Tag: Ian McShane

John Wick: Chapter 2 shows a franchise in no danger of burning out

He might not be exactly Shakespearean in his conception, but the character of John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is, at heart, an absurdly tragic one.

The world’s deadliest assassin, his attempt to settle down to an ordinary life is made impossible; first, by the death of his wife, and, second, by the theft of his beloved car and the murder of his dog.…

John Wick burns cool and bright

 

Like Nicholas Cage or Christopher Walken, Keanu Reeves is a very particular type of actor, a specialised tool best used in a particular context.

Put him a role that requires emotional heft and he’s wooden; give him an accent to master or reams of dialogue, like in Dracula or Much Ado About Nothing, and he flounders.…

Hercules (2014) may not be the feat of filmmaking you’re hoping for

 

With Biblical epics are back in vogue thanks to Aronfosky’s Noah, Hollywood have now once more to the rich vein of Greek mythology.

With a physically exemplary Hercules – and more, a bankable star – in the form of the 6’4″, 240lb Dwayne Johnson, it seems almost inevitable that Olympus’ favourite son would be making his way back to the big screen.…