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John Wick: Chapter 3 First Reactions: With a "Perfect" Keanu Reeves and "Insane" Action, Parabellum Is Right On Target

Critics on social media are saying third time's a bloody, inventive, action-packed charm that will leave fans wanting more.


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John Rambo. John McClane. John Wick. The last one joined the other two in the Action Hero Hall of Fame with just his first movie back in 2014. Now he’s up to a trilogy with John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum heading to theaters this month. The question is, will this threequel match Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 in the eyes of critics (87% and 89% on the Tomatometer, respectively) and fans? From the first reactions on social media, it sounds like yes to both parties. If you love this franchise, its intense action, and its love for dogs, sounds you shouldn’t be disappointed.

Here’s what the critics are saying about John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum:


So, is it as good as the first two John Wick movies?

“Action wise, it’s the best of the franchise with a great mix of gun and hand to hand combat.” – Josh Tapia, Screen Junkies

“After the dramatic world expansion of Chapter 2, Chapter 3 returns to a leaner, exhilarating story.” – Hoai-Tran Bui, SlashFilm

“Another gorgeous and inventive action extravaganza. I think John Wick 2 is a ‘better’ movie, but this one is completely entertaining and a living video game.” – Scott Mendelson, Forbes

“Features what may be my favorite kill of all three films.” – Brent Goldman, Film Inquiry

“If the first movie is ‘the one where the dog dies’ this is like, Revenge of the Dogs: These Dogs Chomp D*cks.” – Vinnie Mancuso, Collider


John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

(Photo by @ Lionsgate)

What does it add to the John Wick world and mythology?

“It raises the bar for the franchise and adds new depth to the John Wick universe.” – Brent Goldman, Film Inquiry

John Wick 3 continues to build on the series’ mythology and has some of the coolest action and most memorable side characters of the entire series.” – Mike Rougeau, IGN Movies

“[Provides] new facets to the intricate underworld lore fans of the franchise have come to love.” – Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies

“Extends world-building dynamics beautifully, but also assigns meaningful resonance to character-driven action.” – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction

“Continues to prove that director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves make a perfect cinematic partnership.” – JimmyO, JoBlo’s Movie Emporium


Is it going to satisfy fans – and dog lovers?

John Wick 3 will please fans of the franchise.” – Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies

“If you want more John Wick, John Wick 3 definitely delivers.” – Terri Schwartz, IGN Movies

“I can confirm it’s all the awesome you’re hoping for!” – Josh Tapia, Screen Junkies

“Wait till you see this one. Especially if you like dogs…” – Steve Weintraub, Collider


John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

(Photo by )

OK, let’s get down to it: How is the action?

John Wick 3 is AWESOME. Some of the action set pieces are so insane you’ll wonder how director Chad Stahelski and his team filmed them.” – Steve Weintraub, Collider

“There’s a bit in John Wick 3 where Keanu and a bunch of bad dudes are just chucking knives at each other for about five minutes straight and it’s pretty much the greatest thing ever.” – Ethan Alter, Yahoo!

“Pure visceral cinema…I was sweating 30 minutes in. This movie RULES.” – Hoai-Tran Bui, Slashfilm

“[It’s] an ass kicking, ramped up thrill ride.” – JimmyO, JoBlo’s Movie Emporium

“Eye-popping, jaw-dropping, show-stopping.” – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction

“Action at its finest.”- Brent Goldman, Film Inquiry


What else is John Wick: Chapter 3 “chock full” of?

“It’s chock full of insane action, the mythology of The Continental, and a slew of colorful antagonists.” – Sean Mulvihill, FanboyNation.com

“[It’s] chock full of breathless, bone-crunching action and even a few laughs.” – Hoai-Tran Bui, Slashfilm

“[It’s] chock full of inventive set-pieces and brutal kills.” – Jim Vejvoda, IGN Movies

“More insane fights (the Casablanca sequence, OMG), more lore, more dogs (big plus!).” – Terri Schwartz, IGN Movies

“It’s got massive set-pieces, Matrix references, Mantzoukas and more up its bloody sleeve.” – Ethan Alter, Yahoo!


John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

(Photo by @ Lionsgate)

How is the cast?

“Keanu Reeves is once again a force of nature. He actually looks his age, which adds to the pathos.” – Scott Mendelson, Forbes

“Keanu Reeves is perfect, Asia Kate Dillon is magnetic and Halle Berry kicks ass.” – Courtney Howard, Fresh Fiction

“Asia Kate Dillon, Halle Berry and Mark Dacascos are all great additions.” – Brent Goldman, Film Inquiry

“I cannot even begin to describe how good the dogs in John Wick 3 are.” – Vinnie Mancuso, Collider


Is anything wrong with this action extravaganza?

“I’m not sure about everything it adds [to the franchise], and certain things will be controversial.” – Mike Rougeau, IGN Movies

“Some of the storytelling and character decisions left me scratching my head and questioning motivations when I left the theater, but that won’t stop me from going back for the inevitable John Wick: Chapter 4.” – Terri Schwartz, IGN Movies


John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum opens everywhere on May 17, 2019

#1
Adjusted Score: 107935%
Critics Consensus: John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum reloads for another hard-hitting round of the brilliantly choreographed, over-the-top action that fans of the franchise demand.
Synopsis: After gunning down a member of the High Table -- the shadowy international assassin's guild -- legendary hit man John... [More]
Directed By: Chad Stahelski

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