I've really enjoyed watching all of the John Wick films! While I didn’t write full reviews for the earlier installments, I definitely appreciated both John Wick (2014), which is among my favorites from that year and one of the best action movies ever made. However, John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) felt a little more complicated in its story as it brought our hero back into the action, though the franchise’s incredible fight choreography still makes it very entertaining. What truly sets this series apart are the amazing, intense, and elaborately choreographed action scenes that make John Wick such an iconic character! It seems like the Academy Awards is searching for something new to boost ratings, and a category dedicated to stunt work would be perfect. Franchises like this one or Mission: Impossible could really shine in that kind of competition; they represent some of the most important and authentic action filmmaking around. What you see on screen is exactly what’s happening. These days, people are quick to assume everything is CGI or special effects. I remember leaving a screening of Mission: Impossible - Fallout and hearing friends joking that a particular scene was fake, calling someone out for “believing” it. It's disappointing because it means people don’t appreciate the hard work that goes into creating real, authentic stunts. Yes, things are over-the-top at times, and yes, CGI is used—but mostly for small details like bullets, blood splatter, falls, or knife throws, which never distract from the action. And sure, you have to suspend your disbelief a bit in some moments. But if you’re excited about a third film in a franchise, you're already invested; you know what it’s all about and its tone. John Wick initially established itself as a revenge story and an incredibly realistic action movie—the closest we’ve ever gotten to seeing how an assassin operates. The second film went deeper into the rules and organization governing these assassins. It’s not quite as streamlined as the first, but it's still a blast. Parabellum combines the best elements of both previous films: the most impressive action sequences I've seen on screen, along with some truly stunning camera work. The story also makes more sense this time around, and the characters’ decisions feel logical or emotionally driven, unlike in the second film. The sound design is powerful, and the cinematography and set design are gorgeous. Still, I think the pacing could have been better; the transitions between action sequences and plot development aren't always smooth. Some comedic moments felt out of place within this world, even if some of them worked well enough. I don’t really have much else to complain about. The cast is fantastic. Keanu Reeves is competing with Tom Cruise for the title of biggest action movie star alive; while Cruise pushes himself to perform incredibly dangerous stunts, Reeves demonstrates amazing agility and delivers those hard-to-believe fight sequences. Halle Berry as Sofia is a wonderful surprise—I didn’t realize she was still capable of that kind of physical performance! Her stunts are incredible. Laurence Fishburne (Bowery King), Ian McShane (Winston), and Lance Reddick (Charon) all have their own memorable moments, but Sofia's dogs are absolutely adorable and steal the show. The action sequences themselves are all quite memorable—from a callback to Chapter Two’s mirror room to an intense chase through New York City, everything Chad Stahelski and his team created is perfect. I also appreciated how the final act felt like playing a video game, with levels leading up to a final boss battle, similar to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It's a strange comparison, but that’s what came to mind. Ultimately, there are plenty of exciting moments for everyone to enjoy. Overall, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum delivers everything fans wanted: brutal, bloody, long, loud, and beautifully choreographed fight scenes, alongside a solid story exploring the assassins' world further. Chad Stahelski is a talented filmmaker who knows how to make an action movie. There’s no shaky editing or quick cuts here; instead, you get extended one-take scenes with incredible stunt work from a phenomenal cast. Keanu Reeves is among the greatest action film stars ever, and Halle Berry impresses with her physical abilities. With tighter control over its pacing and tone (and a bit less disregard for physics), this could have easily been the best action movie of the century. Even as it stands, “one of the best” is still quite a compliment. Rating: A-

Source on TMDB