The fourth and final installment of the John Wick franchise, John Wick: Chapter 4, delivers a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the saga of the legendary assassin. Directed by Chad Stahelski, who helmed all the previous films, and starring Keanu Reeves as the titular character, the film is a masterclass of action filmmaking that combines stunning choreography, inventive set pieces, and emotional stakes.
The film picks up where John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum left off, with John on the run from the High Table, the shadowy organization that rules the underworld. He seeks help from old allies and new friends, such as Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada), the head of the Osaka Continental, and Caine (Donnie Yen), a blind assassin who shares a history with John. Meanwhile, the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård), a ruthless leader of the High Table, is determined to eliminate John and anyone who stands in his way, including Winston Scott (Ian McShane), the manager of the New York Continental.
The film does not waste any time in getting to the action, as John faces off against hordes of enemies in various locations around the world. The fight scenes are breathtakingly executed, showcasing John’s skills in hand-to-hand combat, gun-fu, knife-fu, and even horse-fu. The film also pays homage to classic action films, such as The Raid, Hard Boiled, and The Matrix, by featuring some of their stars and influences. The film also introduces some new elements to the franchise, such as cybernetic enhancements, futuristic weapons, and a mysterious cult.
The film also balances the action with humor and heart, as John encounters characters who have a personal connection to him or his past. Some of these characters provide comic relief, such as Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King, who supplies John with gadgets and witty remarks. Others provide emotional depth, such as Shamier Anderson as an assassin who idolizes John and wants to prove himself. The film also explores John’s motivations and regrets, as he faces his demons and tries to find redemption.
The film culminates in a climactic showdown between John and the Marquis at the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris, where they engage in a brutal and epic duel that tests their physical and mental limits. The film also wraps up the loose ends of the franchise, giving closure to John’s arc and his relationship with other characters. The film ends on a note that is both satisfying and bittersweet, leaving the audience with a sense of awe and admiration for John Wick.
John Wick: Chapter 4 is a fitting end to one of the best action franchises of all time. It delivers everything that fans have come to expect from the series: exhilarating action, compelling characters, and a rich mythology. It also offers something new and unexpected: a poignant and powerful message about the cost of violence and the value of life. It is a film that will leave you breathless, moved, and entertained.
You can watch the trailer for John Wick Chapter 4
Check out its IMDB page here.
