I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed The Continental. Like most watching this I'm a John Wick fan so I was going to watch this regardless but after the word of mouth on how good it is I couldn't wait. The Continental tells the story of how a young Winston and young Charon came to take over the Continental Hotel. It takes place in the 70's before they were ever even partners. There's also so much more than just these two, there are so many other interesting characters in this to hold your attention. This is show where you can just turn your brain off and get lost in this world. I recommend giving yourself a big block of time before watching this because you're going to want to binge this as quickly as you can. You won't be able to watch just one episode and stop.
198 Reviews
Entertaining
Supermanfan-1317 November 2023
Being a John Wick fan I've been looking forward to The Continental ever since I first heard about it. Then after seeing the trailers my excitement grew even more. After watching the first few episodes I can absolutely say that The Continental has not only met my expectations but has exceeded them in every way. It's as fast paced and entertaining as the John Wick movies. Even though you'd probably enjoy this more if you've seen the John Wick movies, you don't have to have seen them to like this. The action scenes are as good as anything I've seen on tv. I can't stop watching this and know it's a limited series but I really hope they plan on doing several seasons of this because I'm hooked.
I don't get the negativity
DeadMansTrousers23 September 2023
I don't know what people expect from this but I have seen many negative reviews and complaints. Going into it with an open mind I really enjoyed the first episode, people need to realise that this isnt the John Wick movies it's something different and not to compare them and nitpick every detail about the differences. This is a television show with a different story and different actors, you need to just enjoy it for what it is and have a good time watching it. So far the story is interesting and it's great seeing backstory from characters who aren't John Wick. I think this show has great potential and I am really looking forward to seeing the rest of it.
Enjoyable but left more questions than answers
danieljackthomas13 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Before I list off the pro's of the show, I want to start with the negatives (or at least unanswered questions).
1 - why the heck does winston not have a british accent? I assumed by the end of the show they'd tie up why he has a british accents in the films but an american in this series... yet it never gets addressed?
2 - were frankie & yen john wicks parents? It certainly hinted that they might be, with frankies appearance and fighting style being very similar to johns. Keanu is also mixed white/asian heritage so this would make even more sense. I really liked the idea that Winston is Johns uncle and never told john but watched over him (this never gets addressed either, despite being a popular fan theory).
3 - the 2 members of the high table are extravagantly empty. Both the woman with the mask and her right hand man are stand out characters yet have absolutely zero backstory or development. Struggling to think of why the heck they were made to stand out so much when they added so little.
Ok, now for the pro's.
The setting was great, there felt like a lot of homeages to oldschool martial arts films and the sheer amount of different styles was fun.
The characters are generally all likeable and it's certainly more quirky than the JW films (in a fun way).
The action choreography was pretty good throughout, wouldn't quite say as on par with the JW films BUT still very good and better than most TV shows.
The camerawork was also good throughout, a few nice one shots and always some creative movements as well as nice cinematography.
Overall it was enjoyable but i feel like it needed just an extra 20 minutes to flesh some of the story archs out.
1 - why the heck does winston not have a british accent? I assumed by the end of the show they'd tie up why he has a british accents in the films but an american in this series... yet it never gets addressed?
2 - were frankie & yen john wicks parents? It certainly hinted that they might be, with frankies appearance and fighting style being very similar to johns. Keanu is also mixed white/asian heritage so this would make even more sense. I really liked the idea that Winston is Johns uncle and never told john but watched over him (this never gets addressed either, despite being a popular fan theory).
3 - the 2 members of the high table are extravagantly empty. Both the woman with the mask and her right hand man are stand out characters yet have absolutely zero backstory or development. Struggling to think of why the heck they were made to stand out so much when they added so little.
Ok, now for the pro's.
The setting was great, there felt like a lot of homeages to oldschool martial arts films and the sheer amount of different styles was fun.
The characters are generally all likeable and it's certainly more quirky than the JW films (in a fun way).
The action choreography was pretty good throughout, wouldn't quite say as on par with the JW films BUT still very good and better than most TV shows.
The camerawork was also good throughout, a few nice one shots and always some creative movements as well as nice cinematography.
Overall it was enjoyable but i feel like it needed just an extra 20 minutes to flesh some of the story archs out.
I was entertained, but my mind kept glitching on the mash up of era styles between the 20's and 70's.
cgvsluis10 October 2023
Don't hate me, but what I enjoyed most about this first season of The Continental was the soundtrack and appropriate use of a song. It may be my age but I loved hearing Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down the Line", Harry Nilsson's "Without You", Santana, and especially Dinah Washington's "What A Difference A Day Made". In fact I am not sure that I have seen a song used as well as "what a difference" and "without you". As someone who listens to lyrics I really appreciated this appropriate usage.
Aesthetically the three episodes were absolutely beautiful with some really great choices made...although I am serious about my mind glitching occasionally between some of the 20's Art Deco style choices intermixed with the 1970's time period of the majority of the show. Overall, the sets were spectacular...I particularly liked the use of an old abandoned theatre. It added an interesting touch of macabre.
The acting was well done and I like the cast of characters that they have assembled...but really question the choice of naming the series The Continental as this is less of an origin story of The Continental Hotel or the High Table (which fans like my husband were really hoping for) and more of an origin story of how Winston came to be the proprietor of The Continental with Charon. Maybe the series should really have been called Winston.
I have always looked at the John Wick franchise as pure escapism with lots of violence and a rough plot where there are players in a game and everyone outside of the game. The Continental fit into this type of escapist entertainment and for that I highly recommend it. As a woman, I really appreciate that there are some strong female characters in a world that seems very male oriented...Mazzy, KD, Lou, Yen, Gretel, the adjudicator. It was nice to see them on both sides of the equation too(good and bad). I liked the circular storyline with KD's character, that gave season one something of a story. I was a little disappointed that Hansel and Gretel were not of a Germanic ethnic background...that would have been appropriate. I was grateful that we got a final glimpse of the adjudicator's face...adding to the victorious climax.
I thought Ray McKinnon was a real scene stealer as Jenkins and I really enjoyed his laidback southern character.
Overall I thought the three part season one was fun and entertaining, with a gorgeous aesthetic and soundtrack and just the right amount of action and story. I would definitely watch more and I recommend it to both John Wick fans and fans of fantasy escapist action series.
Aesthetically the three episodes were absolutely beautiful with some really great choices made...although I am serious about my mind glitching occasionally between some of the 20's Art Deco style choices intermixed with the 1970's time period of the majority of the show. Overall, the sets were spectacular...I particularly liked the use of an old abandoned theatre. It added an interesting touch of macabre.
The acting was well done and I like the cast of characters that they have assembled...but really question the choice of naming the series The Continental as this is less of an origin story of The Continental Hotel or the High Table (which fans like my husband were really hoping for) and more of an origin story of how Winston came to be the proprietor of The Continental with Charon. Maybe the series should really have been called Winston.
I have always looked at the John Wick franchise as pure escapism with lots of violence and a rough plot where there are players in a game and everyone outside of the game. The Continental fit into this type of escapist entertainment and for that I highly recommend it. As a woman, I really appreciate that there are some strong female characters in a world that seems very male oriented...Mazzy, KD, Lou, Yen, Gretel, the adjudicator. It was nice to see them on both sides of the equation too(good and bad). I liked the circular storyline with KD's character, that gave season one something of a story. I was a little disappointed that Hansel and Gretel were not of a Germanic ethnic background...that would have been appropriate. I was grateful that we got a final glimpse of the adjudicator's face...adding to the victorious climax.
I thought Ray McKinnon was a real scene stealer as Jenkins and I really enjoyed his laidback southern character.
Overall I thought the three part season one was fun and entertaining, with a gorgeous aesthetic and soundtrack and just the right amount of action and story. I would definitely watch more and I recommend it to both John Wick fans and fans of fantasy escapist action series.
Same world as JW
Lodewickus22 September 2023
Credit where credit is due, they nailed the JW atmosphere. Lighting, sound, fast gun-fu with the camera staying on the action. Good music, with a range of types which helps with the time setting. The opening action scene is a banger. Mel is under used, which is a shame. Winston doesn't feel like Winston, actor is too tall, but I get it, the leading man needs to be tall. The story is passable and builds nicely into the JW world mythos. Don't understand the need for sex scenes. Movies did fine without them. The detective story feels pointless. Just padding run time. The middle dragged because of these filler scenes, the episode would've been better paced without them. If you like JW for its world and action, you'll enjoy it. If not, it might be difficult to get into.
Superb prequel in only 3 episodes
roxmewild13 October 2023
I fully admit that the John Wick series of movies are in my top 5 All time favourite movies to watch The role of John Wick was tailor made for Keeanu Reeves! So when I heard of the. New edition of the story of the Continental and how it came into Winstons ownership I was extremely excited and thankfully I was not disappointed ! Mel Gibson as The previous owner Cormac was great and using the exact same settings made it so more special I feel like I know that Hotel inside out The actor who played Winston was also well chosen as was Charon. Mel Gibsons 2nd in command so to speak. It is entertaining and full of action and background stories and I loved it sad it was only 3 episodes ! Enjoy!
Let down
eoinageary17 October 2023
Pains me to say it as I was BEYOND excited for this show, before you start, no I wasn't expecting John level of action, but I was expecting a solid story and a good pace, I got half.
In basic terms. The show is about Winston, how he gained his position of the New York continental in the 70s. We get a look into the life he had and those around him, how they played a part in his rise.
The story was fine it's forgettable honestly, the action at times is good but my major problem is the pacing, this show is SO SLOW with little payoff as we already know the ending.
Quite disappointed unfortunately, don't see myself ever watching this one again, if your a JW lover it's fine to watch for the world, but as a casual viewer no point, could have been a good movie, no need for 3hr 30 minutes, 6/10.
In basic terms. The show is about Winston, how he gained his position of the New York continental in the 70s. We get a look into the life he had and those around him, how they played a part in his rise.
The story was fine it's forgettable honestly, the action at times is good but my major problem is the pacing, this show is SO SLOW with little payoff as we already know the ending.
Quite disappointed unfortunately, don't see myself ever watching this one again, if your a JW lover it's fine to watch for the world, but as a casual viewer no point, could have been a good movie, no need for 3hr 30 minutes, 6/10.
Amazing 1st Episode
mkhulaify22 September 2023
I watched the first episode of the show, it felt like a no-brainer watching this series given how massive of a John Wick fan I am. The series doesn't disappoint, from the start you see glimpse of the cinematic themes and touches of John Wick all over it, and in spectacular fashion! It has more elements of black comedy as well, which meshed in perfectly to lighten up the mood. The characters are amazing, specifically Clinton (who plays Winston), and Mel Gibson (who plays Carmac), Mel especially excels in his role, with a subtle yet confident delivery of his lines that feels natural to him, his casting was excellent and it threw me back to his great 1999 film "Payback". Overall, the series seems very promising, and got me hooked instantly. I look forward to watching the rest of the episodes.
Note: many critics gave this a low score based on the industry's cancellation of Mel Gibson's career. Mel was fantastic here, and I wouldn't cast anyone in his place. Watch this series, it's really good.
Note: many critics gave this a low score based on the industry's cancellation of Mel Gibson's career. Mel was fantastic here, and I wouldn't cast anyone in his place. Watch this series, it's really good.
I really wanted this to be better than it was.
jester-4056422 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It starts off well enough. We get a fun action set piece then get introduced to our leading man Winston Scott played by Colin Woodell. Based on the trailers, he seemed quite generic, but after his 2nd scene I quite liked his confident self-assured demeaner.
Unfortunately, the show decided we needed a huge supporting cast (even though its only a 3 episode series), so for the next say 60 minutes, we're introduced ad nauseum to character after character. The female cop was ok, but the rag tag team of sidekicks were super annoying. I was expecting some fun Blaxploitation type characters (think Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown for a newer film on the classic subgenre), but instead all they do in whine and complain for every scene they're in.
After all that, I was just hoping for a fun end of episode battle for our leading man. But no, a random Asian female gets that privilege instead, and then the episode ends. What a stinker.
I'll stick around in the hope it gets better. Like I said, it is only 3 episodes, but my expectations have dropped drastically.
Unfortunately, the show decided we needed a huge supporting cast (even though its only a 3 episode series), so for the next say 60 minutes, we're introduced ad nauseum to character after character. The female cop was ok, but the rag tag team of sidekicks were super annoying. I was expecting some fun Blaxploitation type characters (think Quentin Tarantino's Jackie Brown for a newer film on the classic subgenre), but instead all they do in whine and complain for every scene they're in.
After all that, I was just hoping for a fun end of episode battle for our leading man. But no, a random Asian female gets that privilege instead, and then the episode ends. What a stinker.
I'll stick around in the hope it gets better. Like I said, it is only 3 episodes, but my expectations have dropped drastically.
It would be a lot better with some lighting!
jimaquil30 September 2023
Every scene is done in the dark! It's absolutely ridiculous to have to strain to make out each character. I don't know what they were trying to do but, it failed. Some scenes are so dark all you can see is shadows. I like the plot and learning how each character got their start but, the darkness is ruining it. I'm hoping that as the series goes on it gets better. If isn't enjoyable to strain your eyes to watch it. If it stays this dark throughout the series I will lower my rating significantly. Whomever thought this was a good idea needs to think again. I'm not the only person who feels this way. Everyone I've talked to feels the same way.
Loved it! Hope they add more!
No-Life-1016 October 2023
The Continental is a relatively short series containing 3 episodes, but these episodes are about 1 hour 40 minutes long. The story progression through this time goes at a steady pace and introduces the characters well, these characters help move the story forward and provide the action for this series. Speaking of action, I found that the action was slow going at first (unlike the movie counterparts) but as the series progressed the action got bigger and bolder until the story and angst were resolved at the end. Again, the characters were very interesting to watch as they were all different to each other which helped move the story forward.
I found this series very engaging and fun to watch, I watched this with my dad as we are both big fans of the John Wick franchise and after every episode, we had theories where some became true and others didn't. I can definitely see us rewatching this series in the near future! I hope they add more to this series, I'd love to see how The Continental changes throughout time until the last John Wick is set.
I found this series very engaging and fun to watch, I watched this with my dad as we are both big fans of the John Wick franchise and after every episode, we had theories where some became true and others didn't. I can definitely see us rewatching this series in the near future! I hope they add more to this series, I'd love to see how The Continental changes throughout time until the last John Wick is set.
Off to a great start
krissyw-0847024 September 2023
So first of all I'm so glad they have opened the door to other characters in the john wick universe. I like the fact that we find out Winston's back story and how his life began at the continental. The story line is really good. The acting is on point, The quality is great. The scenes seem to be right on point it definitely has the john wick feel. Gun and more guns fighting and more fighting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see where we go next. The action is there, the story and people are there. Winston is definitely Winston I like that they stayed with his character usually actors try to switch it up but they stayed on point.
Without Keanu and Stahleski this feels like more of a discount Wick entry that you'd find on the CW.
tresm8722 September 2023
Don't get me wrong anything related to the greatest action franchise of our time catches my interest. Unfortunately, my fears after the trailer was released came true when I watched the first episode of the series. From everything involved with the storylines, the actors, the actual action just seems way more watered down and forced just to stretch out the franchise. What I really didn't understand is the lack of Mel Gibson, even though he is billed as one of the top actors, he's not in the first episode very much . A lot of the other actors feel very amateur, and there for the sake of variety. As for the action itself, it's the one thing that holds the series together because there are some pretty great visuals for a streaming series. Overall, maybe the rest of the series will prove me wrong, but I wasn't too struck by the first episode..
Third episode delivers
okpilak6 October 2023
This series actually is rather dull until the third episode. I feel it is a mistake to consider this the Hotel of John Wick, since it was under different management, and apparently different control by the High Table. Yes, it is a hotel that John Wick used, and all the dark aspects may be little changed, but it was not the Continental of Winston and Charon, although a young Charon was there with Cormac. It starts out with flashback of a very young Winston and his brother Frankie, desperately poor. We then find Frankie has something that the High Table really, really wants, and nothing is spared to find it, and Frankie is killed. After all, Cormac is given a deadline to get it back, and his life is at stake. This leads Winston to plot to kill Cormac. But that poses severe problems, since an attempt will result in allowing all the different guests of the Hotel to come out to defend it against the intruders once an alarm is pressed. And considering the guests the Hotel caters to, not a pleasant thing. So Winston needs to take on allies and have inside information. So the first two episodes lay the groundwork for how he hopes to do it. Anyone who knows anything about the John Wick franchise knows it was successful but episode three shows the approach, the setbacks and the cost in lives to do that attempt. And it delivers. And there is the apparent 'trademark' of not leaving any deaths in doubt, just as John Wick makes sure.
Snazzy and great soundtrack
tedfordmargaret4 October 2023
The first episode was an interesting opening, setting things up and giving a background into Winston and his brother Frankie. The 70s setting is really well evoked to the point of being quite startling for younger viewers. The soundtrack is particularly excellent and keeps the vibe upbeat and pretty fast paced.
I feel like the writing got a bit more slick in the second episode and that felt more engaging to me. Winston is a pretty compelling character with a degree of charm and depth, but Charon is the one who stands out so far. Gibson is so-so but the writing and ensemble cast make up for it.
I feel like the writing got a bit more slick in the second episode and that felt more engaging to me. Winston is a pretty compelling character with a degree of charm and depth, but Charon is the one who stands out so far. Gibson is so-so but the writing and ensemble cast make up for it.
We're going to need guns.....lots of guns.....
terrylarosa22 September 2023
Outstanding. Superlative in every way. My wife and I were in complete awe watching this show. Especially after the somewhat disappointing JW 4 which went into Road Runner cartoon territory with Wick's falling from tall buildings and surviving without a scratch. The casting was excellent. Colin and Robson were equally good in their roles and Gibson of course usually elevates anything he's in. Great fistfights and gunfights but not with the repetivenes of the aforementioned WicK 4. Also great directing and writing. Some nice looking cars and last but definitely not least; awesome soundtrack. I hope this is not just one season. Looking out for an adolescent or young teen entrance by Wick himself. Unlike what some reviewers with zero taste said there's no padding here whatsoever. Some of us like an actual story, not seeing another Wick kill 409 guys in the exact same way ad nauseum. Ignore them. Minor quibble: Winston is taller here than Charon. Yes you shrink with age but not that much. I actually clapped with that final line and eagerly awaiting the next episode. What a show.
Delayed watching but then...
coolworld-8914625 September 2023
Right, how was it..not that bad : nothing we haven't seen here, there, everywhere, take Reservoir Dogs and make it spin faster, add a Gotham-like NYC and give an Indiana Jones meets Ocean 11 then keep it rolling.
But but but, this is a John Wick Universe so it does keep us grounded and more focused on what's a hand, name-dropping/classic car and the origin story unfolds as it should, which is with pace, blood and cynical humour.
All in all ? Nearly a must-watch : well yeah, I'd like to know how Winston got to run the Continental since he wasn't "ever" tied to the whole thing, how his friendship with Mr. Charon started....but of course, john wick isn't in there and that's almost a bummer.
But but but, this is a John Wick Universe so it does keep us grounded and more focused on what's a hand, name-dropping/classic car and the origin story unfolds as it should, which is with pace, blood and cynical humour.
All in all ? Nearly a must-watch : well yeah, I'd like to know how Winston got to run the Continental since he wasn't "ever" tied to the whole thing, how his friendship with Mr. Charon started....but of course, john wick isn't in there and that's almost a bummer.
The Continental delivers on its promise of action, assassins, and unapologetic violence.
syd990722 September 2023
The Continental takes us on a thrilling and stylish journey into the dark and deadly world of assassins that John Wick fans have come to know and love. Focusing on the origin of the iconic hotel-for-assassins, the series offers a fresh perspective through the eyes and actions of a young Winston Scott. If you're a fan of the John Wick franchise, "The Continental" is a must-watch that delivers on its promise of action, assassins, and unapologetic violence.
The series kicks off with the charismatic and enigmatic Winston Scott, played brilliantly by a charismatic Colin Wodell. His portrayal captures the essence of the character we've come to admire in the films, adding depth and history to the man behind the Continental Hotel. The 1970s setting is a fantastic choice, providing a rich backdrop for the gritty and dangerous world of assassins.
The supporting cast also deserves a commendation for their performances. The ensemble of assassins, each with their own unique quirks and skills, adds depth and intrigue to the story. We get glimpses into the inner workings of the assassin society, and it's a treat for fans of world-building. The series manages to maintain a sense of tension and unpredictability throughout, as alliances shift and rivalries intensify.
However, "The Continental" isn't without its minor flaws. Some character motivations and plot twists may come off as a bit contrived, and at times, the pacing feels uneven. While the series excels in delivering action-packed moments, it occasionally sacrifices character development for the sake of adrenaline.
In summary, "The Continental" offers an exciting and blood-pumping entry into the John Wick universe. It successfully explores the origins of the Continental Hotel and the enigmatic Winston Scott while staying true to the franchise's distinctive style and brutality. If you're a fan of the John Wick series, this prequel is a thrilling addition to the lore. While it may not reach the same heights as the films, it stands as a worthy extension of the franchise and leaves you eager for more assassins, action, and mayhem.
The series kicks off with the charismatic and enigmatic Winston Scott, played brilliantly by a charismatic Colin Wodell. His portrayal captures the essence of the character we've come to admire in the films, adding depth and history to the man behind the Continental Hotel. The 1970s setting is a fantastic choice, providing a rich backdrop for the gritty and dangerous world of assassins.
The supporting cast also deserves a commendation for their performances. The ensemble of assassins, each with their own unique quirks and skills, adds depth and intrigue to the story. We get glimpses into the inner workings of the assassin society, and it's a treat for fans of world-building. The series manages to maintain a sense of tension and unpredictability throughout, as alliances shift and rivalries intensify.
However, "The Continental" isn't without its minor flaws. Some character motivations and plot twists may come off as a bit contrived, and at times, the pacing feels uneven. While the series excels in delivering action-packed moments, it occasionally sacrifices character development for the sake of adrenaline.
In summary, "The Continental" offers an exciting and blood-pumping entry into the John Wick universe. It successfully explores the origins of the Continental Hotel and the enigmatic Winston Scott while staying true to the franchise's distinctive style and brutality. If you're a fan of the John Wick series, this prequel is a thrilling addition to the lore. While it may not reach the same heights as the films, it stands as a worthy extension of the franchise and leaves you eager for more assassins, action, and mayhem.
Style Over Substance
StonedCritic4 December 2023
I've got to say the fight choreography on the opening of the first episode is impressively executed, and the recreation of 1970s New York City has sort of a Frank Miller Comic Book aesthetic, reminiscent of Sin City. It effectively captures the gritty atmosphere of a 1970s New York and the music selection complements this atmosphere with a thoughtfully curated choice of music, spanning from James Brown to Pink Floyd, enhancing the 70s vibe.
However, it's disappointing that the following episodes don't quite maintain the level of excitement established by the outstanding opening sequence of the first. There is a missed opportunity to fuse elements of "Smoking Aces" (2006) and "The Raid" (2011) to create a show known for some high octane action.
I mean, let's be honest, raiding a hotel full of assassins should lead to some seriously interesting and eccentric characters. It would have been great to see them tackle a variety of formidable adversaries on each floor before facing the final boss. It's a missed opportunity for some thrilling showdowns.
It opens strongly with a thrilling intro, some fantastic musical choices, and some pretty well-executed fight choreography. However, it struggles to maintain this momentum in subsequent episodes. While it remains an enjoyable watch, it doesn't capture the distinctive magic that made the John Wick franchise a sensation.
However, it's disappointing that the following episodes don't quite maintain the level of excitement established by the outstanding opening sequence of the first. There is a missed opportunity to fuse elements of "Smoking Aces" (2006) and "The Raid" (2011) to create a show known for some high octane action.
I mean, let's be honest, raiding a hotel full of assassins should lead to some seriously interesting and eccentric characters. It would have been great to see them tackle a variety of formidable adversaries on each floor before facing the final boss. It's a missed opportunity for some thrilling showdowns.
It opens strongly with a thrilling intro, some fantastic musical choices, and some pretty well-executed fight choreography. However, it struggles to maintain this momentum in subsequent episodes. While it remains an enjoyable watch, it doesn't capture the distinctive magic that made the John Wick franchise a sensation.
Gets gradually worse
mpjthompson-4553019 October 2023
First episode was actually quite good and entertaining, second episode wasn't bad. Third episode was terrible and a chore to watch. The poor acting came to life in episode 3 along with unrealistically inaccurate gunmen who often felt it necessary to run up close to the person they wanted to shoot, making themselves a hilariously easy target. It honestly got worse the longer it went on, with ridiculous cliches and scenes that became more laughable than serious.
I'm a fan of Mel Gibson but his performance in this was sub par, but in fairness to him, most of the acting was of this standard. Acting that was ok in episode 1 and 2 just got significantly worse in episode 3.
It's probably worth watching, but set expectations lower for episode 3.
I'm a fan of Mel Gibson but his performance in this was sub par, but in fairness to him, most of the acting was of this standard. Acting that was ok in episode 1 and 2 just got significantly worse in episode 3.
It's probably worth watching, but set expectations lower for episode 3.
Season 2? Won't be seeing you.
Pjtaylor-96-13804410 October 2023
'The Continental: From The World Of John Wick (2023)' isn't bad, but pretty much everything about it is just a little bit underwhelming. Perhaps if it wasn't linked to one of the greatest action franchises of all time, this wouldn't be as much of an issue. Still, the mini-series suffers from a slow pace, an uneven narrative, an uninspired screenplay and a lack of truly noteworthy action (again, the bar is set higher due to its place as a spin-off from the 'John Wick' films). It has a tendency to introduce plot elements only to cap them off in a very rushed way or never really revisit them at all, and a lot of its narrative feels sort of unnecessary. It's almost as if the piece would have been better if it compressed its first two episodes into a single forty-five minute chunk of set-up, trimmed just a little bit of fat off the final episode and then stuck these two elements together to play out as a movie that could still have been shorter than 'John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)'. Instead, we get a lot of fluff that's interrupted by various spouts of generally compelling but also somewhat lacklustre action (it almost feels too choreographed, deliberately showy yet not refined enough to be so). It isn't exactly vital viewing, and it also suffers from the fact that it never really feels like a credible predecessor to anything 'John Wick' related (this Winston doesn't seem like the Winston we all know and love, for instance). There are plenty of good moments, though, and the overall affair is engaging enough to keep you watching. Mel Gibson is suitably unhinged as the piece's solvent-sniffing villain, and a few of the set-pieces are undeniably entertaining. The final episode is by far the best, which makes it arguably even more frustrating that we don't arrive at it sooner. Ultimately, this is a solid effort that wouldn't be as disappointing if it didn't tie itself to the 'John Wick' series.
Perfect edition to the John Wick Universe
brettsmith-5247522 September 2023
The creators have certainly captured the feel of John Wick. The gun-fu style is still prevalent in the early scenes of the first episode which keeps the pace exciting. I couldn't help but notice the character Frankie fights in the same style as John Wick so maybe we will see a story line unfold where Frankie mentors John at a later date? There seems to be some confusion with Winston Scott's accent too from some viewers due to him having an American accent and not a British accent as heard in the films. Winston Scott IS American but moves to England and remains there for some years, hence the British accent in the John Wick films. Overall I'd find it hard to believe fans of the films won't fall in love with this series. 10/10 so far for episode one.
Borefest
wendieta25 October 2023
I will say this first: it's not so bad. It's very, very boring though. It's a slow burner, and even though sometimes it can be a good thing, it's not the case here. I feel like this series could be wrapped up much quicker, but they decided to make it so much longer than it should be. The only thing that made me watch it was the name John Wick. Well this series is nothing like the franchise. The direction is completely different, and the characters are uninteresting. Winston and Charon are the only important characters here as they are the only ones to appear in the movies. There's not enough action scenes, unlike the movies, which may have too many. Overall the plot is okay, but I dont like the execution. For something that has "from the world of John Wick" in the title, I feel like it's not related to John Wick at all.
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