Plot: In John Wick Chapter 4, the titular character continues his quest for freedom by seeking a way to take down the powerful organization known as The High Table. However, in order to achieve this, Wick must confront a formidable new adversary who has powerful connections around the world, and who will stop at nothing to defeat him. To make matters worse, Wick will also have to face former allies who have now turned against him, adding to the already intense action and suspense of the film.
CAST: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Bill Skarsgard, Asia Kate Dillion, Lance Roddick, Rina Savayama, Ian McShan, Laurence Fishburne.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
REVIEW: John Wick Chapter 4 is the highly anticipated fourth installment in the John Wick franchise. The film picks up right where Chapter 3 left off, with John on the run after breaking the rules of the High Table. The film stars Keanu Reeves in the titular role, with a supporting cast including Halle Berry, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and Donnie Yen. Directed by Chad Stahelski, the film promises to deliver the same high-octane action and intense fight scenes that fans of the franchise have come to expect.
PERFORMANCE:
Keanu Reeves as John Wick: Once again, Keanu Reeves delivers a stellar performance as the titular character. His portrayal of John Wick is both intense and vulnerable, as he navigates the treacherous world of assassins while mourning the loss of his wife and grappling with his own mortality. Reeves’ physicality and commitment to the role make John Wick one of the most compelling action heroes in recent memory.
Lance Reddick as Charon: As the cool and collected concierge of the Continental Hotel, Lance Reddick’s performance as Charon is a standout. His calm demeanor and understated power make him a force to be reckoned with, and the occasional hints of sadness and longing in his performance add depth and complexity to the character.
Bill Skarsgård as Marquis: Bill Skarsgård brings his signature intensity to the role of Marquis, a dangerous assassin who becomes a thorn in John Wick’s side. His scenes with Reeves are tense and action-packed, and he brings a memorable edge to the film.
Laurence Fishburne as The Bowery King: Laurence Fishburne brings his trademark gravitas to the role of The Bowery King, the leader of an underground network of spies and assassins. His commanding presence and effortless cool make him a joy to watch, and his chemistry with Reeves is a highlight of the film.
Rina Sawayama as Akira: her performance showing her character so much in less screen time. Overall sweet chilly performance by Rina
Scott Adkins as Killa: Adkins plays Killa, Adkins brings a menacing physicality to the role, showcasing his playing with card art skills in a series of thrilling fight scenes with Keanu Reeves. He also imbues Killa with a sense of honor and loyalty, making him a complex and intriguing character.
Shamier Anderson as Tracker: As a Tracker in a film Shamier Anderson brings a sense of intensity and focus to the role, making the character of the Operator a believable and menacing figure. He displays excellent physicality, with his fight scenes being some of the most exciting in the film. Anderson’s screen presence is commanding, and he manages to hold his own alongside the other seasoned actors in the film. Anderson also manages to bring depth to the character of the Tracker. Despite being a negatively leaned character, Anderson’s portrayal of him is not one-dimensional.
Ian McShane as Winston: McShane’s performance as Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, is a highlight of the film. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, balancing Winston’s loyalty to John Wick with his duty to the High Table. McShane’s chemistry with Reeves is palpable.
Hiroyuki Sanada as Shimazu: Sanada plays Shimazu, a powerful Hotel Manager who becomes entangled in John Wick’s mission for revenge. Sanada brings a quiet intensity to the role, showcasing his formidable martial arts skills in a series of thrilling fight scenes.
ACTION: John Wick Chapter 4 delivers on the action front, with some of the most thrilling and inventive fight scenes yet seen in the franchise. The fight choreography is top-notch, with each punch, kick, and gunshot feeling visceral and impactful. The action sequences are expertly staged and shot, with a fluidity and energy that keeps the audience on the edge of their seat. The film also introduces some new weapons and gadgets, adding to the creativity of the fight scenes.
DIRECTION: Chad Stahelski once again proves himself to be a master of action filmmaking. His direction is confident and assured, with a clear vision for the film’s tone and pacing. Stahelski’s attention to detail is also impressive, with each shot and sequence carefully crafted to maximize its impact. The film’s visual style is striking, with a sleek and stylish look that is reminiscent of classic film noir. Stahelski also manages to infuse the film with moments of humor and levity, which serve to break up the intensity of the action sequences.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: The cinematography of this film is superb. The film’s director, Chad Stahelski, is a former stuntman and has a keen eye for action sequences. The camera work is smooth and fluid, and the action scenes are expertly choreographed and shot. The use of lighting and color is also well-done, creating a dark and moody atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s tone.
STUNTS: This franchise promises to deliver the high-octane action and intense fight scenes that fans have come to expect. In particular, the stunts and stunt choreography in this film are sure to be a highlight, building on the impressive feats of the previous installments.
One of the standout features of the John Wick films has always been the way they portray violence and combat. Rather than relying on shaky camera work or quick cuts to obscure the action, the filmmakers emphasize long takes and wide shots that allow the audience to see the intricate choreography of the fights.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible skill and dedication of the stunt performers and choreographers. The John Wick films are known for their rigorous training and attention to detail, and it is clear that the team behind John Wick 4 is no exception. From the hand-to-hand combat to the intense gunfights, every action sequence is sure to be executed with precision and finesse.
VISUAL EFFECTS: Franchise has always been known for its stunning visual effects, and the latest installment, John Wick 4, is no exception. From the breathtaking action sequences to the intricate set designs, every aspect of the film is a testament to the skill and creativity of the visual effects team.
One of the standout features of this film is the way it seamlessly blends practical effects with CGI. Rather than relying solely on computer-generated imagery, the filmmakers use a combination of practical effects and digital compositing to create a more realistic and immersive world. This attention to detail is particularly evident in the action sequences, where the characters move through dynamic environments that feel grounded in reality, even as they perform superhuman feats.
Well, the true stars of the visual effects in film are the fight scenes. From the lightning-fast gunplay to the bone-crunching hand-to-hand combat, every action sequence is a tour de force of visual effects wizardry. Whether it’s the explosions, the gunfire, or the blood splatter, everything looks incredibly real and visceral, adding to the intensity of the action on screen.
WRITING: The writing here in the film is solid. The film builds on the established world of the previous movies, introducing new characters and expanding the mythology. The dialogue is well-written and serves to advance the plot and develop the characters. The pacing of the story is also well-done, with the action sequences spaced out in a way that keeps the audience engaged without overwhelming them.
EDITING: Talking about editing than John Wick Chapter 4 is top-notch. The film moves at a brisk pace, with the action scenes expertly cut together to create a sense of tension and excitement. The transitions between scenes are also well-done, creating a seamless flow that keeps the story moving forward.
SCREENPLAY: The screenplay of this franchise is well-crafted, with a solid plot and engaging characters. The film builds on the world of the previous movies, introducing new elements that expand the mythology and add depth to the story. The dialogue is well-written and serves to advance the plot and develop the characters.
WHAT WORKS: John Wick Chapter 4 succeeds on many levels, with its outstanding performances, thrilling action, and stylish direction. The film manages to expand on the mythology of the franchise while still delivering the satisfyingly brutal action that fans have come to love. The introduction of new characters and gadgets keeps the franchise feeling fresh and exciting, while also deepening the world-building that has been a hallmark of the series.
WHAT DOESN’T WORK: While John Wick Chapter 4 is an overall excellent film, there are a few elements that don’t quite hit the mark. The film’s pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain sequences feeling overly long or drawn-out. Additionally, some of the new characters and plotlines introduced in the film feel underdeveloped, and could have used more screen time to fully explore their potential. Finally, the film’s ending feels somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.
OVERALL REVIEW: John Wick Chapter 4 is a well-crafted action movie that excels in all aspects of filmmaking. The cinematography, writing, editing, and screenplay are all top-notch, creating a film that is both thrilling and engaging. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers will be drawn into the world of John Wick and his ongoing quest for revenge.