By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review is spoiler-free.
Before diving into the review, I think it’s important to mention the tragic passing of Lance Reddick, who plays Charon in the John Wick franchise. Of course, Reddick has been involved with so many incredible shows and movies and leaves behind a truly incredible legacy behind him. Rest in peace.
Now onto the review of John Wick: Chapter 4…
In short, John Wick: Chapter 4 is an outstanding action movie that delivers on every level! From the breathtaking fight scenes to the emotive and compelling storyline, this film will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!
Keanu Reeves once again delivers a stunning performance as the legendary hitman John Wick, bringing his trademark intensity and quiet determination to the role. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances across the board! The established characters, Ian McShane (Winston) and Laurence Fishburne (Bowery King) deliver the type of sophisticated showing we’ve come to expect – they just add a layer of class to proceedings. As for the new villain of Chapter 4, casting Bill Skarsgard (Marquis Vincent de Gramont) was a masterstroke! He was intense, scheming and a sort of controlled-unhinged mashup that made his performance a little unsettling. Continuing with the new additions, Shamier Anderson (Tracker) was brilliant and his character was really interesting, and his motivations and actions were the perfect shade of grey to keep you guessing about his character.
There are two more actors I have yet to mention, but they deserve their own paragraph! While I would have always watched this movie, given my enjoyment of the previous films, when you cast Donnie Yen (Caine) and Hiroyuki Sanada (Shimazu) in a movie together, you instantly have my money! Furthermore, when you allow these two incredibly talented titans to do “their thing” that is when your film goes up to the next level! I have been a little disappointed with some Hollywood movies underusing these actors, but in John Wick: Chapter 4 that is not the case! The pair are given plenty of screentime to showcase their immense talent – especially Donnie Yen. Making his character blind was a very interesting creative choice, but how they executed it was unbelievably clever and well planned out – you just buy it completely! Easily two of my favourite aspects of the movie – just wind them up and let them go…
The fight choreography in John Wick: Chapter 4 is some of the best you will ever see on the big screen. As we’ve come to expect with the John Wick franchise, the hand-to-hand combat is visceral and intense, while the gun battles are fast-paced and thrilling. The attention to detail in each fight sequence is remarkable, with every punch, kick, and shot feeling perfectly timed and executed. Hands down, this has some of the best fight and gun choreography you will ever experience. The camera work, once again, is just as important to the choreography and it was a joy to experience. There were plenty of one-shots in this instalment, always a fast way to my heart, with one in particular that was hands down one of the greatest one-shots I have ever experienced. It was outrageously inventive, and it genuinely left my jaw on the floor – I cannot wait to buy this movie on home release so that I can experience it again and again.
It’s not all about great actors and stunning fight choreography, as at its heart, the John Wick franchise does have a compelling narrative. The story follows the consequences of his actions from the previous movie, but even this late on in the franchise, there is still plenty of time for new themes and characters that slot seamlessly into the narrative. The result is a movie that not only entertains but also challenges its audience to think about the cost of violence and revenge.
As for the negatives? The only thing I will say about John Wick: Chapter 4 is that it is probably about 15-20 minutes too long. I think some of the exposition scenes could have been shortened a little and just a bit of trimming could have really tightened up the movie. Apart from that, sit back and enjoy!
Finally, yes there is a dog and yes it does live! So, if like me, this sort of thing acts as a trigger, you will be fine. There is one moment the dog is hit, but it is a spit second thing and gets straight back onto being an absolute badass! (Thank you, Neil, from GYCO, for the heads up going into this!).
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a must-see and hands down the best movie in the franchise! The action is top-notch, the story is engrossing, and the performances are exceptional! Whether you are a fan of the previous John Wick films or just love action movies, this movie will surely exceed your expectations. The series goes out with a bang, don’t miss it!
What did you think of John Wick: Chapter 4? Let us know in the comments or find us on social media.
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