Wick is Pain review by Bobby Blakey
One of the biggest surprise hits to come out of 2014 was the action flick John Wick starring Keanu Reeves that did so well it has spawned three sequels, a TV mini-series and most recently the first spin-off Ballerina. While it is a massive franchise now, that wasn’t always the case and now you can see how it all began and all 4 films came together with the aptly titled documentary Wick is Pain featuring directors Chad Stahelski, David Leitch, Keanu Reeves, Tiger Chin and so many more cast and crew from the series.
Wick is Pain follows the incredible true story behind the John Wick franchise, starring Keanu Reeves. What began as an independent film—facing numerous obstacles, including financing challenges, before Lionsgate acquired it in 2014—quickly evolved into a global phenomenon that redefined the action genre and launched three megahit sequels. Join Keanu Reeves, director Chad Stahelski, and the extended Wick cast and crew as they go behind the scenes of this billion-dollar franchise that almost never happened.
It's hard to believe knowing this series and the finished product of the first film that was ever any doubt it would be a success. As you go on this journey with all those involved it is insane to how many things were against it making it mirror the story of Wick himself as he sets out on his path of vengeance. This film does a great job taking audiences through all facets of developing the first film and everything right and wrong that they dealt with. Seeing the passion everyone had for it it’s not surprising it kicks so much ass.
Filled with plenty of old behind the scenes footage of not just the action training we have all been marveling at for years, but of production stuff and meetings to see how much went into it all and the stress and struggle to make it happen. This is a work of passion for everyone involved and while clear in the finished product, this film really shines a light onto all of that from
everyone. The film spends most of its time focusing on the first film but does spend ample time on the development and processes of the sequels as well, that really gives you a new appreciation for what they gave us.
I love that this film reignited Reeves’ action career and his passion and work to make it what it is in outstanding. There is a moment in the film of him just speaking on the stunt people, which is so beautiful in respect and credit that he gives them which they clearly deserve. A little fun bit also shows some of the stunt performers explaining all the ways that John Wick has killed them that was a cool inside bit. Also seeing the stars of the series talking about the work they did and showing the behind-the-scenes footage of the abuse their bodies took to make it work further elevates what the franchise accomplished in the action genre.
With the Ballerina kicking ass in its own right and hopefully kicking off another franchise and the discussion of John Wick 5 this series shows no signs of slowing down. If it does all end here this documentary serves as the perfect piece of behind-the-scenes info for us fans and a love letter to a series that leaves blood, sweat, tears, broken bones and everything in between literally on the floor to entertain us.
Return to the real world to see how Wick came to be and found its way to kick major ass on screen and at the box office with Wick is Pain available now to buy on digital platforms where movies are purchased, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Comcast Xfinity, among others.