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John Wick: Chapter 4
(Lionsgate Films)
By Lucas Allen
After a four-year break, unstoppable assassin John Wick returns to the screen with his high-caliber arsenal and bulletproof-armored suit in the next installment, “John Wick: Chapter 4.” We’ve seen him on a quest of vengeance over a cute puppy dog, stacking up an endless body count, traveling the world, and making both bullets and fists fly. For returning director Chad Stahelski, it’s also the turning point in this already legendary franchise that helps to redefine what action movies are all about.
Still on the run, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is hiding underground with his only ally, the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), readying himself for the battles ahead. However, his past actions have incurred the wrath of the leader of the High Table, the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgard), who condemns the New York Continental, putting the hotel’s manager Winston (Ian McShane) out of a job. Meanwhile, Wick travels to Tokyo and to the Osaka Continental, where he tries to get some help from its manager Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada). He ends up in a one-on-one duel with blind swordsman Caine (Donnie Yen), whom the High Table hired in exchange for giving him and his daughter their freedom.
It soon becomes clear for Wick that to have his freedom, he’ll have to challenge the Marquis to an ancient duel to the death. But first, he has to go to Berlin to get himself reinstated into the society by killing the overweight mob boss Killa (Scott Adkins). Afterwards, he travels to Paris for the ultimate showdown, but before that could happen, the Marquis has an ace up his sleeve when he unleashes every assassin on his pay grade including a tracker named Mr. Nobody (Shamier Anderson) for a hunting game. Soon enough, Wick has until sunrise to survive the night and earn his freedom.
At nearly three hours, the movie can sometimes drag out its story, with a lot of action and exposition to sit through. We’re already so numb from these stylish violent scenes, especially from comedies like “Nobody” and “Violent Night” that they could be boring the more they keep going. As impressive as the fight sequences are, they could’ve used some tightening in the editing.
But if you can get past those issues with the length, the movie can be seen as an epic and grand finale to the character’s story. Sure, it’ll leave you wanting more as usual, which is why we’re getting the spin-off film Ballerina and series “The Continental” coming up next. However, it’s more important to call this one a real turning point in this franchise like it’s “Avengers: Endgame” when it finishes this story arc that started way back in 2014.
In fact, the last hour is devoted to this jaw-dropping battle in Paris that starts at the Arc de Triomphe and ends on the steps to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. With so much carnage displayed on screen, you’ll be out of breath by the time you get to the last showdown at the actual church’s entrance. It’s also the most worthwhile part of the movie and the best finale this series could possibly imagine.
Despite being given fewer lines than before, Reeves’ stoic and angry demeanor continues to shine through his character. Not to mention, his commitment to do most of his own stunts remains wholly brilliant. Among the new cast members, Yen is absolutely MVP with his slick movements with his sword, while Skarsgard oozes villainy wonderfully. Both Fishburne and McShane also get to shine among the returning cast members though fans will feel the poignant sadness with Lance Reddick’s Charon considering the actor’s recent death.
No matter how you feel about its running time (or its ending), “John Wick: Chapter 4” is sure to be a hit with action lovers and those looking for a great time at the movies. Of course, it wouldn’t be a John Wick movie without all the bone-crunching, blood-spilling, and bullet-shooting mayhem you’ve come to expect. Its true testament is that it’s worth the full ticket price.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for pervasive strong violence and some language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
