John Wick: Chapter 4
Welcome back, folks! After a four-year hiatus since "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves are back with the much-anticipated "John Wick: Chapter 4." Yes, it was supposed to hit theaters almost two years ago, but trust me, it's worth the wait. Stahelski, along with writers Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, has managed to blend the mythology-heavy approach of the last films with the streamlined action style of the first one, giving us an unforgettable final hour that's among the best in the genre.
The movie kicks off with our main man, John Wick (played by Reeves), on the run again, thanks to the villainous Powers That Be, aka the High Table, standing in his way. The big baddie this time is the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård), a High Table leader who keeps upping the bounty on Wick's head. Wick's mission? Navigate through the chaos, which includes potential threats to Winston Scott (Ian McShane) and his part of the shady organization. The action takes us to Japan, where Wick seeks aid from Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada), the head of the Osaka Continental, and crosses paths with a formidable blind High Table assassin named Caine (the awesome Donnie Yen). Keep an eye out for Laurence Fishburne, who appears sporadically as Wick's Q, and Shamier Anderson as an assassin patiently waiting for the right price on Wick's head.
Unlike the last couple of films, the plot here is refreshingly straightforward, even though the movie's runtime is epic (169 minutes). It's a classic setup: John Wick versus the bad guys. And they waste no time diving into the action.
Speaking of action, Stahelski and his team deliver sequences that are both intense and artistically choreographed. Unlike some filmmakers who overthink their shoot-outs, creating a distant and style-over-substance vibe, the action in "John Wick: Chapter 4" is a perfect balance. The gun-fu shoot-outs are lengthy battles, with Wick taking on hordes of foes who underestimate him. The momentum is so gripping that the sequences never overstay their welcome. Get ready for a wild ride!
The action in "John Wick: Chapter 4" is not only intense but also has clear stakes, making it easy for us to follow. In one scene, John and his enemy set the rules for a battle, and this simplicity runs through all major action scenes. The straightforward objectives allow for complex choreography, unlike many other modern action movies that get bogged down in cluttered plots.
The choreography itself is breathtaking, with some standout sequences. For instance, in a crowded nightclub, Wick battles enemies while the world around him continues without much notice. Another memorable scene takes place in the traffic circle around the Arc de Triomphe, where the chaos unfolds seamlessly within the bustling city.
The cinematography by Dan Laustsen ensures that the action is clean and brutal, avoiding the confusion seen in some imitations of other action films. The stunt work is phenomenal, and the shoot-outs feel more like dance choreography than the generic action in many studio films.
Keanu Reeves, with fewer lines than before, convincingly portrays Wick's commitment and emotional exhaustion, adding depth to the character. The supporting cast, including Donnie Yen and Shamier Anderson, shines in their roles, contributing to the movie's overall appeal.
While there are some scenes that feel a bit too long, fans won't mind. The film's contagious energy is best experienced in a theater with an enthusiastic crowd. "John Wick: Chapter 4" delivers the kind of action that demands a big, loud viewing experience, and it's clear that John Wick has fought hard to make it worth the watch.