FilmSnobReviews

Title: John Wick: Chapter 4
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Chad Stahelski
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Donnie Yen
Runtime: 2 hrs 49 mins

What It Is: HE’S BACK. After being ex-communiacado John Wick (Reeves) is in search of a way to clear himself. To get out. The Table however will not just anyone leave without consequence. Now John seeks shelter from the Marquis (Bill Skarsgard) who’s determined to end the life of John Wick whatever the cost…monetarily or in bodies. Meanwhile Winston the hotel manager seeks revenge for the destruction of his hotel at the Marquis hands…well the explosions those hands caused.

What We Think: Once again Chad Stahelski shows he may very well be the best action director working. Some of the shots in this (looking at you church chase) are simply stellar, game-changing ways to shoot action scenes. Keanu embodies Wick with such a laissez-faire attitude towards what looks like his impending doom. Donnie Yen belongs in this series. Period. He takes his character Cain and makes something that needs to continue in this series going forward. Without a doubt this is the years best action film. Tom Cruise…balls in your court. One thing that’s often lost in action films isn’t lost here is how gorgeously the film is shot. The neon, the use of darkness it’s all so well put together to make a film that’s equally as stylish as it is substantial.

Our Grade: A-, Equal parts thrilling and violent this series can keep going if it wants but I really don’t find it necessary. Let the sleeping dog lie. Leave it be. In the mean time everyone should check this film out. It has all the charm one would expect from these dumb action films while also not being a dumb action film. World building continues to be a strength here and it is that world, if you’re familiar with it, that makes this all the more a thrilling adventure with our gun-toting assassin…fully suited of course.