Reeves channels 'Matrix,' Nicolas Cage in 'John Wick

Even though Keanu Reeves pulled out his best Nicolas Cage impression a couple of times, "John Wick" ended up being a pretty entertaining film. The action sequences ruled the day, and it's no wonder with second-unit directors (you know, the stunt and action guys) sitting in the directors' chair.

THE FILM

John Wick (Reeves) is a retired hit man who is grieving the loss of his wife, whose funeral he attended just days ago. Luckily, he has his puppy Daisy – the last gift from his wife – to help him through the grieving process.

When a group of wannabe gangsters decide to break into his house, beat him unconscious and steal his car, among other horrible things, John snaps out of mourning and reverts to his ruthless killer persona.

Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch crafted an incredible cinematic experience anchored with its stylistic action shots, larger than life characters and noir style that seems as though it jumped off the pages of a graphic novel.

This is hands-down the best thing Reeves has been in for a very long time. I haven't enjoyed a performance like this from him since the first "Matrix" movie. Yes, Reeves went over the top a couple of times, but it fit with the over-the-top world in which this film is set.

THE EXTRAS

Audio Commentary

This is the first audio commentary co-directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch have ever done, but they do a decent job. They relate stories of interesting things that happened during shooting, how many takes it took to get certain shots and funny filmmaking anecdotes, to name a few. They didn't resort to simply reiterating what's going on in the scene with explanations of characters' motivation, which is a mistake many directors make in their commentary.

Don't F*#% With John Wick

This footage focuses on the training Reeves underwent to become the titular character. He apparently spent months perfecting his style, which included jiu-jitsu, Judo, weapons training and, yes, kung fu. So basically it was just a "Matrix" refresher.

Calling In The Cavalry

The various actors — cameos and otherwise — and stunt actors talk about the process of creating an action flick in this behind-the-scenes footage.

Destiny of a Collective

This is a look behind the stunt production company 87Eleven, which was formed by several stunt actors. It's the driving force behind the movie, and it's amazing to see how seriously these men and women take their craft.

Assassin's Code

Proof positive this movie was meant to look like a graphic novel, this bonus content shows how the directors chose actors, costumes, sets, choreography and all manner of things to make "John Wick" seem like a comic book. They create an underworld that's hyper real with its own rules. It's one you kind of wish really existed.

Red Circle

Mildly entertaining, this footage focuses on scenes shot inside the nightclub.

NYC Noir

Location can be everything, and this content focuses on setting "John Wick" in New York City. The architecture, both new and old, add so much to the movie, but the filmmakers constantly refer to New York as "another character" in the movie. Can we please retire this cliché? A city is not a character. It's a location. A fascinating, beautiful and terrifying location. But still just a location.

IS IT WORTH OWNING?

Absolutely. Buy "John Wick" and add it to your collection of great shoot-em-up films to watch when you're in the mood for a good action movie. The extra content is really great, too.

Follow Matthew on Twitter and Instagram, @MatthewJGeek; like him at Facebook.com/MatthewJacobsonGeek; email him at MJacobson@TheSpectrum.com.