John Wick: Chapter 4 is the latest installment in the wildly popular action franchise that has turned Keanu Reeves into an icon of modern cinema. The film picks up where the previous one left off, with John Wick on the run from the High Table, a ruthless organization of assassins that rules the underworld. Along the way, he encounters old friends and foes, as well as new enemies and allies, in his quest to defeat the High Table and earn his freedom.
The film is directed by Chad Stahelski, who has helmed all the previous John Wick films, and written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, who take over from franchise creator Derek Kolstad. The script is tight and efficient, delivering a clear and coherent plot that balances exposition and action. The dialogue is witty and sharp, with some memorable one-liners and quips. The film also expands the mythology of the John Wick universe, introducing new characters and locations that add depth and variety to the story.
The movie features spectacular action scenes that showcase John’s skills in martial arts, gun-fu and knife-fighting. The movie also explores John’s past and his connections to other characters, such as The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick) and Caine (Donnie Yen). The film also introduces new faces, such as The Marquis (Bill Skarsgård), a ruthless general sent by The High Table to eliminate John, and Akira (Rina Sawayama), a mysterious woman who has a personal vendetta against John.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a thrilling conclusion to a saga that has captivated audiences with its stylish visuals, intense violence and emotional depth. The film delivers on its promise of being the biggest, bloodiest and most personal chapter yet, and pays homage to the previous films and other influences, such as The Matrix trilogy. It’s a must-watch for fans of action cinema and Keanu Reeves.
The film’s biggest strength, however, is its action. John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers some of the most spectacular and inventive action sequences ever seen on screen, showcasing a range of styles and techniques that will leave viewers breathless. From gunfights to knife fights, from car chases to horse chases, from hand-to-hand combat to swordplay, the film offers a feast of adrenaline-fueled violence that never gets boring or repetitive.
The choreography is flawless and fluid, with every move executed with precision and grace. The cinematography is stunning and immersive, capturing every angle and detail of the action. The editing is smooth and seamless, creating a sense of rhythm and pace that keeps the tension high. The sound design is immersive and realistic, enhancing the impact and realism of the action.
The film also boasts an impressive cast of actors who bring their characters to life with charisma and skill. Keanu Reeves is once again phenomenal as John Wick, conveying his determination, pain, and humanity with minimal dialogue and maximum expression. He also performs most of his own stunts, which adds to his credibility and authenticity as an action star. Donnie Yen is a welcome addition to the cast as Caine, a blind assassin who has a history with John Wick. He brings his martial arts expertise and charisma to the role, creating a formidable opponent and a complex character.
Bill Skarsgård is also excellent as Marquis de Gramont, a ruthless and cunning member of the High Table who orchestrates John Wick’s downfall. He plays his part with flair and menace, creating a memorable villain. Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick (in one of his final roles), Rina Sawayama (in her acting debut), Scott Adkins (in a surprise cameo), Ian McShane (in a reduced but still important role), and all others deliver solid performances that elevate the film.
The cast features several returning actors from previous films, as well as some new additions to the John Wick universe. Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick, the legendary hitman who is on the run after killing a member of The High Table. Laurence Fishburne returns as Bowery King, the leader of a network of homeless assassins who allies with Wick. Ian McShane plays Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel in New York, who betrayed Wick in the last movie. Lance Reddick portrays Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel who helps Wick. Clancy Brown plays Harbinger, a new character who is described as a “power broker” in the world of assassins.
The movie also introduces some new faces to the franchise, such as Donnie Yen as Caine, a friend and ally of Wick who shares his history and enemies. Hiroyuki Sanada plays Shimazu, a Japanese crime lord who has a past with Wick. Rina Sawayama portrays Akira, a female assassin who works for Shimazu. Bill Skarsgård plays Marquis, a mysterious character who crosses paths with Wick. Shamier Anderson plays Tracker, a skilled killer who hunts down Wick. Scott Adkins plays Killa, a formidable adversary for Wick. Marko Zaror plays Chidi, a lethal assassin who works for The High Table. Natalia Tena plays Katia, a hacker who assists Wick. The movie also features George Georgiou as The Elder, the leader of The High Table, and several other actors in supporting roles.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a cinematic masterclass in action filmmaking that surpasses its predecessors in scope and quality. It is a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the John Wick saga that will leave fans wanting more. It is also a testament to Keanu Reeves’s enduring appeal and talent as an actor and an action star. John Wick: Chapter 4 is not only one of the best films of 2023, but also one of the best action films of all time.
Rating: 4/5
