Rent John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Sadly, proof that going bigger doesn't always mean better. A bloated, overcooked mess of a film - John Wick: Chapter 4 review by TB

Unfortunately, we have now clearly reached the limit of what can be done with the John Wick film series. When the first film came out, it was an unbelievably tightly-edited, brilliantly scripted action film with a great central performance by Reeves which managed to achieve a staggering amount in terms of stunt work, given it's relatively small budget. It was of course extremely successful, which has led to multiple sequels, this one being the third. And, in a really surprising way, Chapters 2 & 3 were both great.

Whilst 2 is my favourite of the whole series, even 3 was absolutely a solid and at times brilliant movie, even with some of its choices. Sadly, Chapter 4 has shown in no uncertain terms that John Wick would do good to keep a very low profile again.

This film is a total mess. The whole mantra of the writers and director seems to be "If bigger is better, then gigantic is perfection." Whilst we have a bigger budget this time around, unfortunately this has only massively increased the problems that were only slightly visible in Chapter 3. The main one, by a country mile, is the length. This film just goes on and on and on and on. Whether it is action scenes (there is a sequence involving a long set of stairs that goes on for over 20 minutes,) or dialogue (a card game which adds nothing to the plot and is again around 15 minutes of running time,) this film just piles on a constant stream of padding.

If I had to characterise it, it is effectively like saying that when they made the first film, they HAD to get it right: the amount of effort to get a new idea off the ground/secure funding, even with an established star, would have been a monumental feat. And then when the sequels were greenlit, there was still an element of "We have to be careful and make sure we create something great." But the attitude now seems to be "We've got loads of money to play with and it doesn't matter what we do, so let's do everything: super-long action scenes, fights which never end and enough exposition to rival War and Peace." And this goes on for almost 3 hours...

Another massive failing is the characters. Whilst Keanu is still very good as Wick, and it's always great to see Ian McShane & Laurence Fishburne on screen, the new additions are mostly a let down. Front & center of this failure is Bill Skarsgård as the Marquis. Skarsgård, who has incredible presence on screen, here quite simply plays a slimy Frenchman. No, I'm not joking, that's it. There is never a hint that he has any assassin skills, which makes his position as the Head of the organisation totally ridiculous & stupid. He is also far too young to be in that position.

Donnie Yen is also wasted as Caine, an old friend of Wick's. As much as the film strains every sinew to make the idea of one of the world's greatest assassins being blind work, it just doesn't, in any way imaginable. This is unintentionally proven in one scene where if a shooter had been targeting Caine & not Wick, he would have been dead.

And that's the other problem this movie has: repeatedly changing allegiances. Characters change their motivations & loyalties at the drop of a hat. But after that has been done more than once, none of their motivations hold any water from then on. Literally, any of the characters can do anything, for any reason & the film just sets it up so that we need to accept it on face value.

It is quite sad in a way that, after 3 amazing films, this is the result of the 4th: stupid decisions, too much action, a rubbish story and a movie crying out for a decent editor to come along & actually cut it to a proper length. But unfortunately, due to the massive box office haul of this film, the chances of major changes happening is slim to none.

Great Action Even If Much The Same - John Wick: Chapter 4 review by GI

Yes it's overlong and when you boil it all down it's more of the same with the action set pieces stretching out just that bit too long. But knowing what these films are like and enjoying them for their sheer entertainment value makes this latest in the series great fun. John Wick (Keanu Reeves) discovers a way to fight back against the 'High Table', the all powerful organisation that seems to control the world, and win his freedom to live in peace. But the path is long and violent as you'd expect, so you just have to buckle up and go along for the ride. It's not the best of the series by any stretch mainly because it relies on recreating what we've all seen before and it's far too much structured like a high class game with the character of John being moved by you the viewer. The Bondian globe trotting gives some great visuals and the soundtrack is great so have the sound turned up. Good solid support cast who are for the most part underused especially Laurence Fishburne. Ian McShane is on the money as always. Overall it's what we've come to expect from a John Wick film, and something a little more original and diverse might have lifted the film but if it's pure adrenaline fuelled action you like then this is where you'll find it.

Long, silly misuse of talent franchise milking. - John Wick: Chapter 4 review by JD

The first 2 films were brilliant with the third being ok.

And through this we have been treated to a fantastic Keanu who earnt huge respect over the internet for his incredible skillz (brought about by a training regime and dedication that won nothing but praise from tactical experts)

This ruins it. Yes Keanu is mighty effective and looks as professional as a professional can be. But... the film is just silly. Its endless, monotonous action scenes of more and more men running at John (and often stood waiting around for there turn to die)

And this leads to the real downer, Keanu looks old and slow. Stunt men are literally left shadow boxing waiting for there turn. Dont get me wrong, Keanu has all the moves, but the film with its OTT action highlights a miss match in filming technique and Keanu's age.

Donny Yen doesnt help here as he is smooth, slick and fast. He moves round his opponents like a greased up snake.

Keanu has earnt the respect of the internet and even tactical experts rain praise on him for his incredible skill at this so its sad to see the film get so silly as to make him look like he is past it (which he isnt)

In short its just to much to stupid action. And the beleivable and respect earning skill Keanu demonstrated in the earlier films is lost.

On the bright side the scene in Paris and the card game are excellent!