Who among us wouldn't go on a 90-minute killing spree if someone murdered our adorable beagle pup? Anyone not on board? Okay, what if the beagle pup was a posthumous gift from your beloved wife, your one opportunity to "grieve unalone" for the woman who rescued you from your life as a soulless killer? Now we're talking. Bearded Keanu Reeves sets out to resurrect the '80s R-rated action film, complete with rip-roaring guitars, multicolored lights, snappy one-liners, and an endless parade of shootable, stabbable, chokable bad guys. Utterly formulaic, but still compelling, thanks in part to a fine villain (Michael Nyqvist), clever story touches (a hotel for killers where violence is forbidden), and clear-eyed direction from David Leitch and Chad Stahelski. And Reeves puts on a helluva physical display for a half-century man. When Wick declares that he is indeed back in the game, it's tempting to hear the actor speaking for himself. (2014) — Matthew Lickona