The success of the John Wick franchise compared to movies like Hitman and Shoot ‘Em Up can be attributed to a combination of factors, including storytelling, character development, action choreography, and overall execution. Here’s a breakdown of why John Wick stood out:
1. Compelling Storytelling and World-Building
- John Wick: The movie introduced a rich, immersive underworld with its own rules, currency (gold coins), and mythology (The Continental, High Table). This unique world-building kept audiences intrigued and invested in the franchise.
- Hitman: While based on a popular video game, the movie struggled to translate the game’s stealth and strategy into a compelling narrative. The story felt generic and lacked depth.
- Shoot ‘Em Up: The movie leaned heavily into over-the-top action and humor, but its plot was thin and lacked emotional stakes, making it more of a one-time watch rather than a memorable experience.
2. Character Development and Emotional Core
- John Wick: The character of John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is driven by a deeply personal motive—avenging his dog, a final gift from his deceased wife. This emotional core resonated with audiences and made Wick relatable despite his extraordinary skills.
- Hitman: Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) lacked emotional depth. His stoic, emotionless demeanor, while true to the video game, made it hard for audiences to connect with him.
- Shoot ‘Em Up: Clive Owen’s character, Mr. Smith, was more of a caricature than a fully fleshed-out character. The movie prioritized action over character development.
3. Keanu Reeves’ Star Power and Commitment
- John Wick: Keanu Reeves’ dedication to the role was unparalleled. He underwent extensive training in martial arts, gun fu, and stunt work, making the action sequences feel authentic and visceral. His charisma and physicality brought John Wick to life.
- Hitman: While Timothy Olyphant is a talented actor, he didn’t have the same level of physical presence or star power as Reeves. The role didn’t fully utilize his strengths.
- Shoot ‘Em Up: Clive Owen is a skilled actor, but the movie’s tone and script didn’t allow him to showcase his full range.
4. Innovative Action Choreography
- John Wick: The franchise revolutionized action cinema with its “gun fu” style—a blend of martial arts, close-quarters combat, and precision shooting. The action sequences were meticulously choreographed, with long takes and minimal CGI, making them feel raw and realistic.
- Hitman: The action scenes were more conventional and lacked the creativity and intensity of John Wick. The movie relied heavily on generic shootouts and explosions.
- Shoot ‘Em Up: While the movie had creative and over-the-top action (e.g., shooting while skydiving), it felt more like a parody of action movies rather than a serious contribution to the genre. Also: What if Earth suddenly stopped rotating for an hour? How would life on the planet cope?
5. Tone and Consistency
- John Wick: The franchise struck a perfect balance between gritty realism and stylized action. It took itself seriously without becoming overly grim, and the tone remained consistent across all movies.
- Hitman: The movie struggled to find its tone, oscillating between serious espionage and campy action. This inconsistency made it hard for audiences to fully engage.
- Shoot ‘Em Up: The movie embraced a campy, absurd tone, which worked for some viewers but alienated others who were looking for a more grounded action experience.
6. Cultural Impact and Franchise Potential
- John Wick: The first movie’s success led to a franchise that expanded the lore, introduced new characters, and raised the stakes with each installment. It became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring memes, merchandise, and even a spin-off TV series (The Continental).
- Hitman: Despite multiple attempts, the Hitman movies failed to capture the same level of audience interest or franchise potential.
- Shoot ‘Em Up: The movie was a standalone project with no plans for sequels, limiting its long-term impact.
The success of John Wick lies in its ability to combine a compelling story, emotional depth, innovative action, and a charismatic lead performance. While Hitman and Shoot ‘Em Up had their moments, they lacked the cohesive vision and execution that made John Wick a standout in the action genre. The franchise’s dedication to quality and consistency has cemented its place as a modern action classic.