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The John Wick franchise is like musical movies for action cinema. Each action scene is like a choreographed music number. There’s no pretense towards realism or the consequences of one’s violent action. John Wick movies are there to entertain and give you kick-ass action. It’s about violence and vengeance, but also, there’s a sheer joy to it. The John Wick films are also funny, and Keanu Reeves is a decent comedy actor. Simply put, they’re dizzying fun from start to finish, and John Wick Chapter 4 at almost 3 hours is no different. While it perhaps overstays its welcome, Chapter 4 (more than a chapter at 3 hours long, I’d say) will satisfy fans with the action, supporting characters, and story.
What’s impressive about a 3-hour action film like Chapter 4 is the action never feels redundant. Every actor, including Reeves, has their fighting style. You’ll see shootouts, hand-to-hand combat, weapon combat, human vs. human combat, automobile combat, and of course, it’s a John Wick film, so there is a dog. It’s the franchise’s fourth installment, yet the action still feels fresh. Think about that. I maybe blinked three or four times the entire three-hour run time! How many movie franchises do you know that are still keeping it fresh in their fourth film? Not only that, but there are no breaks. The film’s look is also fantastic, with Oscar-worthy cinematography that’s bright, vivid, and vibrant.
There’s no point in going over the plot, it’s there, and those familiar with the franchise know. There’s a plot and story here, but it’s mainly an excuse to give us a lot of bullets and zero context. However, the key here is to provide us with characters that are interesting and compelling in their own right. So many times, you see movies like these shoehorn in characters to give us a spinoff film we don’t want. Here, the characters are interesting enough to warrant a spinoff, like The Continental, and the upcoming spinoff with Ana de Armas, Ballerina. I can’t wait for that because de Armas has proven she’s a talented action actress.
The John Wick saga is becoming like a second Mission Impossible saga. Both series are unique in their own identity bringing us new ways action movies can become. Both are becoming increasingly more successful after each release, consistent between each film, and it’s pretty crazy. Not to mention both Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves doing their stunts and being part of the primary production. They are freaks of nature, and their franchises keep cinemas in business. John Wick 4 is a testament to a great action franchise that continues to deliver goods.
***1/2 out of ****
