John Wick

MOST revenge films have such a rigid formula that the well-worn plot can feel contrived.

More often than not, the story will see a man – usually with a haunted past and a 'very particular set of skills' – turn vigilante to take on the mob after a wife or child is kidnapped or killed.

Well all of that is true in John Wick...except instead of a family member being the targeted it is his pet pooch.

Keanu Reeves plays Wick, an ex-hitman, who is mourning the death of his wife but focuses all his energy on his dog in an attempt to make a fresh start in his life.

His wife arranges for the dog to be brought to him after she is gone so he is not alone.

But, of course, his search for peace is short lived when a Russian mob boss's son (who just happens to be Wick's former employer) smashes up his house, steals his car and kills his dog.

It is strange plot device that does little to break the mould but if you are looking for a slick, stylised film look no further.

Directed by Derek Kolstad, John Wick's action sequences are superbly choreographed.

There is such attention to detail too with Wick stopping to reload between fire fights and ensuring to shoot each of his enemies in the face for the grim certainty of their death.

From rain soaked streets to neon lit nightclubs, each of the scenes is memorable and it plays out a bit like a graphic novel version of the underworld.

The supporting cast is great too with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo's Michael Nyqvist, Game of Thrones' Alfie Allen and Platoon's Willem Dafoe.

DAVID MORGAN