John Wick Chapter 4
Released: March 24, 2023
Rated: R
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamir Anderson
Runtime: 169 minutes
After being pursued relentlessly due to the bounty on his head and now left for dead, John Wick is back to take revenge on the High Table for taking everything from him in one final outing. Encountering enemies and allies, both old and new, clocking in at nearly three hours, John Wick Chapter 4 is another smash hit in the action thriller franchise.
Acting 5/5
One aspect of this series that has struck gold with every installment is the cast’s ability to deliver solid performances in spite of the densely choreographed over-the-top fights and increasingly insane set pieces. Keanu Reeves sticks to his guns (pun intended) with his like-it-or-leave-it signature wooden acting style. Ian McShane returns as the ever-knowing Winston, along with the late Lance Reddick as Charon. Entering the fray of fists and bullets is Donnie Yen who adds a new layer of finesse and masterful execution as the blind assassin Caine. Brand new to the series and world of assassins is Shamir Anderson as the mysterious Tracker who reveals a strong, definitive character despite just being introduced. Rounding out the film as the villain is the menacing Bill Skarsgard as The Marquis, an agent of the High Table who’ll stop at nothing to silence John Wick and Winston for good.
Writing 4/5
Despite being the first film in the franchise not written by the creator Derek Kolstad, John Wick 4 fits nicely into the series without missing a beat thanks to new hires Shay Hatten and Michael Finch. The pair manage to create a satisfying ending to the series without it feeling tacked on or underwhelming. Even though most of the runtime comes from its extended fight scenes, some of which need to go on as long as they do, and some could be several minutes shorter, and introducing three new characters, there is still a worthwhile conclusion to everyone’s arcs by the end of the two hour and forty-nine minute runtime. Most importantly, we get a neat and tidy end of John Wick’s story in this fourth outing. As the writing of this review, series director Chad Stahelski has decided to give the character a rest, even with rumors of a fifth movie swirling about. If this was to be the final John Wick entry, it would be an ending worth hanging a hat on after four objectively successful movies.
Cinematography 6/5
Veteran cinematographer Dan Laustsen returns to capture the action in the slick stylistic flair that’s been a series staple since John Wick Chapter 2. Laustsen’s incredible skill is also what allows him to create one of the most incredible, jaw dropping action sequences to ever grace the silver screen without a single ounce of CGI. You will know it when you see it. Throughout the rest of the film, the locales are deftly weaponized by not only the characters but Laustsen as well, creating effective shots under the neon glow of a Japanese high-rise hotel, the high society German night club, and an epic final duel on the steps of The Basilica of Sacré Cœur in France.
Overall 5/5
Starting as a simple, small scale revenge flick in 2014, the John Wick series has garnered a well-earned following due to its equally competent action and production value. While its robust runtime may test the patience of some, John Wick Chapter 4 is no doubt a surprisingly well-oiled machine that continues a tradition of surprising style and polish in the last chapter of the classy and deadly assassin world.
TL;DR
+Excellent end to John Wick series
+Well used set pieces and locales; this movie is very pretty to look at.
+Complete character arcs for John but especially brand new characters
-Lengthy runtime may be an instant turn off
-Some fights do feel very long
*Update 1/8/2025: A prequel mini-series, The Continental, premiered on Peacock on 9/22/2023. An additional movie, Ballerina, is set to premiere in theaters on 6/6/2025. Ballerina takes place between John Wick Chapter 3 and 4.