Time has passed since we last saw John (Keanu Reeves), and he is living secretly underground with the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne). John continues to train his body and contemplate his next move against The High Table. At the same time, we learn that Winston (Ian McShane) has been stripped of his duties, and his Continental Hotel is destroyed by the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård), a member of The High Table. The Marquis blames Winston for failing to kill John Wick even when he had the power and opportunity to do so.
Meanwhile, John resurfaces and visits an old friend named Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada), who manages the Osaka Continental. The support and assistance he seeks from Shimazu is short-lived though before the hotel and its guests are attacked. John is instantly forced back into wild action. Now John will be required to go up against some of the most dangerous people in the organisation, as well as being forced to go up against one of the most dangerous people he once knew- Caine. A retired, blind assassin, Caine (Donnie Yen) is highly dangerous, skilled and determined to finish his assignment to kill John Wick in order to save his daughter.
If you are unaware, John Wick: Chapter 4 heavily focuses on action. With each instalment, the series has successfully managed to heighten its action level, and I’m excited to say this franchise continues to please in this department. Action sequences are highly entertaining, fast-paced, creative and jaw-dropping. Not only do we see actor Keanu Reeves display that he still has what it takes, but he joins several other action stars who are equally impressive and fun, including the legendary Donnie Yen as Caine.
As for the plot, I was highly engaged as I witnessed the next chapter unfolding. This is John’s last and final attempt to obtain revenge on The High Table as well as gain his freedom and peace once and for all. Along with John, there are other characters with high stakes. Like John, they will do whatever it takes to ensure they achieve their goals. While the film is just under three hours long, I was surprised to find how quickly it went, and the lengthy duration was thankfully not noticeable at any point.
Like the past film, John Wick: Chapter 4 includes an exciting soundtrack consisting of techno beats and fast music. The general audio design and sound effects are also stunning and enjoyable. Visually it was excellent, and even the fast-paced action was easy to follow and, again, highly pleasing. As for disappointment, I only have one major issue with the film, and it relates to the main villain, who comes across as more spoilt than a worthy contender. Sadly, the villain is given a solid amount of screen time, and at various points, it weakens the film ever so slightly.
Overall, I walked away from this John Wick film feeling extremely entertained. It’s a franchise that has improved and heightened the story and action areas over multiple films. As a finale, this is easily the greatest film within the series. The action is, again, impressive, jaw-dropping, wild and downright fun. Characters are deepened and developed as John continues on his mission. The stakes for him and the other characters are equally compelling. The film’s score once again doesn’t disappoint, and both the visuals and sound effects are perfectly completed, easily making this film one of the greatest action features of the year.
9.5/10
6th May June July August September 2023
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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