John Wick 3: Parabellum: Will another dog die?

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Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry ensure the safety of their canine companions in John Wick 3: Parabellum.

I think we all need to realize that it is not his kind-hearted or down-to-earth vibes that makes Keanu Reeves so successful. He is an extraordinary actor that really has a passion for making movies. I would even go as far as to say that his acting is what made the John Wick franchise a cult classic.

I don’t think anyone else could have played a better John Wick. He delivers a character that is quiet and reserved, even while shooting bad guys, and still reveals deep emotion that you can sense in his dialogue. The only thing I wonder is did the franchise need another film?

John Wick 3: Parabellum was a beautiful piece of cinematography, as to be expected from the creators. The choreography is so well done, making fight scenes flow so intensely and appear almost real. I think the best part of the series is the gorgeous lighting, to make every scene so dramatic, but not forcing it.

I’m happy to be blessed with another cinematic masterpiece that is so satisfying to watch, but the storyline needs some work. The first film explores the pain Wick has been through, a lifetime of being a killer and losing his wife to cancer. Just when he thinks he’s in the clear, he receives a call of revenge.

The second film gives viewers an insider’s look into John Wick’s past and how at one point he had escaped his life as an underworld assassin, but for a price. The third movie is a wild goose chase for the $14 million bounty on Wick’s head. There wasn’t any plot development towards John Wick’s personal history, which is what I’m really interested in.

To create such a likeable character and only give a few details is so frustrating. I understand the appeal of the mystery, but you would think after three movies we would start to see some sort of origin story. There was a small tease about where he spent some of his childhood, but it was brief. New characters were introduced, such as Sophia, played by Halle Berry. Sophia and John Wick are revealed to have a history, but the audience is only given a couple details. I think fans want to know more about how John Wick got to this point; where he met his wife, what he had to do to get out of his life of danger and how he got there in the first place.

I understand this tactic. By leaving so much up for the imagination it makes the main character intriguing. However, John Wick 3: Parabellum felt like it lacked a significant plot line. It had a story, but the only important parts that actually evolve the overall plot line were the last 10 minutes of the film. I hope they can make another film, this time combining the talents of the producers and designers along with a progressive storyline.

I don’t usually like to spoil movies, but just to let you know, the dog doesn’t die in this one.