The John Wick franchise is an epitomy of everything an action film should be. The incredible action set pieces and stunts have truly changed changed the genre and the industry showing audiences and filmmakers that the action is more effective when it’s real, when the audience can see what’s happening and certainly helps shine a lot on the best stunt performers and coordinators around, I guess it also helps to have a Keanu Reeves as well.
John Wick: Chapter 4 picks up with John still intent on taking down the High Table, in doing so he finds a way he can earn his freedom and get what he always wanted, to stay out of this world for good if he can do so before they stop him.
Once again, as expected, the action in this film is incredible and exactly why anyone is going to watch these films. They might not have the best script or acting, but the craft and care that gets put into these films is second to none. It’s a real light on the stunt team and the work they do in the industry, and I think thats a big reason why they were able to add legends Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada who bring a lot.
I might have said that the script isn’t the best or what people come to these films for but I do actually think this is the best written one. There’s some layers, some interesting characters brought in and I like what they add a lot, the best since they brought in Bowery King in the second film, and I’d happily watch more spin-offs with those characters particularly Donnie Yen’s Caine, Rina Sawayama’s Akira and Shamier Anderson’s Tracker, along with the Ballerina spin-off that’s currently in post-production. This universe has some of the best world building that’s been seen on the big screen since Star Wars and there’s so much to explore and audiences will be happy to watch.
My only problem with this film is that I didn’t love all the choices they do to fill out this world and style choices, and I felt particularly the earlier action scenes left me wanting more. I have the highest of expectations because of the standard they’ve set themselves. You always want to see bigger and better, and they don’t disappoint with that later on in the film, particularly the final act I thought was extremely strong and delivers exactly what you want, and there’s moments before that but actually found myself wanting more time with John Wick.
A big shout-out to Dan Lautsen who took over as cinematographer on the second film, which really elevated this franchise, giving it gorgeous lighting which makes it stand-out amongst the bigger blockbusters. Some great set design and locations help, but he really manages to elevate and bring something to this franchise that was missing in the first instalment.
Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers exactly what you want from a John Wick film. I could watch 100 films in this universe, its a fantastically built out world, full of great characters who all bring something different and the action can’t be compared to anything else out there. Having someone as championing of the stunt side of the industry as Keanu helps and deserves a massive amount of praise for the stunt work and effort he puts in, it’s similar to Tom Cruise and the crazy stunts he does for the industry.
What did you think of John Wick: Chapter 4?
I’m hopefully going to do a post about the future of this universe and what else I’d want to see from this franchise over the next week, so be sure to follow on social media @floodersfilms or click the buttons below to not miss that or other reviews and posts.
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