weakest link. TLDR it's not a terrible film, but it is missing something that the other two movies had. It is the worst of the 3… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

Cherring1997Jun 20, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Very confusing one, ending that John Wick has not end his mission yet. The plot is also weak.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

dr_spokchildJun 23, 2019

Silly and worth the cheap laughs. IF only they kept up the strength of the first 20 minutes of early knife fights and book fights, it would've been a 10/10, but it all gets too formulaic and too predictable and into stock footage land withSilly and worth the cheap laughs. IF only they kept up the strength of the first 20 minutes of early knife fights and book fights, it would've been a 10/10, but it all gets too formulaic and too predictable and into stock footage land with less salty, less whimsy one-liners that make you chuckle. Also, the tongue and cheek humor with the rival at the end, is so stupid you think it was live texted in from tweens in the audience. That bad.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

sassydragonJun 30, 2019

Monotonously fighting all the way from the start till the end. Wish there was more dynamic in the movie.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

ZeedraakDec 26, 2022

Basically it is a dance movie with overlong choreographies of John Wick & co killing dozens of assassins. Followed by overlong choreographies of John Wick & co killing dozens of assassins. Hardly any story. Forgettable