‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum‘ is the third film in the John Wick franchise directed by Chad Stahelski and released via Lionsgate in 2019. It continues the neo-noir thriller and action themes from its predecessors.

Set an hour after the second film, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run from the Company and become “incommunicado” because he broke the rules by killing a High Table member in the Continental Hotel run by Winston (Ian McShane). He uses every last favor to escape to Casablanca where he meets with an old friend Sofia (Halle Berry), looking for the Elder (Saïd Taghmaoui) of the High Table who can restore his name. Meanwhile, the Adjudicator (Asia Kate Dillon) arrives in New York to dethrone Winston and the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) with help of the ruthless assassin Zero (Mark Dacascos). She intends to stop them for helping Wick and leaves multiple bodies in her wake as she prepares for John’s return.

Stylistic. Action-packed. Strong. This film is on par with its predecessors. While I will not say that it is better than the first movie, it definitely matches up in terms of how impressive it is, not just with the special effects, stunning fight sequences, and the excellent musical score. The story was well made as well.

I will say that the last act of the movie felt like a standalone story, almost a separate film on its own. That is not to say that it is bad, but it did feel a little disjointed from where the plot seemed to be originally heading.

As for the acting, everyone is on top of their game, especially Keanu Reeves. He was excellent as John Wick and definitely is the high point of the movie. He brings his A-game. Also, Mark Dacascos’ Martial Arts skills are on full throttle. He is plays his role with incredible cunning. Asia Kate Dillon as the interloper trying to enforce “the rules” is also spot on. She has a chilling effect whenever she enters the scene and it compliments the tone of the film perfectly.

Bottom line, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is the right continuation for the franchise. While the third act does feel separate, the movie as a whole truly shines as an epic action-packed thriller with Martial Art battles, sword-fights, ax-fighting, and most definitely the guns.

If you’d like another take, check out my friend Rosemary Dewar’s review.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong foul language, Blood violence, Gruesome images

FAVORITE QUOTE: Si vis pacem, para bellum. If you want peace, prepare for war.

Check out the trailer below:

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