John Wick

Directed by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch and written by Derek Kolstad, John Wick is the story of a former hitman who goes on a journey of vengeance following an attack of his home which led to the death of his puppy given to him by his late wife. The film is a simple tale of vengeance that plays into a man who was just trying to get his life back on track only to go all-out on those that made him mad as Keanu Reeves play the titular role. Also starring Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen, Adrianne Palicki, Bridget Moynahan, John Leguizamo, Ian McShane, Dean Winters, and Willem Dafoe. John Wick is a thrilling and mesmerizing film from Chad Stahelski and David Leitch.

What happens when a former hitman consumed with grief over the loss of wife and then has his dog killed by a mob boss’ son who would also steal his 1969 Ford Mustang? Well, if that man is John Wick. It will take an army to stop a monster that just woke up and is in the kind of pain that no one wants to endure. While it is a simple revenge film of sorts, it’s really about a man that is coping with loss as he had spent years trying to clean up his life and not kill for anyone in the world of crime. The loss of his wife would have a major impact on him as the final gift she gave him was a puppy as it was that glimpse of hope that he wouldn’t have to grieve alone. Instead, the son of a mob boss he used to work for would fuck things up not just for himself but his father who realizes that he’s absolutely fucked.

Derek Kolstad’s script doesn’t just explore a man’s grief as he goes into a quest for vengeance but also a look into a past he had tried to walk away from as it’s one that is cold and violent but has changed into something that is more civil but with those who lack ethics. Wick is a man of the old school as his old boss Viggo Tarasov (Michael Nyqvist) describes him as someone that kills the Boogeyman. In some ways, Wick is a monster that had been tamed into a human being through his wife where he didn’t have to think about killing or be part of a crime world. Due to the actions of Viggo’s son Iosev (Alfie Allen), Wick is forced to go back into the world he wanted to leave where he is aware that there’s a bounty on his head but he is carrying a lot of pain in him as it makes him unstoppable. Wounding him just slows him down as he’s focused on vengeance as Kolstad’s script is aware of the rules but also into the fact that some just don’t grief is something not easily curable.

The film’s direction by Chad Stahelski and David Leitch is quite stylish in a lot of respects where much of the visuals and compositions definitely owe a lot to film noir. Shot largely on location in New York City and New Jersey, the film does take its time to flesh things out where it does open with a wounded Wick crashing a SUV as he struggles to get help while he looks into his phone that contains a video of his late wife. It establishes what kind of man he is as well as the fact that for all of his actions as a hitman and doing all sorts of things. There is good in him and losing the one person that humanized him is hurtful where the direction knows where to place the camera and not go for anything conventional in terms of the compositions such as how the camera is lined-up against the actor in a frame. The usage of wide and medium shots don’t just help capture the atmosphere of some of the locations including a few clubs and places that Viggo runs but also in the usage of close-ups where some of the dramatic tension occurs that include a meeting between Wick and Viggo. The film’s climax is quite elaborate as it isn’t just a thirst of vengeance but also a showdown in the old ways where the usage of wide shots and close-ups really come into play. Overall, Stahelski and Letich creates an exhilarating and gripping film about a former hitman on a quest for vengeance.

Cinematographer Jonathan Sela does excellent work with the film‘s stylish cinematography with its usage of lights for many of the interior settings at night including the clubs as well as some of the warehouses in the way it uses filters to set a mood. Editor Elisabet Ronalds does nice work with the editing with its usage of montages but also in creating a sense of tension in the way the suspense is built along with dazzling fast-cuts to play into the intensity of the action. Production designer Dan Leigh, with set decorator Susan Bode and art director C.J. Simpson, does fantastic work with the look of the nightclub that Viggo owns as well as the other places as well along with the look of Wick‘s home. Costume designer Luca Mosca does wonderful work with the costumes from the suits the men wear to the look of a female assassin Wick doesn’t like.

Visual effects supervisor Jake Braver does terrific work with some of the visual effects where it has elements of set-dressing as well as moments for the film‘s intense and elaborate action scenes. Sound designer Alan Rankin and sound editor Mark Stoeckinger do amazing work with the sound in capturing the atmosphere of the locations and the impact of the violence that adds to the intensity of the film. The film’s music by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richards, with additional work from Scott Tixler, is superb for its mixture of eerie electronics with elements of hip-hop rhythms that play into the world of crime while music supervisor John Houlihan brings in a soundtrack that features a mixture of music from hip-hop and rock from T-Bo, the Candy Shop Boys, and Marilyn Manson.

The casting by Jessica Kelly and Suzanne Smith is incredible as it features some small yet notable appearances from David Patrick Kelly as an old cleaner friend of Wick, Randall Duk Kim as a hotel doctor, Lance Reddick as a hotel concierge, Bridget Regan as a bar mistress in Addy whom Wick knows, Kevin Nash as a club bouncer who also knows Wick, Clarke Peters as a hotel neighbor that Wick knows, and Bridget Moynahan as Wick’s late wife Helen who largely appears in flashbacks yet has this unique presence that adds to Wick’s humanity. Other noteworthy small roles include Ian McShane in a superb performance as the hotel owner Winston whom Wick knows where he would give him some keen advice while John Leguizamo is excellent in his brief role as the chop-shop owner Aurelio who realizes what Iosef had done as he would later give Wick his car back knowing that the world is about to get fucked. Dean Winters is brilliant as Viggo’s right-hand man Avi who essentially handles all of the business as he becomes worried about what Wick will undo.

Adrianne Palicki is fantastic as the assassin Perkins as a woman that has a history with Wick as she has no qualms in killing him unaware that she is way in over her head as far as Wick is concerned. Alfie Allen is amazing as Iosev Tarasov as the son of a mob boss who thinks he’s tough when he’s really just a punk-ass spoiled little shit who has no idea of who Wick is. Willem Dafoe is phenomenal as Marcus as an old-school assassin who takes the contract offered by Viggo yet is sort of this guardian angel figure for Wick as he is also the man that helped him out of the world of crime. Michael Nyqvist is remarkable as Viggo Tarasov as a mob boss who realizes what his son has done where he tries to protect him while trying to protect his empire and deal with Wick personally. Finally, there’s Keanu Reeves in a spectacular performance as the titular character as a man who is consumed by grief and rage following the loss of his wife and dog as it’s a role where Reeves doesn’t need to say much as he allows his actions and quiet demeanor do a lot of the talking as it is one of career-defining performances.

John Wick is a sensational film from Chad Stahelski and David Leitch that features an incredible leading performance from Keanu Reeves. Armed with a fascinating premise, an amazing ensemble cast, and thrilling yet violent action sequences. It’s a film that manages to be more than just a neo-noir revenge thriller but also a study of grief and loss in the eyes of a man who was just regaining his humanity. In the end, John Wick is a rapturous and exhilarating film from Chad Stahelski and David Leitch.

Related: John Wick: Chapter 2 - John Wick: Chapter 3-Parabellum - John Wick: Chapter 4 - (Ballerina (2024 film))

David Leitch Films: Atomic Blonde - Deadpool 2 - (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw) - (Bullet Train)

© thevoid99 2016

Twin Peaks: Episode 15-Drive with a Dead Girl

Directed by Caleb Deschanel and written by Scott Frost, the eighth episode of the second season of Twin Peaks entitled Drive with a Dead Girl revels in the aftermath of not just Benjamin Horne’s arrest but also in the revelation into who really killed Laura Palmer. With Jerry Horne arriving to represent his brother where it is clear that the two are in trouble over their connection with One Eyed Jack’s, it is clear that Horne is in big trouble while Leland Palmer is in total disbelief over the fact that Horne is a suspect as he starts to act very odd during a following meeting with Special Agent Cooper and Sheriff Truman on the way to the country club.

It’s an episode where there are many revelations about the identity of Laura Palmer’s killers but also into the things about Benjamin Horne as he is major suspect but isn’t the man that killed her. When Pete Martell arrived at the station to talk about Truman about Josie’s recent departure, he would also meet Horne with a message that proved to be just as shocking. What happens would be a bad day for Horne as he is then examined by the possessed Philip Gerard who believes that killer is close. While Truman thinks Horne did it, Cooper doesn’t think so as he thinks there is more that is happening.

It’s an episode where the audiences know who is the killer but also into the strange events that is happening in the town following the return of one of its residents. Still, there are a few subplots that occur as it relates to a few residents such as Norma Jennings who receives a visit from her mother (Jane Greer) who reveals she is married as she introduces her husband (James Booth) to Norma as Hank knows the man from prison which Norma doesn’t know. Another subplot involves Lucy as she returns home with her sister Gwen (Kathleen Wilhoite) as it causes more baffling questions about who could’ve impregnated Lucy along with a quick-rich scheme from Bobby Briggs who discovers the content from Leo's tape recorder. It’s among some of the humorous moments of the episode yet it is largely about the mystery involving the killer.

Especially in the final minutes where a body is found as it becomes clear the killer is loose where Cooper just as he was talking to Audrey Horne who asks him about her father. It’s an episode that is more simplistic and less plot-driven where Caleb Deschanel maintains certain visuals that is hallmarks of the series as well as a quirky flashback sequence with offbeat edits as it relate to Ben and Jerry Horne’s childhood past.

Drive with a Dead Girl is a spectacular episode of Twin Peaks from Caleb Deschanel. Not only does it create a lot of intrigue into the mystery of Laura Palmer’s death but also play into the person who killed her and those who are suspected into her death. Even as it becomes clear that just as everyone thinks they’re closer to solving the mystery, there’s more bumps ahead. In the end, Drive with a Dead Girl is an exhilarating episode of Twin Peaks from Caleb Deschanel.

Twin Peaks: Season 1: Pilot - Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 7

Season 2: Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12 - Episode 13 - Episode 14 - (Episode 16) - (Episode 17) - (Episode 18) - (Episode 19) - (Episode 20) - (Episode 21) - (Episode 22) - (Episode 23) - (Episode 24) - (Episode 25) - (Episode 26) - (Episode 27) - (Episode 28) - (Episode 29)

Fire Walk with Me - (The Missing Pieces)

Season 3: (Coming Soon)

© thevoid99 2015

Commando (1985 film)

Directed by Mark L. Lester and screenplay by Steven E. de Souza from a story by de Souza, Joseph Loeb III, and Matthew Weisman, Commando is the story of a former Delta Force commando who is forced by a South American dictator to kill a leader or else the commando’s daughter is killed forcing the man to take action. The film is a simple story that revolves around a commando who is being pushed into doing something he doesn’t want to do while knowing that his daughter’s life is on the line. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rae Dawn Chong, Vernon Wells, James Olson, David Patrick Kelly, Alyssa Milano, Bill Duke, and Dan Hedaya. Commando is an ass-kicking and exciting film from Mark L. Lester.

When a man is being forced to kill a political leader by a dictator in the hopes that he can save his daughter’s life knowing that she’ll still be killed if he does the deed. It’s a dichotomy that is uneasy but if that commando is John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger), then that dictator is going to need a lot of body bags. It’s a film that manages to be very simple in its premise where this former commando is dealing with old foes who definitely have a grudge towards him all because Matrix is a man that stands for what is right as the only thing he has in the world is his daughter Jenny (Alyssa Milano). Knowing that Jenny is likely to be killed, Matrix uses his skills as a commando to do whatever it takes to save her with the help of a flight attendant named Cindy (Rae Dawn Chong) who understands the severity of the situation. It’s a film that manages to do so much with a simple story while the script itself does have some funny one-liners and puns that Matrix says like “I eat Green Berets for breakfast”.

Mark L. Lester’s direction is quite simple though it starts off in a very dark way when some individuals are being killed as it is a total contrast to the peace and tranquility that Matrix is having with his daughter. Yet, the film would take a dark turn once Matrix is in danger as Lester’s usage of close-ups and medium shots come into play. Much of the film is shot in California where it would be set in different places in South America as it maintains something that feels like it’s set in another world. Especially in the film’s climax where Matrix arrives at the home of the dictator Arius (Dan Hedaya) where it becomes one of the film’s most violent moments. Some of which is very ridiculous but Lester knows it’s ridiculous which makes it so fun to watch. Especially in the way Matrix kills soldiers as if he is this one-man army as Lester adds a lot of humor to some of the violence no matter how gruesome it is. Overall, Lester creates an exhilarating and explosive film about a commando trying to save his daughter from the bad guys.

Cinematographer Matthew F. Leonetti does excellent work with the cinematography from some of the daytime lighting schemes in the Californian mountains to the usage of lights for the interior/exterior scenes at night. Editors Glenn Farr, Mark Goldblatt, and John F. Link do amazing work with the editing from the opening credits montage to the stylistic cuts in the film‘s action sequences including its bloody climax. Production designer John Vallone and set decorator Robert Gould does nice work with the film‘s set design from the home of Arius to the cabin home that Matrix lived in at the Californian mountains. Sound mixer Donald F. Johnson does terrific work with the sound to capture the intensity of the fights and the gunplay that occurs. The film’s music by James Horner is wonderful for its mixture of brooding electronics with calypso percussions and orchestral flourishes to play into the air of suspense and action.

The casting by Jackie Burch is amazing as it features notable small roles from Bill Paxton as naval interceptor, Bill Duke as a former Green Beret that works for Arius in Cooke, David Patrick Kelly as an associate in Arius in Sully, and James Olson as Matrix’ former superior General Kirby who would inform Matrix about some mysterious occurrences involving Arius. Alyssa Milano is wonderful as Matrix’s daughter Jenny as this young girl dealing with being kidnapped as she manages to talk some shit towards Arius. Vernon Wells is excellent as Arius’ henchman Bennett who was an old ally of Matrix who despises him as he wants Matrix dead.

Dan Hedaya is fantastic as Arius as this dictator who has a grudge towards Matrix for usurping him as he wants him to kill the man who had replaced him in his old country as a form of torture. Rae Dawn Chong is superb as Cindy as this flight attendant who joins the ride by accident as she helps Matrix do what is right while being funny and be crafty with a bazooka. Finally, there’s Arnold Schwarzenegger in a phenomenal performance as John Matrix as a former commando that is being pushed to the breaking point about what he’s asked to do only to refuse in an attempt to save his daughter. It’s a performance that has Schwarzenegger be a total badass as well as saying some funny puns and one-liners as it’s one of Schwarzenegger’s quintessential performances.

Commando is a remarkable film from Mark L. Lester that features an incredible performance from Arnold Schwarzenegger. It’s a film that isn’t just an entertaining action movie but one that does what it needed to be and more while not being afraid in making itself look ridiculous which adds to the film’s unique approach to humor. While Commando is a spectacular film from Mark L. Lester, there is a lesson to all of this. It’s one thing to kidnap a young girl and be forced to carry out an assassination. If that girl happens to Alyssa Milano and her father is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Then Jabroni, you’re about to be fucked.

© thevoid99 2015

Crooklyn

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 2/23/07.

Following the 1992 historical, epic bio-pic on Malcolm X, Spike Lee took a break from making his cinematic epic that some considered to be his best work. After the break, Lee decided to make a low-key yet thoughtful film about family life in the 1970s in Brooklyn titled Crooklyn. Directed by Spike Lee that he co-wrote with sister Joie and brother Cinque, Crooklyn tells the story of a family trying to survive through money problems and troubles in their neighborhood from the perspective of a little girl growing into womanhood. Starring Delroy Lindo, Alfre Woodard, David Patrick Kelly, Isaiah Washington, Zelda Harris, Joie Lee, Bokeem Woodbine, Vondie Curtis-Hall, and Spike Lee. Crooklyn is a thoughtful, personal feature film from the always prolific Spike Lee.

It's the 1970s in Brooklyn as kids play around the streets and stoops of the Brooklyn neighborhood. A mix of African-American, whites, and Puerto Ricans, it's a place filled with joy and bits of trouble. For the Carmichaels led by musician Woody (Delroy Lindo) and his teacher wife Carolyn (Alfre Woodard), it's a place where they raise their rowdy kids that consists of four boys and a young girl named Troy (Zelda Harris). Troy is a tomboy with an attitude who often calls bad names to other kids and have spats with her brothers including her eldest, Knicks-loving Clinton (Carlton Williams). While the rest of the brothers including the hungry Wendell (Sharif Rashed), the middle child Nate (Christopher Knowings), and the youngest child Joseph (Tse-Mach Washington) are rowdy and rambunctious, the family is still in a loving household. While the boys hang out with adults that include Puerto Rican Tommy La La (Jose Zuniga), Vic (Isaiah Washington), and Richard (Bokeem Woodbine). They often get into spats with the reclusive Tony Eyes (David Patrick Kelly), who lives with dogs and his place always stink. The boys are always supported by their mother and their neighbors into the spats with Tony though the boys do throw trash in his place.

While the family continue their daily lives, money has become tight as Woody chooses to make his own music rather than playing traditional pop. Woody’s decision only troubles the family's financial situation as Carolyn has to make more money teaching summer school. The family dysfunctions that included Clinton's love for the Knicks over everything else finally causes a breakdown in which, Woody is forced to leave for a brief period time as he lives with his brother Brown (Vondie Curtis-Hall). Troy meanwhile, continues her rowdy ways as she attempts to shoplift but the store's manager Hector (Manny Perez) gives her a life lesson into stealing. The lesson doesn’t last long as Troy steals from her brother to buy ice cream for herself and one of her friends. After returning to make amends with Carolyn, Woody decides to take the family out on a road trip as a distraction to deal with the family's ongoing financial problems. Even to the point where they had to live on food stamps which was embarrassing to Troy.

Going down to Virginia to visit relatives in Uncle Clem (Norman Matlock), Aunt Song (Frances Foster), and their daughter Viola (Patriece Nelson). The real intention was to give Troy a new atmosphere as she is to stay with her relatives for the summer. The visit only alienated Troy despite Aunt Song's well-meaning behavior and a friend in Viola. Back in Brooklyn, the family gets up from their financial problems with help from Uncle Brown and Aunt Maxine (Joie Lee). Troy returns with a new look only to learn of some harrowing family problems. Troy realizes that her role as the only other woman in her dysfunctional yet loving family has to grow while having to deal with the worst. Even the boys have to face new troubles where they learn what is important.

Inspired by their youth growing up in the 70s, Crooklyn was a change of pace and style to the epic-biography of Lee's previous film, Malcolm X. This time around, Lee and his siblings create probably their most accessible feature to date. While the film lacks a strong plot and is a bit episodic, it's only to convey the sense of realism and nostalgia Lee wanted to show about the 1970s. At times, there are moments that are funny. There's moments of real, family drama, and there's even moments of heartbreak and tragedy. Yet, there's an optimism in the film while it's largely done in the perspective of the character of Troy. Troy is obviously inspired by Joie Lee, who wrote the film's original story. Her story is about a young girl growing into womanhood while dealing with the realities of life.

Lee's direction is wonderfully observant and atmospheric in conveying the times while he goes for style in the sequence involving the world of Aunt Song where on full-screen, the film looks cropped. It's to convey the sense of alienation of Troy while contrasting the fullness of what Brooklyn is back in the 70s before crack and gangs came in. Plus, Lee's approach towards the kids reveal the loss innocence of the times when those kids were playing outside and having fun rather than doing something destructive. While it's not a perfect film, it's honesty and personal touch still makes it an enjoyable, heartwarming film.

Cinematographer Arthur Jafa does excellent work in capturing the beauty and atmosphere of Brooklyn with some wonderful shots conveying the look of the road in the sky. Longtime production designer Wynn Thomas and art director Chris Shriver adds to the authentic touch of Brooklyn with the look of products of what they looked like back in the 70s to the furniture in the home of the Carmichaels. Longtime costume designer Ruth E. Carter also adds to the film's authentic look with bellbottoms, shirts, and all sorts of colorful clothes people wore in the 70s. Editor Barry Alexander Brown does some wonderful cuts to convey the structure and feel of the film without being too slow or too fast despite the episodic nature of the film. Sound designer Skip Leivsay also adds a nice touch to the atmosphere to reveal the sense of joy and nostalgia of Brooklyn in the 70s. Longtime composer Terence Blanchard brings a wonderful, dramatic jazz and orchestral score to present the drama and joy of the film. The film's soundtrack is wonderfully amazing with great cuts from Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Sly & the Family Stone, the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and many more.

The film's wonderfully diverse cast includes several memorable small performances and appearances from Bokeem Woodbine, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Joie Lee, Norman Matlock, Patriece Nelson, Manny Perez, Jose Zuniga, and Isaiah Washington. Cameos from RuPaul as a woman dancing in a shop with the store owner while Spike Lee and N. Jeremi Duru are hilarious as two, glue-sniffers trying to get money from the kids. David Patrick Kelly is excellent as the irritable neighbor Tony Eyes and a small part as a man named Jim. Frances Forster is wonderful as the well-meaning Aunt Song with Southern beliefs and manner. Tse-Mach Washington is great as the youngest brother Joseph while Christopher Knowings has a great scene that involved black-eyed peas. Sharif Rashed is funny as the hungry Wendell while Carlton Williams is great as Spike's alter-ego Clinton for his love of the Knicks including a great scene that involves the conflict of what was more important than the Knicks.

Zelda Harris gives an exhilarating performance as the no-nonsense, all-attitude tomboy Troy who brings such joy and energy to her performance. Harris really shines in the film's comical and emotional moments that gives her character some wonderful development. Delroy Lindo is brilliant as the struggling yet charismatic Woody who tries to hold the family together in all of its problems as he serves as the glue of sorts despite his need for artistic recognition. Finally, there's Alfre Woodard in a knock-out performance as the no-nonsense Carolyn. Woodard brings all kinds of emotions as the stern, tough, and caring mother who tries to calm everything down and make sure all the kids behave themselves. Woodard alongside Harris, is the performance to watch who shows how a woman plays her role in a family that is dysfunctional but loving.

While Crooklyn maybe considered as a minor film from Spike Lee, his personal touch and semi-biographical take really adds a sense of nuance and care to this film. With a great cast and a story that revels in nostalgia and realism, this is really one of Lee's premier films. While it's also his most optimistic and positive, it's also a reminder of how far Lee is willing to stretch his talents with the help of his siblings. In the end, for a film that reminds everyone about family and the good times that was the 1970s, Crooklyn is the film to go see.

Spike Lee Films: (She’s Gotta Have It) - (School Daze) - Do the Right Thing - Mo' Better Blues - Jungle Fever - (Malcolm X) - (Clockers) - (Girl 6) - (Get on the Bus) - 4 Little Girls - (He Got Game) - Freak - Summer of Sam - (The Original Kings of Comedy) - (Bamboozled) - (A Huey P. Newton Story) - 25th Hour - (Jim Brown: All-American) - (She Hate Me) - (Inside Man) - (When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts) - (Miracle at St. Anna) - (Kobe Doin’ Work) - (Passing Strange) - (If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise) - (Red Hook Summer) - Bad 25 - Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth - (Oldboy (2013 film)) - (Da Blood of Jesus) - (Chi Raq) - Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall - BlacKkKlansman - Da 5 Bloods - (American Utopia)

© thevoid99 2011