This review contains spoilers.
Mess with a dog? Prepare to face John Wick’s wrath.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” arrived in theaters on March 24, marking the end of one of the most epic tales of revenge and redemption ever told on the big screen. The story begins with a man avenging the death of his beloved dog, but the franchise has evolved into a sprawling, exciting saga of John Wick’s (Keanu Reeves) war against the criminal underworld. The High Table, which is the criminal organization that has been John’s nemesis throughout the series, has thrown its most dangerous assets at John, determined to stop him from unraveling their operations and spreading chaos. In “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the stakes are higher than ever before, and John is pushed to his limits as he battles — and kills — countless enemies.
The new film is an outstanding addition to the franchise and arguably the best installation to date. Reeves’ performance is a testament to his dedication to the character. He has not only embodied the character of John but made it his own. Reeves’ delivery of classic, essential action movie one-liners is spot-on, captivating the audience. John is undoubtedly one of the most intimidating characters in recent memory, and it is unlikely that we will see another one like him anytime soon. Reeves has managed to portray John’s emotional depth while still delivering breathtaking action scenes. Even with a three-hour runtime, the film succeeds in keeping the audience engaged, reminding us of John’s motivation and emotional vulnerabilities that drive his actions.
Despite being a formidable killer, John’s emotional arc in the franchise is often underrated. His love for his wife, Helen Wick (Bridget Moynahan), drove him to quit the criminal underworld. After the Russian mob killed his puppy, the last remnant of his late wife who died of a terminal illness, John set out on a mission to kill. His arc explores themes of love and loss, and his regular remembrance of his wife while committing crimes shows that he was a loving husband above all else.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” delivers on the franchise’s reputation for intense action sequences that are as innovative as they are brutal. From the opening scene to the final showdown, the film showcases some of the most jaw-dropping and electrifying fight scenes John has seen yet. The film takes us on a global tour, with John unleashing his fury in a variety of breathtaking locations, including Berlin, Osaka, New York and Paris. Each set is crafted with great detail, including unique lighting and ambiance that add depth and texture to the fight scenes. Furthermore, the fight choreography is a true work of art. John wields a wide array of weapons, including pistols, nunchucks, arrows, axes and other objects that are both precise and fatal with an expert technique. Whether he is taking on an army or facing off against skilled assassins one-on-one, John has made his fight sequences mesmerizing.
The chaotic plot is as paramount to the film’s success as its fight scenes. The film showcases a well-crafted storyline that moves beyond the standard action fare, with new elements of chaos adding another layer of depth to the story. For example, the extremely lawless and anarchic High Table prohibits violence inside their hotels. However, John continues his revenge tale against the criminal underworld even after the organization has barred and termed him “excommunicado.” Due to the seriousness of this situation, The High Table bypasses all rules to destroy John and everyone around him. The film deftly navigates these complex rules and codes of conduct that govern the criminal underworld, creating a sense of depth that enriches the viewing experience. This approach to storytelling adds a level of credibility to the antagonist, elevating the tension and the stakes of the film. In John’s last action-filled act, it is fitting to see him utilize every skill in his arsenal to achieve his ultimate goal of revenge and freedom. John persevered through losing his allies and narrowly succumbing to death, cementing the idiosyncrasy of the fight and the motivation within him.
Director Chad Stahelski embraces all the elements of an action movie in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” The excessive murders, strong villains and feeling of urgency work to the film’s advantage. While John’s story may have come to a satisfying conclusion, side characters and plot threads are still ripe for exploration. The upcoming spinoff, “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas, promises to take John Wick’s cinematic universe in exciting new directions. Regardless, this movie demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, receiving well-deserved rave reviews from critics and fans alike. The film realizes its potential and paints the town red with a bold, unforgettable vision and execution.
