John Wick: Chapter 4 is Sheer Action Brilliance

So… are these movies just gonna keep going? This one has an actual ending to the story, and a pretty damn good one at that. But it’s Hollywood. You know they’re not just gonna let it go.

Anyways, this movie is awesome. No surprise there.

John’s quest for revenge continues, and the High Table seeks to destroy everything he touches. His only chance of escape: a formal duel. But with his bounty rising, the whole world hunting him, and his list of allies growing short, does even John Wick stand a chance?

The actual plot here is nothing new. John is mad at someone trying to kill him, so he fights a bunch of people, makes a deal with people who want to kill him, and kills a bunch of people. It’s your standard John Wick fare.

Yet it makes up for this with compelling character drama. John is at his most interesting here out of any of the movies; while he’s still as physically capable as ever, emotionally and mentally, it feels like he’s reaching the end of his rope. Like he’s accepted the possibility of dying, yet is still determined to at least go out swinging like a lunatic.

It’s not just John, either. All the characters get some great development in this one. There’s even a heartbreaking death among the cast.

Sadly, that statement goes for both the characters and the actual actors. RIP, Lance Reddick.

In terms of our bad guys, this movie is the strongest in the series. The Marquis is a loathsome bastard and a cowardly cheater, making him super easy and fun to root against. The Nobody and his dog make for a cool anti-hero of sorts, protecting John for the sole reason that he wants to be the one to get the bounty. Seeing him develop and actually outsmart the Marquis is satisfying as hell!

Caine is far and away the most interesting antagonist in the series. A blind assassin on par with John himself, and an old friend at that. Though he’s enslaved to the Table, he still tries to uphold his honor and do the right thing. He accepts his fate and does his work grimly. It makes for some pretty compelling drama, as well as some really cool fight scenes.

Of the four movies in the series, I feel this one has the strongest presentation. Practically every shot is a painting. Between jaw-dropping cinematography, masterful use of both color and lighting, and the best soundtrack to date, John Wick 4 is a consistent treat for the senses.

Then, of course, there’s the action. Which is every bit as good as usual. Choreography, stunt work, it’s all the best of the best. It still can last just a bit too long for my tastes, but if you’re looking for sick movie fights, this is the movie for you!

At this point in the series, there’s really no reason for ratings or recommendations. If you loved the first three John Wick movies, you’ll love this one too. If you didn’t, then you won’t.

This is why I opened this article by asking about an ending. As of now, these movies are still fresh, fun, and exciting! But for how much longer can it keep that up? Will this one be the satisfying conclusion, or are they gonna keep running that machine like always?

Guess we’ll just have to wait to find out.