Movie Review: “John Wick”

    I am an ardent fan of the cinematic arts. Although I have certain genre preferences, I don’t let that stifle my curiosity and close myself to different flavors of entertainment. That said...I am a huge fan of science fiction, super hero and action movies! Please visit my other blog The Boxed Office for reviews, exclusively, on these types of movies.

The Cast: 

Keanu Reeves and Michael Nyqvist

 

    I wouldn’t call this a comeback for Keanu Reeves (I’m not even of the opinion he needs one) but this is certainly a great start. His portrayal of John Wick brought me back to his “Matrix” days, sort of, with a touch of “Equilibrium” but without any of the science-fiction, just the guns blazing. There isn’t much range in the role, but there doesn’t need to be for what it was meant to deliver. From the beginning his character is revered as the most dangerous of the dangerous and Reeves makes sure he delivers every bit of this.

   

   Michael Nyqvist plays Viggo Tarasov, the local Russian (it’s always Russians these days) crime boss, enjoying the title because of the past efforts of Wick. Nyqvist does well in the role, although nothing outstanding revolves around his character, he plays the role well enough as far as Russian crime bosses go. He struck me more as being a man that simply had to do what was expected because of his position…and the fact he wanted his idiot son to keep living.

   The relationship between the two seemed more like predator versus prey…with the prey being much more powerful and dangerous than what one would expect of the station. In the end, neither actor detracted from the film and delivered good performances.

The Plot: 

   

   John Wick is an ex-hitman/enforcer that has gotten himself out of the life and into normal life like the rest of us. Either by fate or happenstance, his wife falls terminally ill and passes away, leaving Wick to ponder the empty hole her passing has left in his heart and grieve, ironically, with her help via the parting gift of a puppy.

   

   Just days after her passing, Wick is accosted by Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen, the perfect person for this role), Viggo’s son, over a car (1969 Mustang 429 Boss to be exact) he initially wanted to purchase from Wick, but after being denied a sale, decides to take it. No big deal, it’s just a car. The problem starts (for Iosef) when he decides to also kill the puppy (what idiot does this?). 

   

   After the deed is done, Iosef quickly learns he has made a huge mistake (culminating in leaving Wick alive). He has given Wick a focus to unleash all his rage revolving around his current circumstances while simultaneously taking away his only avenue to grieve his wife.

      Viggo, understanding exactly who Wick is and what he is capable of reaches out to try to divert the coming storm, but finds that some things just can’t be avoided. Pulling out all the stops and calling on all his resources, he prepares (as best he can) for the carnage that is sure to happen, all the while hoping that somehow Wick has lost his edge.

   What follows is an intense and insane display of focus and carnage through raging determination from the barrel of many guns.

The Verdict: 

   

   Understand, this is not a film designed to compete for the Oscars. This is a film designed to drop your jaw and say “holy crap” at all the different and efficient ways one man can kill many other men.

      That said, the script was simplistic and the film moved along very quickly and sustained a strong pace throughout. I personally would have enjoyed it a bit more if Wick really was as invincible as everyone believes he is, but I understand this small human element the writers injected in having him not be totally invincible and needing to improvise to reach his goals.

      Taking all that into account, this film still delivers the action it was supposed to and although the melee combat is not over-the-top like many other films similar to this, the gun choreography is absolutely top notch and had my eyes wide open. 

      The film boasts the talents of Willem Dafoe (as a friend of Wick and fellow hitman) and John Leguizamo (as the owner of a chop shop and the first to let everyone know what a mistake it was to rouse the sleeping Wick). Adrianne Palicki is, yet another, hitman…er hitwoman, trying to make a name for herself by eliminating Wick (she was surprisingly good in this role). Lastly we are treated to an appearance of Ian McShane as the owner of a hotel that is secretly (or publicly depending on what circles you run in) a safe haven for hitmen.

   Despite the simplistic script and story, this film had me riveted to the screen at all times in anticipation of what was going to happen next. I’m very glad I didn’t blink as this film killed four cinnamon sticks, out of five, in my cup of tea.

“Everyone keeps asking me if I’m back…yeah, I’m thinking I’m back!” - John Wick

Rating 4/5

Together Forever: The Ultimate Relationship Question

   

   The very foundation of human existence hinges on our ability to pair off and procreate. However, that which sits foremost in our minds is not the scientific fact of perpetuating the species…that’s going to happen anyway. No, the burning question remains “Is there anybody out there…for me?”

  

   The answer of course is yes (I’m an optimist) but the question isn’t as simple as previously stated. Anybody can find someone for themselves…for a night (at the very least), but how many can find someone that will be with them for a lifetime? Call it the perfect person or soul mate if you must, but the absolute truth of what it really is…is work. I say that with absolute conviction and many reading this already know it to be true, regardless of the length of time you are with someone…if you’re serious about it, it’s work.

  

   We all hear the stories of couples that are together for 20, 30, 40, and 50 (or more) years, and think to ourselves how great that is while wondering how the heck they did it. After 26 years of being with the same woman (19 years of marriage), I’m not wondering anymore…I’m being asked to shed some light on how it’s done. Before I get into it though, let’s all understand that every relationship site, forum, and show will give you the exact same answers when it comes to maintaining a healthy and productive marriage (well, maybe not exactly the same, but close enough)…and all of them true. So then what really separates a couple for life from everyone else?

   I don’t know…when I get there, I’ll write another post, for now all I can say that doesn’t seem to be highlighted anywhere is that I have no doubt that every couple to see so many years of marriage till death does them part…has been through every relationship problem-issue-situation under the sun.

  

   I chuckle when I see these shows and they talk about spouses like clothes on an assembly line. If one doesn’t work out, just go out and get another one. I chuckle because that simply makes no sense to me to have that kind of attitude, but still be wondering why you can’t have a marriage that lasts a lifetime. It’s not simple, but understanding that people will always defer to their humanity, and thus make mistakes, is (imo) the first step in the right direction of a lasting marriage. If you’re going out to the “spouse rack” to change up every time something happens then you’re going to have a lasting relationship with that rack…or yourself when you finally get tired of the fitting room.

   Now would be a great time for me to shed some light on having a lasting relationship based off my personal experience…except, my personal experience isn’t going to help you in the slightest. This is always my answer and advice because what has worked for me is absolutely unique to who I am, who my spouse is…and how we have grown together.

  

   If I said there weren’t times that we didn’t want to be together, I’d be lying (and I won’t do that to you). However, it was in those times (note the plurality) we realized that more than not wanting to be together, we didn’t want to be apart. It seems today that kind of bond is getting lost within a generation that wants perfection now (not realizing that it’s a journey, not a destination) and sees the strong emotional attachment that energizes this bond as nothing more than a “thirst” that should be frowned on and ridiculed. Ok…but now tell me how your tenth relationship (this month) is working out for you?

   “Together forever” isn’t candy out of the sky, but if it were, it would include black licorice…and you would have to eat it along with all the other candy. The ultimate relationship question doesn’t have an answer, it has a commitment from you to do better everyday while understanding everyday is not going to be better.

  

   Is there a line you need to recognize that shouldn’t be crossed? Sure…you need to accept and understand when the one your with isn’t going to be with you. It’s not always easy to do that, especially considering you might be turning away from the very thing you have been searching for. Kirk Douglas has just celebrated sixty years of marriage…to his second wife. When asked how he did it he replied "I just told my wife, if you ever leave me, I'm going with you!" That’s cute, but trust me when I say there was much more to it than that.

   Trust me when I also say that his abbreviated answer is absolutely on the money…hitting the nail on the head. Now…marinate on that!

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-perfect-person.html

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-soulmate-blues.html

http://www.familylife.com/articles/topics/marriage/archived-content/miscellaneous/40-lessons-from-40-years-of-marriage-entire-list#.VHThSou190N

http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2014/02/how_to_make_a_marriage_last_6.html

http://lifehacker.com/marriage-advice-from-the-worlds-longest-married-couple-1605430587

https://twitter.com/longestmarried

http://divoree.com

http://www.latimes.com/style/laaffairs/la-hm-affairs-20140621-story.html

Black Friday: A Showcase of Insanity

   

   So.…I’m wondering how many people actually enjoy Thanksgiving when they plan on being out in the cold waiting in (or perhaps starting a) line to be the first into a store to shop? I mean, I get the hook…deep savings on items you want, but it seems not many understand the bait. I always say that human nature never ceases to amaze me, and the insanity of Black Friday is just another example of humans still in need of a little more evolution.

 

   The masses have been trained like obedient sheep to placate the corporate industry with their time and money. Too much? Ok, how about the pegs have been shaped perfectly to fit the wheels of corporate greed as they roll over the last vestiges of higher intellect? No? Well…no matter, like all things, there is more to Black Friday than meets the eye. Ok, maybe not…insane is as insane does.

   Firstly let’s take a gander at the “savings” (yes, I used “gander” in a sentence). Suppose you budget yourself for $500 and think that you can come home with everything you wanted, but with some of that money in your pocket. The good news will be that you got everything on your list for less than normally available. The bad news is your pockets are still empty because with all the savings, you didn’t stop at what you intended to get and came home with more than planned for.

  

   It’s not necessarily a bad thing, after all you’ve come back with more…stuff. However if, like a good gambler (and by good I mean bad), you went to the well for more funds because if not, this or that item you spotted won’t be there later for the same price…so you had to get it immediately. Insert hook…reel in human fish. Looking at your account on Reality Saturday reveals just how "black" Friday really was and how great the “savings” were.

  

   Secondly, let’s look at the cordial and respectful behavior Black Friday induces on the patrons. I mean, nothing says “Tis the season” like knocking over any and everyone in your path to get to what you want to buy. They really need to start making Hallmark cards with all the colorful and metaphoric language being thrown about. Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas like a card that says “Get the f@#k outta my way!”

  

   Ok, sarcasm aside, Black Friday has become a huge event…bigger even than Thanksgiving. I remember as a child seeing all sorts of Thanksgiving decorations in the stores and about the city. Now I hardly see any. Instead we have Black Friday advertising everywhere you look (and in many places you don’t). I get that Black Friday is “sold” as some sort of great day for the customer…but even a little common sense will tell you that it’s an even greater day for the corporations. If it wasn’t profitable, it wouldn’t be so heinously advertised to the point of actually eclipsing Thanksgiving.

  

   Is it too much to imagine that Black Friday will become an official holiday in the future? Maybe…but there seems to be no hurdle corporate America can’t overcome as long as it’s a profitable jump. People are already finagling their way out of work to join the insanity. It’s the biggest subject for Thanksgiving, not being thankful for all you’ve been given. Heck…I bet if you asked people what they’re most thankful for they’ll say Black Friday.

  

   While I’m thinking about it…why is it called “Black” Friday anyway? Is it because it puts the companies in the black, instead of the red of low sales? Is it a subliminal remnant of white being good while black is bad? I think that now, it is a combination of both since the history of the name has now evolved into the reality of the day it is for both consumer and corporation.

   Regardless of what you think about Black Friday, I will remain sane on that day and observe the human herd…with both disdain and amusement. Enjoy!

http://useconomy.about.com/od/demand/f/Black_Friday_Name.htm 

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season.html

Declare Your Independence

   

   So.…the mid-term elections are over and Americans have once again proven they are unfit for the sacrifice made by the founding fathers. Too harsh? Ok, how about they have proven once again they are mindless sheep willing to follow people that systematically lie to them? Wait…let’s back track a moment. This is not a post ranting about the overwhelming Republican victories, but a post sounding the horn about a two party system that repeatedly gives us exactly what we don’t want…but always ask for.

      Let’s not sit here and act like there’s a huge difference between the Republicans and the Democrats. All you have to do is look at the first things Obama did when he got in office to see which way the wind blows. C’mon…keep acting like bailing out the banks wouldn’t be the first thing the Republicans would have also done. That aside, lets look at a much simpler comparison…show me a single politician sitting in office that makes the same amount you and I do. It doesn’t matter which party they belong to, government is made up of millionaires setting policy for the poor and middle class.

   Personally, I’ve had enough of the shenanigans. I’m flabbergasted at the ineptitude of the general public to not see the vicious cycle they have locked themselves into. The very people not happy with Bush voted for Obama…then vote Republican again when they aren’t happy with that. Later, when they aren’t happy with the Republicans, they’ll vote Democrat again…and the cycle continues.

   Since my values don’t line up with every single tenet of either party, I’m proud to declare myself an Independent…and thus a participating intellectual trying to break the status quo so progress can be made.

  

   Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes of all this so the message can be delivered loud and clear. People need to stop voting in candidates presented from both the Republicans and the Democrats and start voting in candidates that have no affiliation with either party. I hear the same argument all the time for not doing this. A vote for the independent candidate is a “wasted” vote. However, seeing as how there is a vicious cycle going on wherein both the Democrats and Republicans can’t get the job done (by design I’ll add), it seems to me the wasted vote is the one that perpetuates this dumb cycle of those with means setting policy for those with lesser means.

   Let’s not pretend that the lobbyists aren’t sitting outside the doors of politicians from both parties…cause they are. How else do you think these laws protecting big corporations while screwing the average citizen get passed? One party can’t do it alone.

  

   Also…how about we stop being so gullible and closed minded in our thinking? Let’s stop acting like the government hasn’t lied to us before (while under the control of both parties) and that a media run and funded by private corporations doesn’t have a self-serving agenda. This would be hilarious, if it wasn’t destroying our country.

  

   It’s time to start weighing the damage folks. If you’re voting for a candidate because he/she supports a certain issue you rally behind (guns, abortion, gay rights, immigration) it’s time you start looking at the rest of the platform to see what you’re giving up for the support of that position. What good are your beliefs if you’re dead? If you’re candidate won’t stop the poisoning of the people through food and drugs, for a profit, then what good is he/she? If you don’t realize that above all, your health is all you have…and once its gone, you are as useless as a strainer standing in for a cup, then what good are you now…really?

  

   Let me simplify it even more for you. If your candidate is unwilling to sign into law, legislation mandating each member of Congress be given time, and read, every page of every bill voted on…then you’re dealing with a scummy politician, and it’s time to replace him/her with a statesman. 

Declare your independence!