“John Wick 4” creates a new summit
I love “John Wick.” This is the fourth and likely final film in the best action franchise of the 2010s. Each sequel has built, and in many ways improved on what came before, resulting in creating one of my all-time favorite film franchises, and that trend continues here with what might be the best of all four films.
“John Wick: Chapter 4,” released on March 24, tells the story of Wick continuing his journey to bring down the corruption in the assassin society in order to clear his name after being labeled excommunicado (rebuked of protection). In this entry, Wick takes it national to seek out old friends for help with a new marquis on his tail.
I have nothing negative to say about this film. Hollywood has pumped out a perfect action film. Few of those exist and fewer are recent, but this and “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” are the gold standard of 21st century action filmmaking. Everything came together just right to create the best version of this story.
Keanu Reeves is one of my favorite human beings and he’s continued to impress me with his action performances. This is the longest film of the four, clocking in at 2 hours and 49 minutes, and therefore has the most action of all four films. You see Reeves the whole time tackling dudes, throwing himself around, performing real combat and kicking butt from beginning to end. Reeves is an awesome actor when you give him the right material and direction, and Wick being a character and franchise he was born to be part of makes the performance genuinely good.
In “John Wick: Chapter 4,” they introduce a handful of new characters that I really enjoyed. The standouts for me were easily Donnie Yen as Caine and Bill Skarsgård as Marquis Vincent de Gramont. The character of Caine is blind but at the same time very athletic and fast while carrying one of the more emotional turmoils of the story. That’s asking so much of an actor and Yen sells all of it seamlessly. Marquis is easily the scariest, most compelling villain in this franchise full of intimidating and powerful antagonists. He’s the most reckless yet the most calculated villain and every moment he has onscreen demands your attention.
I’m not the first and I certainly won’t be the last to marvel at the cinematography in the film. Even for a visually distinct franchise, this film stands out as a genuinely beautiful film to look at. This was achieved by cinematographer Dan Laustsen who has received two Academy Award nominations for his work on Guillermo del Toro’s “Nightmare Alley” and “The Shape of Water.” He’s also worked on del Toro’s “Crimson Peak” and all of the “John Wick” sequels.
Then there’s of course the action and its set pieces. People can debate forever what the best action movie is but this is the most action movie I’ve ever seen. It is all fantastic, and even though the film clocks in at almost three hours, I couldn’t get enough. For the first 45 minutes, it’s set piece after set piece. He turns a corner and he’s immediately in his next big fight. The fights continue to get bigger, and better. My personal favorite is the water rave fight.
This is the best film I’ve had the pleasure to review for the Panther Prowler. Out of all eight issues, two reviews each time, this is the best one. Please go support this film at a movie theater and if you’re not already a fan of this franchise, I highly encourage you to treat yourself. I give this film a 5/5.
“It’s everything the Matrix sequels should have been: great action and giving the fans what they want, while wrapping up the story in a satisfying way.” 4.5/5 – Zohair Ahmed, Senior
“An absolutely phenomenal picture for every factor of not only filmmaking, but entertainment as a whole.” 5/5 – Casey Pardee, Senior
