Since 2014 the John Wick franchise has created a new standard for action movies and the way that they are approached and created, while at the same time making something that also feels completely unique. Derek Kolstad (Writer), Keanu Reeves (Titular Character), and Chad Stahelski (Director and Producer) each brought together something different to help make John Wick what it has been since 2014 when the first Chapter was released. The previous three installments aren’t just nice movies to watch where you are waiting for the action, the writing and the character development help to make you care about the action that you know is coming. It isn’t just mindless action either; each installment has its own scenery and feel to it as the series does a great job of creating a modern Neo-noir tone. Obviously, the main takeaway from every John Wick movie is what impressive and jaw-dropping action pieces are crafted and choreographed (like the Red Circle shootout and the Knife Room fight), which really speaks to the level of dedication and care that everyone involved has.
Getting to the newest installment of John Wick, things haven’t really changed for John as he is still looking to find peace and finality in his life after everything that has happened (and has a big price on his head). He is still facing the consequences, which is really the overarching theme I believe of the series as the consequences of your actions can often follow you until you do the right thing, which is a theme that everyone can relate to. This time around though John Wick is up against his biggest threat from the High Table in Vincent De Gramont played by Bill Skarsgard who is the first big bad of the series who is believable, much of his motivation and belief is felt through the film, especially with how intense his eyes bring you into any dialogue heavy part in the movie. Ian McShane, Lawrence Fishburne, and the late Lance Reddick all reprise their roles from the previous films and continue to bring the charisma that they are known for.
In terms of the new cast members, there are three pillars in the action film genre who were invited to play this time around. Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Scott Adkins. Each one of them plays fun and unique characters that each steal the movie in one way or another which helps to make John Wick 4 one of the greatest action movies ever made. There were sequences in the movie that I have never seen or experienced before in any type of movie or media for that matter. Each scene (especially the third act) just feels like a non-stop ride, and you don’t want it to end. The run time is about three hours but if you are looking at your watch while watching John Wick 4, then you aren’t watching the right movie. Catch this on the biggest screen possible when it comes out.