John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum Review

The first film in the John Wick series felt very much like a first step into a larger world. There was an awful lot bubbling under the surface, which Chapter 2 absolutely delivered upon. More guns, more detail, and Ian McShane saying “Excommunicado”.

John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, to give it’s full title, manages to be bigger, funnier, and more violent, whilst still maintaining the top class action choreography we’ve come to expect. There are a few signs that it needs a shake up, but also several that it might be willing to.

One big sign is Halle Berry, and how for the first time the series focuses on someone else kicking ass and taking names. A former acquaintance of Mr Wick, Berry’s Sofia, and her pair of rather well trained dogs, share an extended shootout sequence that shows it doesn’t have to be about “Baba Yaga” all the time. Of note is the interesting side effect of seeing John moving along in the background, and though this feels like a one time appearance, I’d happily see more of her.

Reeves, McShane, and Reddick make for a fine central trio with which to further build this world around. The villains have been OK but it things take a step up this time. ‘Zero’ in particular is a great addition, providing a fierce rival but also someone who really appreciates John’s work. It’s amusing to see assassin’s admire each other. Laurence Fishburne’s Bowery King

Once again there’s a brilliant level of attention to detail. At this point we know that ammo counts and reloads are important, so how you do keep things fresh? Attack dogs are one way, whilst bullet placement and armour is another. Even underwater firing is treated somewhat realistically (hint, bullets don’t travel very far through water). We even get a cheeky Matrix reference. Sometimes though, the answer to increasing odds is simple; you just need a bigger gun.

Parebellum loosely translates into “prepare for war”. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum does that and more. Having now seen it a few times, and in quick succession of it’s predecessors, it’s clear how much the world has now been built out and how more colourful character are being introduced. Originally I feared it might be too long, but it moves along at a good pace on rewatch. If I had to pick, I’d say Chapter 2 is my favourite, but Parabellum is still a fine entry. I mean. who doesn’t like ninjas and dogs?