When it comes to the simple pleasures of the “John Wick” movies, character development and dense backstories would rate somewhere below the bottom of the list. The world of streaming, however, favors the long-winded, a factor much in evidence in “The Continental: From the World of John Wick,” a handsomely produced but unnecessary prequel Peacock miniseries with a Keanu Reeves-shaped donut hole. Set in the 1970s, the three-part project (the time commitment that suggests is a bit misleading, since each chapter runs well over an hour) derives its biggest kick from the very savvily selected period song score, nicely setting the mood of a gritty, shadowy New York during the disco years. Frankly, those songs, like Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” do as much as the Wick-style fight sequences to make “The Continental” worth a visit, if not a full stay.
Exploring the Origins of ‘The Continental’
The highest hurdle likely involves the plot, which focuses on the history of the hotel haven for assassins, the mysterious organization known as the High Table, and hotel proprietor Winston Scott (Ian McShane in the movies), played here by Colin Woodell. This younger version of Winston is essentially minding his own business, trying to make it as an entrepreneur, when his battle-hardened brother Frankie (Ben Robson) steals something from the High Table, prompting an extended, densely choreographed fight of the punch/shoot-twice variety.
A Distracting Star Power Addition
Desperate to find Frankie, the High Table and the Continental’s owner Cormac, played by Mel Gibson, abducts him. Gibson gives the show its one bit of identifiable star power, with the tradeoff being his strangely accented, over-the-top performance is distractingly bad.
While “The Continental” certainly attempts to delve into the backstory of the John Wick universe, it falls short in several key areas. The original film franchise, starring Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin, was celebrated for its no-nonsense action sequences, intricate world-building, and enigmatic characters. In contrast, the TV series seems to lean heavily on recreating the action but struggles to capture the essence that made John Wick a beloved cinematic figure.
One of the fundamental aspects that made the John Wick movies so appealing was their ability to immerse viewers in a world of secrecy, codes, and assassins. However, in “The Continental,” the intricate world-building takes a backseat to frenetic fight scenes and a plot that, while attempting to unravel the origins of the iconic Continental Hotel, feels convoluted and sometimes disjointed.
The character of Winston Scott, portrayed by Colin Woodell, lacks the gravitas and charisma of Ian McShane’s portrayal in the films. While it’s interesting to explore his backstory as a young entrepreneur caught up in the ruthless world of assassins, the character doesn’t quite carry the weight necessary to anchor the series effectively.
Furthermore, the addition of Mel Gibson as Cormac, the Continental’s owner, feels out of place. Gibson’s over-the-top performance and strangely accented dialogue serve as a distraction rather than an enhancement. In a series that should focus on subtlety and intrigue, Gibson’s presence stands out for all the wrong reasons.
Despite these criticisms, “The Continental” does have its strengths. The meticulously chosen soundtrack, featuring iconic songs from the 1970s, creates an atmospheric backdrop that captures the essence of a gritty, shadowy New York during the disco era. These musical choices, such as Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” effectively set the mood and add depth to the series, often compensating for its shortcomings.
Additionally, the action sequences, while occasionally excessive, retain the signature John Wick style of choreographed violence. Fans of the franchise who revel in intense fight scenes will find moments to enjoy in “The Continental.” However, these sequences alone may not be enough to sustain viewers through the series’ convoluted plot and uneven character development.
In conclusion, “The Continental: From the World of John Wick” attempts to expand the John Wick universe onto the small screen but falls short of capturing the magic that made the films a success. While it successfully recreates the visceral action and gritty atmosphere, the series struggles with character depth, a meandering plot, and the distracting presence of Mel Gibson. For die-hard John Wick fans, it may offer some nostalgic moments, but it ultimately lacks the firepower to fully engage its audience. Perhaps in the future, the world of John Wick will find a more compelling story to tell on television.
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