John Wick: Chapter 4 Review
You may want to watch it twice on the big screen.
Photo: Lionsgate
Director Chad Stahelski and screenwriters Shay Hatten and Michael Finch have brought the John Wick franchise to its top glory with John Wick: Chapter 4. Despite minor hitches, the execution is almost seamless, and the film offers a combination of stylish visuals, intense action scenes, and breathtaking location sets.
In the first installment of the John Wick franchise, the main character, a retired hitman named John Wick, experienced the tragic loss of his wife to a terminal illness. As part of her final gift to him, she left behind a puppy to help him cope with her death. However, in the opening act of the film, Wick’s peaceful life is shattered when the puppy is cruelly taken from him, setting him on a path of vengeance against those responsible for taking away the last symbol of his beloved wife. Ever since then, the franchise has given us a peak on the enthralling mythology that exists within Baba Yaga’s universe, where a code exists that holds everyone accountable to the High Table.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Photo: Lionsgate
Chapter 4 offers a plethora of lengthy sequences that surpasses the entirety of most action franchises in terms of entertainment value, filmmaking, and technical prowess. As the scene progresses, it becomes even more thrilling through the introduction of more characters, locations, and fights (The scene in Japan’s Intercontinental comes to mind). This pattern repeats throughout the film, with each action sequence surpassing the previous one in intensity and enjoyment. Despite this, the film never feels repetitive or dull. Instead, Chapter 4 continually raises the bar, making it even more exciting with each additional moment.
Keanu Reeves, in his portrayal of John Wick, lets his actions do the talking, leaving the emotional part of the film to the talented supporting cast. Each returning character is given a richer role to savor, even if their involvement in the story is somewhat shallow. While newcomer Bill Skarsgård is effective as Gramont, Donnie Yen’s portrayal of Caine is in my opinion the highlight of the film, with his physical prowess and emotional turmoil growing as the story progresses. John Wick’s advisors consist of Ian McShane’s Winston, Charon portrayed by Lance Reddick, and the Bowery King played by Laurence Fishburne. Although Reddick and Fishburne only have a few scenes, their commanding performances and signature presence amplify their impact in the film.
Photo: Lionsgate
It is no surprise that fans of the franchise will be impressed with the technical aspects of Chapter 4, such as the set pieces and cinematography. With various locations visited by Wick, including Japan, Berlin, and Paris, the combination of Stahelski’s stylistic filmmaking and modern cultural subtlety immerses viewers in the story. The hypnotic and action-packed music carried throughout the film, helps keep the viewers at the edge of their seat as the stakes increase throughout the film.
Overall, it’s clear that John Wick Chapter 4 is a movie that action fans won’t want to miss and it has solidified its place as one of the greatest sequels in the franchise. The film is brimming with creatively staged action choreography and cinematography while the outstanding cast of allies and villains deliver perfectly pitched performances, making each character unforgettable in their own right. John Wick Chapter 4, has set off to accomplish an impossible task; a worthy addition to the franchise and a must-see for fans of the series!
