John Wick: Chapter 4: Violent, Vibrant, and Masterful
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a cinematic spectacle that takes the popular action franchise to new heights. Director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves have created a visually stunning and relentlessly thrilling movie that will leave you breathless. Clocking in at a whopping 169 minutes, John Wick 4 takes action to a whole new level!
Taking place after the events of John Wick: Chapter 3, Keanu Reeves shines once again as the taciturn hitman seeking revenge and freedom from The High Table. The action sequences are visceral and skillfully choreographed, with each set piece filmed in a stunning location – in New York, Osaka, Berlin and Paris. Despite the lack of dialogue, Reeves’ mesmeric presence and the expertly crafted action sequences make up for it. The film is stylishly over the top, with camera movements, pounding music, and flashing lights all incorporated seamlessly into the movie.
Keanu Reeves, of course, is the star of the film, and he doesn’t disappoint. Reeves performs most of his own stunts and showcases his physical prowess with a variety of weapons and styles, from nunchucks to Judo to jujitsu. The fight scenes are choreographed with precision and creativity, and you’ll be left in awe of Reeves’ dedication to his craft.
The cinematography alone is enough to leave you breathless. Every scene is a visual masterpiece, with vibrant colours and bold imagery that will make your heart race. The neo-noir genre has never looked better on the big screen, and you’ll be left mesmerised by the stunning visuals that look like they’ve been pulled straight out of an art gallery.
But it’s not just the visuals that make this film a must-see. The cast is outstanding, with each actor bringing their A-game to the table. Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Scott Adkins are all action legends in their own right, and they make their much-anticipated debut in this film. Bill Skarsgard also delivers a menacing performance as the villain, while Shamier Anderson and newcomer Rina Sawayama leave us wanting more of their characters.
The supporting cast of fascinating characters adds emotional heft and heightens the intensity of the fights. Akira, the fighter aggrieved by the death of her father, blind assassin Caine, and Mr Nobody, the tracker with his “emotional support” dog, are just a few examples of the intriguing characters in this neo-noir cinematic world.
But it’s not just about the action. The film also has a sharp and atmospheric storyline that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The sound is top-notch and perfectly complements the intensity of the action, while the musical score adds to the adrenaline rush and enhances the mood and tension of each scene. The poetry of blood-spilling and the striking choreography is accompanied by a pulsating score created by Tyler Bates and Joel J Richard.
The rumoured $100 million budget of John Wick 4 is evident in the luxurious locations and extravagant set pieces. Stahelski and Reeves have been given carte blanche to do exactly what they wanted, and the result is a wonderfully watchable movie.
Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a love letter to action filmmaking that every action cinema lover must watch. It’s a sensory journey that you don’t get in too many action films, and it’s an experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It embraces the chaos and style that made its predecessors so popular while pushing viewers to their limits. This film is a masterpiece, and it sets the bar for what action in Hollywood should be.
Final Verdict: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
