Keanu Reeves in Retrospective

If your avid moviegoer, the name of Keanu Reeves will need no introduction. Keanu is a trendsetter, influencer, and man of many interests and talents. He has scored many accomplishments and accolades. New York Times in 2020 named him number 4 on their list of 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century. In 2005 Reeves received a star in Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

1989 was a breakthrough year for the young actor Keanu Reeves's first theatrical role as Ted in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventures, which he co-starred with Alex Winters. It was a lighthearted comedy about two dim-witted students traveling through history to gather historical figures for a history presentation. The budget of 6.5 million dollars in costs spun to the movie grossing over 40 million dollars and two additional sequels.

Reeves's talents strengthened and blossomed in 1991 and 1994 with lead roles Pointbreak and Speed. He proved that dramatic, action-oriented, and heroic roles were within his ability.

In Pointbreak, he played undercover FBI agent Johnny Utah. His partner was Angelo Pappas, played by Gary Busey. They were investigating bank robbers dressed up as former Presidents who robbed banks for what was in the bank drawers and not the vault. The robbers aim to be in and out of the bank in 90 seconds. Angelo and Johnny had a theory that a gang of local surfs were responsible for these acts headed up by Bodhi, played by Patrick Swayze. Bodhi recognized Johnny, a former Ohio State football player; Johnny used that to get befriended by Bodhi to find out more about his gang.

In the movie Speed, Keanu Reeves plays an LAPD SWAT team officer Jack Traven to stop an extortionist bomber seeking 3.7 million dollars. The bomber has put a bomb on a bus loaded with passengers. The bomb is activated when the bus reaches 50mph and will detonate if the bus speed falls below that speed. This movie is an adrenaline-fix with action scenes. This movie co-stars Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Joe Morton, and Jeff Daniels.

Reeves has had great opportunities to play some significant and epic roles. The Devil's Advocate was one such role. He co-starred with Al Pacino, one of Hollywood greats, along with Charlize Theron, a superb actress who is highly skilled. He gave up several million dollars just so the studio could afford Pacino in this movie. Reeves got to show off dramatic ability as an up-and-coming lawyer Kevin Logan who has never lost a case. Logan just got hired by a New York law firm. The firm has many secrets, including who the owner is. Logan's character also expressed romantic and love elements for his wife Mary Ann and demonstrated love conquers all.

Sweet November was another chance in which he got to work with Charlize Theron. It is a love story Reeves plays Nelson Moss. He is down and out and recently lost his job. He needs a spark or ray of hope in his life. CharlizeTheron's character is Sara Deever walks into his life; she is very free-spirited and unlike anyone, Nelson had ever met. A romance develops between the two have many memorable days in November together. He decides to ask her to marry him. However, she declines him because she was dying of cancer. The role offered Reeves an excellent situation to display a full spectrum of emotions from joy, love, and sadness.

In the sports comedy The Replacements, Keanu Reeves got a chance to perform with Gene Hackman the chemistry between their characters were electric and truly delivered an outstanding experience for moviegoers. Reeves plays Shane Falco, an All-American from Ohio State. However, his career went south with a poor performance in the Sugar Bowl. His former coach Jimmy McGinty played by Gene Hackman, has just got an opportunity to coach a replacement team for the Washington Sentinels during a labor dispute. Jimmy said he could put together a group of individuals with unique talents and create a team. Jimmy said to win; you got to have heart miles and miles of heart. Shane Falco was such a person. This is a feel-good movie for all who have endured challenges.

Something's Got to Give, the cast of Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton legendary icons who bring out the best in Reeves who plays Dr. Julian Mercer. Julian is the doctor for Harry Sanborn (Nicholson), a record label owner and music scene guru. Both Harry and Julian are interested in Erica (Keaton). The drama between the three characters is enticing and will keep you fascinated about how it will play out.

The Matrix and its sequels and the John Wick movies in more recent years have been what the fans have been craving more of, and this leaves Reeves in a nice, sweet spot as neither one appears to be going away anytime soon. A world ruled by Artificial Intelligence is the Matrix. Humans are a power source that they feed on for energy. Humankind has become slaves in a simulation of the natural world. Reeves plays a Neo, an almost a Messiah-like character, to awaking everyone, he with his allies Trinity and Morpheus to help fight the machines, rogue programs, and the architect. The series deals with the concept of free will and how much we truly have control in our lives.

The John Wick series is about the underworld of assassins. John has retired from the world of killers, hitman, and avengers after the death of his wife. However, he is pulled back in after the murder of his dog by gang members. John will have his justice and revenge. Reeves is very bold and determined in this action-packed series of movies. Audiences craving the excitement and high-speed action story will not be disappointed.

Keanu Reeves is an exciting and caring person who has entertained audiences and is likely to be one of the greats with no stop in sight! In his personal life, Reeves founded a charitable foundation for cancer research when his sister was battling leukemia. The foundation aids children's hospitals and research. Reeves's hobbies include making custom motorcycles and writing. He also is currently dating a visual artist Alexandra Grant. His life is going to be a wonderful adventure so stay tuned.