John Wick

In this lean, propulsive, action-packed revenge tale, Keanu Reeves is reliably stoic as a formidable former hitman who is compelled to return to his old ways when a trio of Russian lowlifes break into his house and kill the adorable puppy left to him by his recently deceased wife. The body count escalates as the film moves from one bruising set piece to another, each of which is impressively choreographed and captured with a refreshing sense of clarity. There may not be much in the way of depth or complexity to this franchise opener, but the world of international assassins is nicely realised and the violence is offset by some well-timed humour.