Led by an in form Keanu Reeves, John Wick is an unapologetic action romp that successfully melds old school grit and new school sensibilities.

If Walter Hill and John Woo birthed a graphic novel styled action movie, John Wick would be it. Directed by David Leitch and Chad Stahelski (veteran stuntmen who respectfully have over 70 films to their name ranging from b-grade to blockbusters), John Wick is a film that proudly wears its influences and while it does not break the mould, it is never the less a spirited addition to the revenge sub-genre.

John Wick also re-establishes Keanu Reeves as an action star. While recent attempts Man of Thai Chi couldn’t find an audience and 47 Ronin was lambasted by critics, it’s third times the charm for Reeves who is rather good in the physical, personable and (yes) emotional sense, in a role that plays to his strengths while also allowing space for surprises of the dramatic variety.

The movie begins with Reeve’s John Wick mourning the recent loss of his wife (a little used Bridget Moynahan). During his grief he receives a final pre-arranged gift from his late beau, a gorgeous little pup to help ease the pain and play on our heartstrings. When Russian mob punks with a liking to Wick’s supped-up Mustang break into his home, steal his car and kill his dog, a monster buried deep within Wick is unleashed, revealing his past life as a feared hitman whose body count is Old Testament legendary.

It’s the subsequent reckoning that Wick unleashes upon his enemies that will have people talking. The multiplexes are filled many action films, yet while some adhere to PG-13 restrictions (The Expendables 3), some go the torture porn route (The Equalizer), and some succumb to shaky cam theatrics (take a pick), John Wick is refreshingly traditional in the best way possible.

Leitch and Stahelski know the two golden rules when it comes to action scenes: Make it count and make it visible. Action choreography, just like a great dance, should be a fest for the eyes, and John Wick offers plenty of violent visual spectacular that will appease fans of classics like Hard Boiled or recent efforts such as Kick-Ass.

Reeves is more than game in the title role, bringing that physicality that made him a star in Point Break and The Matrix in a role that demands – and gets – not only an action star but a presence. Reeves can be criticised for many things, but movie star charisma, committed physicality and gritty intensity are strengths of his that not many can boast. John Wick is a thrilling, violent and fun reminder of that.