“John Wick” is the Keanu Reeves action film you never knew you needed to see.

The film came from under the radar to blow away any expectations I had. With all due respect to our boy Keanu, his career has been a bit hit or miss the last decade, but it seems like he’s finally hit his stride with this one.

The film follows John Wick, an ex-hitman for the Russian mafia, as he revenges his way through the New York criminal underground. That’s it.

Not to spoil anything, but after the initial incident that fuels John Wick’s vengeance streak, I was rooting for Wick all the way. Director Chad Stahelski knows exactly what buttons to press to get me to care about a character, we follow Wick’s emotional arc through his despair, seeping slowly into revenge.

Stahelski has a background in stunts and action choreography, with credits ranging from “300” to “The Matrix,” and his directorial debut with “Wick” seems to be a complete playground for him. We see every morsel of delicious action with no camera trickery to hide mistakes and pacing issues. It’s a breath of fresh air into a genre that seems to have lost its way with the influx of computer-generated effects. It was dirty, brutal and invigorating to watch Keanu tear his enemies apart.

For what “Wick” lacked in story, the world it built through its characters was unique, captivating and downright awesome.

At no point did it feel like the story was holding my hand, slowly introducing me to one bit of exposition after another. The first 10 minutes of the film gave the audience everything they need to know about the protagonist and why he is fighting in the first place.

The dialogue was sappy, over-the-top and completely perfect. If the audience allowed itself to be consumed by the film and give in to the universe, the viewing experience becomes unforgettably fun.

The argument could be made, due to the lack of riveting narrative, “John Wick” wasn’t exactly a great film from a story perspective. I’ll grant that, but it sure was a fun flick to shut your brain off to and just enjoy.

With a sequel already announced, “John Wick” has established for itself a spot on the list of action movie icons alongside “Terminator” and “Die Hard.”