John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019)

It's been just two years since the last John Wick movie, but this third chapter couldn't have come sooner as it takes off immediately where Chapter 2 ended. If you recall, Chapter 2 was open ended with John Wick being placed with a USD14 million price tag on a global hit list for breaking a sacred rule of the gangster world. He was given a one hour grace period to run and hide before his excommunicado takes effect.

Once again, Keanu Reeves shines in his portrayal of the unbeatable John Wick who just wants to avenge for the murder of his dog, and retire from the world of killing. This third outing is by far the most ambitious with its almost continuous and relentless fight scenes. Each fight sequence is elaborately and creatively choreographed. Not surprising as its director Chad Stahelski is a kick boxing, martial arts expert as well as stuntman and coordinator for many Hollywood movies, including Keanu Reeves' The Matrix! His love for the genre shows with each carefully orchestrated action sequence, many of which far exceeds the level of action sequences you will see in less ambitious movies. Watching people's heads being blown off and blades chopping up human flesh like sushi continuously for two hours can be stressful and yes, even boring ... But here, Reeves and Stahelski cleverly knows just when to inject in some humour, or surprise elements, and often with a back ground setting that stands out, to keep the interest and tempo going. It brings back fond memories of what good old fashion martial arts movies from Hong Kong with the young Jacky Chan, and Jet Li used to be.

Despite the almost non stop action, it is to the film's credit that it can still manage to have some memorable supporting appearances by such veterans as Angelica Huston, Harry Berry, and the series regulars Ian McShane and Lawrence Fishbourne. If you are a John Wick fan, then, this is a no brainer, you must head to your nearest cineplex immediately. If you haven't heard of John Wick but like your action movies brutal and uncompromising, then, go stream John Wick Chapter 1 and 2 first before you watch this one. Either way, you will have a blast of a time.