Keanu

  • 2016
  • R
  • 100m
movieMx RATING
6.1/101.1K
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Keanu Review

Last updated: February 16, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 16, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Keanu (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Keanu features a noteworthy lineup led by Jordan Peele . Supported by the likes of Keegan-Michael Key and Keanu Reeves , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Keanu (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Keanu stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Keanu

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Keanu is a Action, Comedy, Crime film directed by Peter Atencio. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jordan Peele.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, Peter Atencio establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. Friends hatch a plot to retrieve a stolen cat by posing as drug dealers for a street gang. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Jordan Peele, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Jordan Peele's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Ending Explained: Keanu

Ending Breakdown: Directed by Peter Atencio, Keanu concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.

The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Jordan Peele, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Keanu reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Keanu Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Keanu incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a action, comedy, crime film directed by Peter Atencio, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Jordan Peele's character.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Keanu adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Keanu?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Jordan Peele or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Keanu

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $15.0M
Worldwide Gross $20.7M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Keanu Budget

The estimated production budget for Keanu is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Keanu

All Cast & Crew →
Jordan Peele
Jordan PeeleRell Williams / Oil Dresden
Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael KeyClarence Goobril / Smoke Dresden
Keanu Reeves
Keanu ReevesKeanu (voice)
Method Man
Method ManCheddar
Nia Long
Nia LongHannah
Rob Huebel
Rob HuebelSpencer
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Where to Watch Keanu Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Amazon VideoAmazon Video

🏷️ Buy on

Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube

Keanu Parents Guide & Age Rating

2016 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Keanu age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Keanu is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Keanu is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, Keanu is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Keanu. Rating: 6.1/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Keanu worth watching?

Keanu is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Keanu parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Keanu identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Keanu?

The total duration of Keanu is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.1
Keanu
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