Derek Kolstad is an American screenwriter and film producer who is best known as the co-creator of the John Wick franchise, one of the most successful and acclaimed action series in Hollywood. He has also written and produced other action films and shows, such as Nobody, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Splinter Cell. In this article, we will rank his movies from the worst to the best, based on our personal opinion and some facts from his biography123.
6. The Package (2012)
The Package is a direct-to-video action film starring Dolph Lundgren and Steve Austin. It was written by Kolstad and directed by Jesse V. Johnson. The film follows a courier who must deliver a mysterious package to a crime boss while being pursued by rival gangs and corrupt cops. The Package is a generic and forgettable action flick that wastes the talents of its lead actors. It has a low rating of 4.9 on IMDb2 and received mostly negative reviews from critics and audiences.
5. One in the Chamber (2012)
One in the Chamber is another direct-to-video action film written by Kolstad and directed by William Kaufman. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and Dolph Lundgren as two assassins who are hired by opposing crime factions in Prague. The film has a slightly higher rating of 5.2 on IMDb2, but it still suffers from a weak plot, poor dialogue, and bland action scenes. It is not one of Kolstad’s finest works, nor one of Gooding Jr.’s or Lundgren’s.
4. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is the third installment in the John Wick franchise, which began in 2014 with Kolstad’s original script titled Scorn. The film was co-written by Kolstad, Shay Hatten, Chris Collins, and Marc Abrams, and directed by Chad Stahelski. It stars Keanu Reeves as the titular assassin who is on the run from a global network of killers after breaking a sacred rule. The film was a huge box office success, grossing over $326 million worldwide2. It also received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised its stunning action sequences, cinematography, and world-building. However, some felt that the film lacked the emotional depth and simplicity of the first two films, and that the story was stretched too thin to set up future sequels.
3. Nobody (2021)
Nobody is a recent action thriller film written by Kolstad and directed by Ilya Naishuller. It stars Bob Odenkirk as a seemingly ordinary family man who reveals his hidden skills as a former CIA operative when he defends his home from a robbery. The film was inspired by Kolstad’s own experience of being burglarized, as well as Odenkirk’s desire to play an action hero. The film was well-received by critics and audiences, who enjoyed its dark humor, violent action, and Odenkirk’s surprising performance. It has a high rating of 7.4 on IMDb2and earned over $61 million worldwide.
2. John Wick: Chapter 2
John Wick: Chapter 2 is the second film in the John Wick franchise, written by Kolstad and directed by Stahelski. It follows John Wick as he is forced to return to his former life as an assassin when an old acquaintance calls in a debt. The film expands on the mythology of the criminal underworld that was introduced in the first film, introducing new locations, characters, and rules. The film was praised for its stylish visuals, inventive action scenes, and Reeves’ charismatic performance. It has a rating of 7.4 on IMDb2 and made over $171 million worldwide. One of the best sequences in the John Wick franchise is the museum fight scene in this film, where Wick battles dozens of enemies in various exhibits.
5. John Wick (2014)
John Wick is the first film in the John Wick franchise, written by Kolstad and directed by Stahelski and David Leitch. It stars Reeves as a retired assassin who seeks revenge on the son of a Russian mobster who killed his dog and stole his car. The film was a surprise hit, earning rave reviews from critics and audiences alike for its simple but effective story, sleek aesthetics, and exhilarating action choreography. It has a rating of 7.4 on IMDb2 and grossed over $86 million worldwide. It also launched Reeves’ career resurgence as an action star and established Kolstad as one of the best action film writers in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Derek Kolstad is a talented and prolific screenwriter and producer who has created some of the most thrilling and entertaining action films and shows in recent years. He is the co-creator of the John Wick franchise, which is widely regarded as one of the best action series in Hollywood. He has also written and produced other projects, such as Nobody, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Splinter Cell. He is currently working on more action films and shows, such as Just Cause, Hellsing, and The Continental. He is a master of crafting engaging stories, memorable characters, and spectacular action scenes that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. He is undoubtedly one of the best action film writers in Hollywood.