John Wick: Chapter 4

Another one? Well you could say my first impression when the fourth film to John Wick wasn't exactly an embodiment of excitement having not been too impressed with Chapter 3 which felt like it took the series a little too far out of reality for my taste as it expanded on its universe. Yet when news came that critics were enjoying this and fans were rushing to the cinema as it dominated the box office, I felt maybe I shouldn't write this off so soon.

John Wick: Chapter 4 see Keanu Reeves charging through the desert at the start in search of his wedding ring and killing one too many high ranking officials from the High Table which has severe consequences back in New York, leading to a new target painted on his back by Bill Skarsgård's Marquis; the new main baddie. Enter in a new cast of professional killers with their eye on the prize, hoping to spoil John Wick's day.

The plot of Chapter 4 is certainly light and often a little convoluted to follow as John is sent to do X because of Y but the reason is often vague. I also found the films as they've gone along to be handicapped by their simplicity at the start while gradually expanding with more and more new characters who all seem to have a close relationship with our leading man without even being mentioned until whatever film requires their appearance, which gives the notion that the filmmakers have been making it up as they go along. It's not a huge issue but there is a slight sense the story had been going in circles while more attention was given to the action sequences but, oh my, do they deliver!

Coming up with more new and exciting ways to see Wick put his skills to use, Chapter 4 more than makes up for the background story in favour of its action that is a fusion of inventive moments that flow throughout the film. These rarely get old and director Chad Stahelski and his talented team do a fantastic job of keeping it all fresh and entertaining in a film that runs close to three hours. It's very impressive, as is Reeves who continues to shine in a role seemingly made for him despite an oddly sparse amount of dialogue. 

Speaking of dialogue, one of my favourite moments in the original was the scene where Wick is tied to the chair and he says "Yeah I think I'm back" with such brooding intensity during his exchange with Michael Nyqvist but there sadly isn't any of that passionate interaction really here. Wick just goes through the motions. The story moves along pretty well but Skarsgård, who is great with what he's given, just feels like another villain with little to distinguish him from the Italian copy seen in Chapter 2 when I feel we needed something more personal. 

These are ultimately all minor gripes as the rest of the film is a blast thanks to a colourful cast of characters with Donnie Yen, Shamier Anderson, Hiroyuki Sanada and Rina Sawayama who all help boost this film high above my expectations. The upcoming spin-off Ballerina with Ana de Armas sounds intriguing but I hope it incorporates some of the news faces introduced here. The returning Ian McShane and Laurence Fishburne enjoy smaller appearances here but a special mention should go to the late, great Lance Riddick who has always added a touch of class to all of these films and will be missed. 

Chapter 4 has its problems but I never once felt the duration of the film as it swiftly shoots-up one location to the next with such style that will have fans watching with a smile on their face. It is a real crowd pleaser and has won me over following Chapter 3 which I might even revisit. Fans of the assassin will find plenty to enjoy here in a franchise that has brought the action genre forward and I hope it's not the last we will see of Mr. Wick.