JOHN WICK (2014)

 

Genre: Action/Thriller

Running Length: 1:41

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Willem Dafoe, Adrianne Palicki, John Leguizamo, Ian McShane

Director: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch 

 

JOHN WICK is a straight forward revenge-based movie. Such movies do not have much of a plot. The narrative, just like a video game, is all about following our hero fighting through a series of increasingly difficult bad guys until he meets the Big Boss for a final showdown (usually under the rain because fighting under the rain is just more 'jantan'). It's all about the action scenes and the creative kills. Thankfully, they are delivered in truck loads and in old-school brutality fashion. The shootouts are short but effective and the mano-a-mano fight scenes don't drag on forever. Casting Keanu Reeves as the lead is perfect as Reeves' screen presence has always been his strongest asset (vs his acting range) and the directors really know how to capture that. There are some intentionally amusing scenes to give the film a little breather from being overly action-packed. A special shout-out to the portrayal of the villains as they (especially the Big Boss) are not the usual frothing-at-the-mouth bad guys but are portrayed more as business people (special note: after 25 years, nobody can still come close to Alan Rickman's Hans Gruber baddie). 

Rating: 6/10

CHEF (2014)

Genre: Family/Comedy
Running Length: 1:55
Cast: Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Amy Sedaris, Robert Downey, Jr
Director: Jon Favreau

Although it's not, CHEF felt like an autobiographical movie of Jon Favreau; the writer, actor and director of this wonderful film. The story of a celebrity chef rediscovering his love for life, family and food do share some resemblance of Favreau's career; rediscovering  his indie roots after his recent big budget dud Cowboys & Aliens. CHEF is a small, intimate and light hearted movie that will guarantee to get you craving for Cuban sandwiches the second you walk out of the cinema. The wide range of music used, the road trip, the soul and culture of each locations and the food (the FOOD, OMG!) are infused so flavourful together to support the heart of the narrative - a father and son story. Emjay Anthony who plays the boy character has a very authentic and endearing chemistry with Favreau, especially the quieter moments between the two. A special shout out to John Leguizamo who plays the role of a loyal friend to Favreau's character, as he injects so much joy and energy into the film. The scenes with him, Favreau and Anthony on the road are so much fun to watch.  And thankfully the big cast of recognizable cameos was not a distraction ie. spot the cameo moments. In the end, the resolution was pretty simplistic but the spirit of passion still shines. Oprah Winfrey's quote expresses this appropriately, "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

Rating: 8/10