John Wick Chapter 4 is the latest installment in the popular action franchise starring Keanu Reeves. At 2 hours and 49 minutes, it is the longest movie in the series and also the most riveting. The film is set across continents and features a host of fascinating characters and captivating action sequences.
While the previous movies in the franchise were more focused on action, this one has a more personal angle, with a balance between action and emotion. The writers have given the franchise some shape with a lot of emotional grounding, and the new characters introduced in Chapter 4 have a connection with Wick’s past.
The last hour of the movie is absolute carnage, and director Chad Stahelski raises the bar in action choreography. The fight choreography is basic in the initial areas, but the set pieces that eventually lead to the death of Killa, the German Table head, get the ball rolling. What follows is the top-notch execution of crazy yet believable imagination.
The cinematography by Dan Laustsen uses neon lights extensively to give an identity to each set piece. The cuts respect the effort of the stuntmen, ensuring the viewer experiences the impact of the gunshots, punches, and stabs. The signature dog sentiment is also placed in the movie.
Keanu Reeves, in his fourth outing as John Wick, portrays a character who is tired and has had enough of running. Bill Skarsgård, as Marquis Vincent de Gramont, plays the film’s main antagonist and manages to pull off the arrogance Winston mentions in the end. Donnie Yen, as the blind assassin Caine, has swagger and composure.
Lawrence Fishbourne and Ian McShane reprise their roles along with Lance Reddick, who left us a few days ago. A special shoutout to Scott Adkins, who was terrific as Killa. Rina Sawayama, Shamier Anderson, etc., are the other major names in the star cast.
Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 is easily the best in the franchise. The depth it achieves on a story level and the action spectacle it offers the viewer through uniquely choreographed set pieces are bigger and better. If you are a fan of fistfights and bloodshed, this true-blue action package from Chad Stahelski is a treat.
