Mr. Wick, we've been waiting. A full four years have passed since "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" graced our screens. Now, director Chad Stahelski and actor Keanu Reeves are back with "John Wick: Chapter 4.” The film was initially set to release almost two years prior. Rest assured, the delay has done nothing to dampen the thrill - quite the opposite.
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"John Wick: Chapter 4" plunges us straight back into the frenetic action with Wick (Reeves), once again on the run. He faces the looming menace of the High Table. At the forefront of his adversaries stands the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård), the High Table's cunning puppeteer. Gramont continues to increase the bounty on Wick's life. Simultaneously, he attempts to eradicate traces of his wrongdoings, including a threat to Winston Scott's (Ian McShane) life.
The initial scenes transport us to Japan, where Wick seeks assistance from the head of the Osaka Continental, Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada), and finds himself face-to-face with a deadly blind assassin named Caine (played by the formidable Donnie Yen). Not to forget, we also see Laurence Fishburne resurface occasionally as Wick's go-to for bulletproof suits. In essence, despite its 169-minute length, the plot brings back the singular focus we loved in the first film - John Wick versus his adversaries. And, oh, what a spectacle it is!
The action in "John Wick: Chapter 4" is a marvel, a testament to Stahelski's genius. What makes this film's fight sequences truly stand out is the masterful blend of urgency and artistry. Unlike many directors who often sacrifice suspense for spectacle, Stahelski and his team strike a remarkable balance. These aren't your typical shootouts. They are battles where John Wick takes on an army of underestimating opponents, delivering thrill and drama without losing their momentum.
Moreover, the stakes in these confrontations are well defined. One can easily discern what Wick must do and who he must conquer to complete his mission. This simplicity allows for more intricate choreography, keeping us on the edge of our seats as we anticipate Wick's next move. The "Wick" series continues to impress us with its straightforward, yet thrilling action sequences that keep us invested in Wick's journey.
The choreography in "John Wick: Chapter 4" is nothing short of awe-inspiring. One memorable scene has Wick taking on Scott Adkins and his cohort of goons in a packed nightclub. Despite the chaos, the crowd carries on, oblivious to the deadly dance unfolding around them. Equally enthralling is a later showdown at the Arc de Triomphe, where the city's traffic continues unabated, adding another layer of tension and intrigue to the action.
This film also delivers what we can call 'Action Geography'. The film's amazing cinematographer, Dan Laustsen, works seamlessly with Stahelski to create clean, unambiguous action sequences that are as brutal as they are breathtaking. The stunts are outstanding, and every shootout feels more like a well-rehearsed dance than a mere plot device.
The brilliant casting is another factor that adds to the film's success. Despite having minimal dialogue, Reeves delivers a compelling performance, portraying Wick's desperation and fatigue convincingly. He has refined Wick's character, stripping away unnecessary elements to fit into this streamlined narrative. In the supporting cast, Yen and Anderson stand out, delivering commendable performances that truly shine.
While "John Wick: Chapter 4" is near flawless, there are moments of narrative self-indulgence that could have been trimmed down for a tighter narrative. But such minor flaws do little to detract from the overall experience.
Ultimately, "John Wick: Chapter 4" is a film that demands to be watched in a cinema filled with an enthusiastic audience, letting the contagious energy of the action fill the room. In a world dominated by streaming, it reminds us why we love going to the theater - the sheer thrill of witnessing the marvel of cinema on the big screen. And if anyone has earned that big screen experience, it's John Wick.
