If you're a die-hard fan of John Wick, you know 'The Continental,' the assassin hotel at the center of the underworld. The Continental: From the World of John Wick is a 3-episode miniseries that takes us back to 1970 to see the origins of this hotel, and importantly, the story of Winston Scott before he became the great manager. This series is filled with the John Wick-style action we know, but also has differences and interesting points.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The series takes place in New York City, 1970. Winston Scott (Colin Woodell) is dragged back into the criminal world by his brother Frankie (Ben Robson), after Frankie steals a valuable item from The Continental, which is under the control of the ruthless Cormac O'Connor (Mel Gibson). Frankie's actions force Winston to confront Cormac and build a team to take him down. The series tells a story of power struggles, revenge, and family love, while revealing the background of the rules and traditions of the assassin world, including the origins of the gold coins and symbols familiar to John Wick fans.
Acting and Characters
Colin Woodell plays Winston Scott with charm, effectively conveying the character's coolness and intelligence. Although this version of Winston is not yet the composed manager seen in the films, we see his development. Mel Gibson as Cormac O'Connor does well, playing a villain who is both brutal and layered. Supporting actors like Mishel Prada (as KD) and Hubert Point-Du Jour (as Miles) add color to the story. However, some characters are underdeveloped, especially Frankie, who seems like a mere catalyst.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The series is directed by Albert Hughes, co-director of the first John Wick film. He brings a raw and realistic style. The 1970s visuals are beautiful and detailed, from costumes and cars to the overall atmosphere. The soundtrack fits the era and enhances the mood, especially rock and funk tracks that energize the action scenes. While the action sequences aren't as stylish as the main films, they still deliver the signature John Wick fun and gore.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial team views The Continental as an interesting expansion of the John Wick universe, but with limitations as a miniseries. With only 3 episodes, the storytelling feels rushed, and some characters are not fully developed. However, the series does a good job of providing additional information about the assassin world, especially explaining the origins of rules and symbols fans are curious about. Its strongest point is the action, which remains fun and stylish, though slightly less grandiose. Overall, it's a must-watch for John Wick fans, but general audiences may need to accept the violence and straightforward storytelling.
Verdict
The Continental is a must-watch for John Wick fans, providing additional insight into the assassin world and equally fun action. Despite limitations in length and character development, overall it's enjoyable and engaging. Suitable for those who love John Wick-style action and want to know the origins of the legendary hotel.
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👍 Pros
- +John Wick-style action that's fun and gory
- +Beautiful and detailed 1970s world-building
- +Outstanding performances by Colin Woodell and Mel Gibson
👎 Cons
- −Too few episodes, making the story rushed
- −Some characters lack development
- −May not appeal to non-fans of the John Wick universe
Top Cast
FAQ
Not necessary, but watching it first will help you better understand the world and characters, as the series connects to the films.
The series has 3 episodes, each about 90 minutes long, making it a movie-length miniseries.
This article does not spoil the ending, but the series has connections to the John Wick films, especially the character Winston.
Mel Gibson plays Cormac O'Connor, the previous manager of The Continental and the main antagonist.
