John Wick: Chapter 4 - A High-Octane Thrill Ride That Pulls No Punches

Though this review is a little late to the party, it's just not my style to let an action flick like John Wick: Chapter 4 go by without giving you my two cents about it! The franchise has cemented itself as a pop culture icon; to ignore it would seem, well, totally uncool. And since yours truly has serious pop culture FOMO, allow me to slide into the cool kids' table and geek out over another hit movie. Much like the popular film franchise itself, I'm just going to grab you by the goods, jump right into this one, and hope you can hold on for the ride! 


WARNING: Massive nut-kicking spoilers ahead!

 

Any action-loving moviegoer who hasn't been living under a rock these past few years knows the iconic name John Wick and all the bone-breaking, face-punching, quick-drawing, blood-spattering, revenge-taking that goes with it. From our introduction to Mr. Wick in the first installment of this action-packed saga, it was clear the ex-hit man's retirement would be short-lived (much like the mobsters who made the mistake of robbing him and killing his dog). From then on, whether it be Russian mobsters, Italian crime lords, or the High Table itself, no challenge was too great and no job too big as we followed the Bogeyman on his rip-roaring road to revenge. 


John Wick: Chapter 4 brings us to our hero, literally hiding underground and currently "excommunicado" from the tyrannical High Table assassin's guild. With nothing left to lose, John has embarked on a suicidal mission of fury that culminates in his assassination of the High Table Elder, an act that all but guarantees his termination. The High Table quickly retaliates, appointing its emissary, The Marquis, played masterfully by Bill Skarsgård, as its avenging Angel of Death. The Marquis quickly condemns the New York Continental Hotel and excommunicates the Manager as an example of what happens to those who aid Wick. He then pulls Cain, John's old friend-turned advisory, out of retirement to eliminate the thorn in their side. What follows is a globe-spanning, gun-slinging game of cat-and-mouse between the High Table's relentless agents and an unstoppable John Wick. 


John blazes a trail of broken bodies and bullets, losing friends and eliminating enemies as he levels the playing field and guns for the Marquis (pun totally intended). The film's climax sees John go toe-to-toe with Cain in a classic high-stakes duel at dawn. John takes a seemingly fatal bullet but the Marquis' arrogance leads to his downfall, as John's final act is to put a bullet in the villain's skull and win the Manager's return to the Table. The penultimate scene shows John dying on the steps of the cathedral but one has to wonder: have we really seen the end of Baba Yaga? 


Yeah, I'm thinking he'll be back!  


In what is arguably the best installment of the franchise, John Wick: Chapter 4 treats us to polished fight scenes, captivating characters, exotic locals, and stunning cinematography. As with any John Wick installment, the pacing never lets up, leaving you on the edge of your theater seat for most of the ride! A dramatic gunfight in a dilapidated apartment is shot from overhead -- a single continuous take that should serve as a case study on how to choreograph a fight scene. 


Keanu Reeves is clearly at the top of his game in this one, surrounding himself with equally talented actors who chew the scenery -- and kick ass with as much gusto as the leading man. Everyone brings their A-game. Reeves never seems to age and John Wick is just as spry as ever. As mentioned, Skarsgård once again proves why he's a masterful choice to play a villain. Ian McShane and the inimitable Clancy Brown steal every scene they're in as Winston and the Harbinger, respectively. Shamir Anderson as Tracker is a natural and Donnie Yen's Caine is just cool. Period. Lance Reddick will always be a legend -- may he Rest In Peace.   


In terms of story, John Wick: Chapter 4 isn't a deep film by any means, but any fan of the franchise knows they ain't getting Shakespeare -- though a nunchuck-swinging Othello would be pretty badass! Instead, we get what Hollywood has been so desperately missing: a popcorn flick that knows exactly what it is, whose only agenda is to unapologetically entertain and set the bar for what an action movie should be. Though the runtime on this bare-knuckle behemoth clocks in at a whopping 2 hours and 49 minutes, it never drags and no scene ever feels wasted or unnecessary. 


Final verdict: John Wick Chapter 4 is worth the price of admission. See it. See it in 4D, see it in 2D, see it in hieroglyphics -- then see it again!

Movie Score: Solid ass-kicking A+                               

                

Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA

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