Keanu Reeves cements his place in action genre with ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2024)

This review contains spoilers.

Mess with a dog? Prepare to face John Wick’s wrath.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” arrived in theaters on March 24, marking the end of one of the most epic tales of revenge and redemption ever told on the big screen. The story begins with a man avenging the death of his beloved dog, but the franchise has evolved into a sprawling, exciting saga of John Wick’s (Keanu Reeves) war against the criminal underworld. The High Table, which is the criminal organization that has been John’s nemesis throughout the series, has thrown its most dangerous assets at John, determined to stop him from unraveling their operations and spreading chaos. In “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the stakes are higher than ever before, and John is pushed to his limits as he battles — and kills — countless enemies.

Keanu Reeves cements his place in action genre with ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2)

The new film is an outstanding addition to the franchise and arguably the best installation to date. Reeves’ performance is a testament to his dedication to the character. He has not only embodied the character of John but made it his own. Reeves’ delivery of classic, essential action movie one-liners is spot-on, captivating the audience. John is undoubtedly one of the most intimidating characters in recent memory, and it is unlikely that we will see another one like him anytime soon. Reeves has managed to portray John’s emotional depth while still delivering breathtaking action scenes. Even with a three-hour runtime, the film succeeds in keeping the audience engaged, reminding us of John’s motivation and emotional vulnerabilities that drive his actions.

Despite being a formidable killer, John’s emotional arc in the franchise is often underrated. His love for his wife, Helen Wick (Bridget Moynahan), drove him to quit the criminal underworld. After the Russian mob killed his puppy, the last remnant of his late wife who died of a terminal illness, John set out on a mission to kill. His arc explores themes of love and loss, and his regular remembrance of his wife while committing crimes shows that he was a loving husband above all else.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” delivers on the franchise’s reputation for intense action sequences that are as innovative as they are brutal. From the opening scene to the final showdown, the film showcases some of the most jaw-dropping and electrifying fight scenes John has seen yet. The film takes us on a global tour, with John unleashing his fury in a variety of breathtaking locations, including Berlin, Osaka, New York and Paris. Each set is crafted with great detail, including unique lighting and ambiance that add depth and texture to the fight scenes. Furthermore, the fight choreography is a true work of art. John wields a wide array of weapons, including pistols, nunchucks, arrows, axes and other objects that are both precise and fatal with an expert technique. Whether he is taking on an army or facing off against skilled assassins one-on-one, John has made his fight sequences mesmerizing.

Keanu Reeves cements his place in action genre with ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (3)

Keanu Reeves cements his place in action genre with ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (4)

The chaotic plot is as paramount to the film’s success as its fight scenes. The film showcases a well-crafted storyline that moves beyond the standard action fare, with new elements of chaos adding another layer of depth to the story. For example, the extremely lawless and anarchic High Table prohibits violence inside their hotels. However, John continues his revenge tale against the criminal underworld even after the organization has barred and termed him “excommunicado.” Due to the seriousness of this situation, The High Table bypasses all rules to destroy John and everyone around him. The film deftly navigates these complex rules and codes of conduct that govern the criminal underworld, creating a sense of depth that enriches the viewing experience. This approach to storytelling adds a level of credibility to the antagonist, elevating the tension and the stakes of the film. In John’s last action-filled act, it is fitting to see him utilize every skill in his arsenal to achieve his ultimate goal of revenge and freedom. John persevered through losing his allies and narrowly succumbing to death, cementing the idiosyncrasy of the fight and the motivation within him.

Director Chad Stahelski embraces all the elements of an action movie in “John Wick: Chapter 4.” The excessive murders, strong villains and feeling of urgency work to the film’s advantage. While John’s story may have come to a satisfying conclusion, side characters and plot threads are still ripe for exploration. The upcoming spinoff, “Ballerina,” starring Ana de Armas, promises to take John Wick’s cinematic universe in exciting new directions. Regardless, this movie demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, receiving well-deserved rave reviews from critics and fans alike. The film realizes its potential and paints the town red with a bold, unforgettable vision and execution.

Keanu Reeves cements his place in action genre with ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ (2024)

FAQs

Keanu Reeves cements his place in action genre with ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’? ›

In “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the stakes are higher than ever before, and John is pushed to his limits as he battles — and kills — countless enemies. The new film is an outstanding addition to the franchise and arguably the best installation to date. Reeves' performance is a testament to his dedication to the character.

What did Keanu Reeves make for John Wick 4? ›

John Wick: Chapter 4 premiered in March 2023 and a huge budget increase saw it become the most expensive film of the franchise. For the fourth instalment, the actor made a whopping $15million (£12million) - seven times what he was paid for the first film nine years earlier.

What is the theme of John Wick 4? ›

John Wick: Chapter 4 is about legacy, history, and taking control of both for one's self, with John asserting forever that him having been a loving husband is far more important to him that his legendary status as the Baba Yaga ever was.

What was the point in John Wick 4? ›

John seeks redemption and peace but faces renewed danger as the High Table places a bounty on his head, leading to a thrilling quest to clear his name. The film features intense duels, a tragic loss, and a satisfying ending, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the future of the John Wick franchise.

Did Keanu do his own stunts in John Wick 4? ›

Summary. Reeves does over 90% of his stunts in the John Wick movies, enhancing the realism and immersive experience for viewers.

Who taught Keanu Reeves to shoot for John Wick? ›

Master shooter Taran Butler was brought in to train Reeves, and by the end of it, Butler declared Reeves the best actor he's ever worked with in regard to his skills with a gun.

How many words did Keanu speak in John Wick 4? ›

A report from The Wall Street Journal reveals that Keanu Reeves' eponymous assassin says only 380 words across 103 lines of dialogue during “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which runs nearly three-hours long with its 169 minute runtime.

Is John Wick 4 good or bad? ›

As much as John Wick: Chapter 4 borrows from the previous films, its immense action set-pieces and general absurdity make this a wholly worthy entry and a fantastic cinematic spectacle.

What's the plot of John Wick 4? ›

Will there be a John Wick 5? ›

John Wick: Chapter 5 is confirmed to be in development despite the ending to John Wick: Chapter 4. The announcement came shortly after the fourth movie's release, with Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Joe Drake revealing that they would begin working on ideas for the next installment.

What is the symbolism of John Wick 4? ›

The John Wick franchise cleverly incorporates mythology into its world and action sequences, drawing parallels to Greek myths like Sisyphus and Baba Yaga. The iconic staircase sequence in John Wick: Chapter 4 reflects the myth of Sisyphus, with Wick constantly pushing forward despite facing futility and punishment.

What is the main message of John Wick? ›

John Wick teaches us that with firm focus, unwavering commitment, and sheer will. One can overcome any challenge and accomplish remarkable feats in life. He is a man of intense focus, determined commitment, and sheer will.

Who is John Wick trying to defeat in John Wick 4? ›

John wants to kill the Marquis, but Winston says that the High Table will simply replace him. Winston suggests that John invoke an old High Table tradition to challenge the Marquis to a duel. Winning would free John of all obligations to the High Table, but he can only request a duel on behalf of a crime family.

Did Keanu Reeves quit John Wick? ›

He longed for a definitive end to the character so he could finally find some respite. "After the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th movie, making these films is so exhausting and it destroys Keanu, physically and emotionally. By the end, he's always like, 'I can't do this again,' and we agree with him.

Who is Keanu Reeves' daughter? ›

How much did Donnie Yen get paid in John Wick 4? ›

However, it's the villains of the film who earned less. Donnie Yen and Shamier Anderson got a paycheck of $300K each for their roles which are yet to be disclosed. And on the other hand, Bill Skarsgård received a salary of only $200K.

Who is the highest paid actor for one movie? ›

Tom Cruise

Who did Keanu Reeves dedicate John Wick 4 to? ›

Keanu Reeves and John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski have dedicated John Wick 4 to the late Lance Reddick, who died Friday of natural causes at age 60.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6120

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.