Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action film is stylish, entertaining but extremely violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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John Wick
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 54 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features intense action and violence, showcasing Keanu Reeves in a standout role, but it also contains significant profanity and themes that many feel are inappropriate for younger viewers. While some parents deem it suitable for teens around 12-14 with parental guidance, others report that the brutal nature of the film—particularly scenes involving dog violence—could be troubling for children or sensitive viewers.
- intense action
- graphic violence
- parental guidance
- suitable for teens
- strong language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 184 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an intense action thriller filled with extreme violence and strong language, making it more suitable for mature audiences, particularly those aged 12 and above. While many find it entertaining and well-structured, the graphic content, including numerous killings and explicit language, raises concerns about its appropriateness for younger viewers.
- violence intensity
- strong language
- suitable for mature teens
- emotional scenes
- entertaining but graphic
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
JOHN WICK (Keanu Reeves) is a retired assassin who was once the best in the business. But after a long illness that leads to the death of his beloved wife (Bridget Moynihan), he's pulled back into a world that he left long ago for love. A chance encounter with the entitled, violent son of an old associate ends up with John bloodied in his own home and the dog his wife left him as a parting gift slaughtered. For John, there's now no other recourse but revenge.
Is It Any Good?
Few films in this genre are known for their intricate, layered dialogue or depth of feeling, and this doesn't exactly break these conventions. But there's no denying the artistry that went into making John Wick. The frames are well-crafted, the pace quick and effortless, the fight scenes choreographed like a ballet. It looks fantastic. And although it's an action thriller, it has a streak of humor that confidently runs through it, making it even more entertaining. Reeves' impermeable face and economic acting work well in this context because he plays a mystery man who remains mysterious throughout. And the rest of the cast -- especially Willem Dafoe and Michael Nyqvist -- is great, too.
But there's no doubt that John Wick is deeply violent. It starts out quiet, and the first attack comes as a shock, which works well for the story. But after a while, all the fights begin to numb; though they're beautifully filmed, they lose their potency, since they come fast and furious without much room to breathe or process what's happening. And parents will want to know that the fighting is so ferocious that it borders on barbarous, making the movie best left for mature teens and adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why John Wick gets back in the "business." Are his reasons, in this messed-up world, at all reasonable? Is he a sympathetic character, despite his line of work? Why or why not?
John Wick is a violent movie. Does it glamorize the violence? If so, how? Does all the violence serve the story, or does it go too far?
John is strongly motivated by revenge. Is that understandable? Is revenge ever an acceptable excuse for violence?
John Wick relies on the Hollywood cliche of using a dead woman as a plot device for a man's backstory. Have you noticed this in other action films? Is this fair to women characters? What are more creative ways to include female characters in genre films?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 24, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2015
- Cast : Keanu Reeves , Adrianne Palicki , Bridget Moynahan , Michael Nyqvist
- Director : David Leitch
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Summit Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong and bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use
- Last updated : November 6, 2025
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