Film Review: "John Wick: Chapter 4"

John Wick was a surprise hit with audiences upon its release in 2014. Entering the franchise's fourth chapter, the story of Mr. Wick is coming to a close. Chapter 4 follows John on his continued quest to fight the High Table. Facing off against a ferocious new enemy (Bill Skarsgård), Mr. Wick travels across the country in an attempt for new alliances. Along the way, he will also cross paths with former friends, turned enemies.  What follows is a nearly three-hour cacophony of stellar action sequences. The success of the film resides in the commitment of the cast, particularly Keanu Reeves.

There is a noticeable dedication involving those in front of and behind the camera. Director Chad Stahelski comes from a stunt/action background, having previously worked with Reeves on the Matrix films. Their working relationship has been a pleasure to watch evolve over the John Wick franchise. Chapter 4 delivers some of the most electrifying action set pieces in both of these men’s careers. This electricity starts with having action and stunts that audiences can see unfold on screen. Instead of sequences that shake the camera to simulate action,  the camera remains steady. Keeping the camera steady allows audiences to see the work that has been placed in a given sequence.

Reeves-like in the previous films- is committed to completing stunts without using a double. Knowing that he wants to complete these stunts himself adds to the tension. That tension is elevated to extremes in this film, thanks to the newer cast. Newcomers to the franchise Donnie Yen,  Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, and Rina Sawayama are welcome additions on-screen. Each actor and their characters are able to adapt their own unique fighting styles. The fighting is so consistent and engaging in ways that never make viewers feel the three-hour running time. Fans of non-action-centric films might find Chapter 4 to be a tiresome watch.

Chapter 4 delivers some of the most brutal action sequences put on film in years. It is the moments of quiet that keep the film from being perfect. Anytime that characters have a conversation it is silly to listen to. If you are not already onboard for the action, then the dialogue sequences could feel grating. Actors like Ian McShane, Laurence Fishbourne, and the late Lance Reddick deliver the dialogue in a deadpan way.  Much like Reeves himself, taking the dialogue seriously helps with the fun.  The scene-stealer has to be Skarsgård as the over-the-top villain,  Marquis Vincent de Gramo. He truly chews up the scenery every time he appears making Skarsgård a worthy foil.  That performance is much like the titular role that Keanu Reeves has made his own.

Reeves arguably has the most difficult position in the entire film.  He has to craft a stoic hitman that audiences can root for. Mr. Wick is a perfect amalgamation of what has made Reeves beloved by fans. The character's dead-pan “good guy with a gun” persona allows viewers to connect with him. Any other actor would make this character a cliche, whereas Reeves has made him an old-school action hero. 

John Wick: Chapter 4  almost teeters into a parody of action films. The film steers clear of that thanks to exhilarating action sequences. It delivers on the thrills so consistently, that I could forgive the silly dialogue. Chapter 4 could best be compared to a superhero film. Each action sequence is so distinct, that I can look past the ridiculous conversations. If you are not a fan of larger spectacle-driven films, then Chapter 4 won’t be for you. Fans of the franchise or action movies, in general, will be happy on the ride.