Cinema

John Wick: Chapter 4

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After three action-packed instalments, John Wick returns in Chapter 4, and I am pleased to say it does not disappoint. As a film critic, I found it to be nearly seamless with the execution in the hands of director Chad Stahelski and screenwriters Shay Hatten and Michael Finch. The film opens with John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, on a mission to obtain his freedom from the ‘High Table’. The audience is quickly transported into familiar and new places where he faces a new, powerful enemy, and his former alliances quickly turn into foes.

From start to finish, the film is filled with brutal action sequences, stunning set pieces, and an excellent balance of revenge, friendship, and survival themes. While the action may seem relentless and overly stylized, it was supposed to be that way, and it kept me glued to my seat. Wick has to face street thugs, enemies from his past, and deadly assassins from all over the world, but the creative team behind Chapter 4 manages to raise the stakes even higher.
One of the great aspects of this franchise is the technical achievements that it brings, from the set pieces to the cinematography, it does not disappoint. In this latest chapter, Wick travels to locations like Berlin, Japan, and Paris, and the amalgamation of stylistic filmmaking and culture leaves an incredible mark that submerges the audience into the story.
As the world-building continues to grow throughout this franchise, the script does well introducing new characters like Marquis Vincent de Gramont and Tracker or “Mr. Nobody,” who fit right in with the dynamic and talented cast, especially opposite Keanu Reeves.
While the film’s runtime of 169 minutes is the longest in the franchise, every brutal sequence, piercing sound effect, and humorous line delivery is well worth it. The fight choreography exceeds expectations and will even manage to surprise viewers. At this point, a major part of the fun is in witnessing what item Wick can turn into a deadly weapon. And as seen in the previous John Wick movies, it’s virtually anything.

Director, Chad Stahelski, pays homage to Walter Hill’s 1979 movie, The Warriors, by featuring a radio DJ who plays exciting electronic dance music and provides tips for assassins to track down the titular character. In these scenes, the DJ’s presence adds to the film’s atmosphere and helps to create a unique, stylized world in which the conclusion of the story takes place. It’s a subtle nod to Hill’s classic film and a clever way to infuse the world of John Wick with a sense of history and continuity. If you like the John Wick franchise and haven’t yet seen The Warriors (1979), then definitely go and buy a copy or stream it.

In conclusion, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a great time at the cinema. The nerve-wracking scuffles among the assassins have returned to their violent glory, and the film is packed with great technical achievements and sequences that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The ongoing message throughout the franchise is that actions have consequences, and if this is Stahelski’s message to his viewers regarding the franchise’s longevity, then it’s a must-watch for anyone looking for a fantastic action-packed experience.

Cast & Creatives

Action packed with great technical achievements!
5

Summary

John Wick: Chapter 4 is packed with great technical achievements and sequences that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. A must-see for fans of the franchise.

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About author

Robert Cope

About Author

Robert Cope

Meet Robert. With roots in Uganda and England, and childhood memories from Kenya, he offers a distinctive voice in the theatre world. As a noted critic in London, his reviews on 'Theatre Life' echo his deep connection to the arts and his active role in the Clerkenwell community. Offstage, Robert champions community causes, enjoys the strategy of backgammon, the energy of squash, and the serenity of British countryside hikes. Join him in exploring the theatrical scene through his informed and unique perspective.

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