Chapter 1. Then Chapter 2. And then Chapter 3: Parabellum.
Yes, I did just share links to the other three reviews of the John Wick series straight off. The absolute balls on him I hear you say.
But I’m dealing with the best action series I’ve ever seen, so it seems fitting.
I could suggest it’s a big claim when you’ve got films like Die Hard, or Predator, or Undisputed 3.
But has any film series with four entries been this consistent? I’d happily accept each instalment being your favourite. Everyone rightly knows them for the gun play, close quarters combat, and lack of cuts. But there’s so much more.
Chapter 4 is epic, leaning on myth, legend, and a healthy dose of emotion to raise the stakes to new levels. I’m still thinking about it days later. The success of each film has brought the next one a bigger budget, and you can see that it’s been used on tangible parts that matter. One set piece – highly reminiscent of the John Wick Hex game – must have been a logistical nightmare. Completely worth it though. The choreography wouldn’t look half as good if it wasn’t lit well in fantastically designed environments. The soundtracks are strong (some great gym music), whilst each story is filled to the brim with amazing performers.
It’s amazing to see Scott Adkins and Marko Zaror get their time to shine in a huge film. Then there’s Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada bringing skill and sheer damn coolness to proceedings.
The only way to describe the action is stunning. Fights aren’t just the hero slugging it out with randoms. They show finesse, care, and a touch of humour too. Every beat counts. The uninterrupted takes allow us to see everything. It also lets us know the actors are really doing it, which forms a particularly special connection with the audience. And at this point they’re just showing off, which they fully deserve to do! I want to see Reeve’s driving skills. I want to see his grappling and gun skills. And I ABSOLUTELY want to see him pick up some nunchuks and cockily do some tricks.
This film is operating at such a high level that a great fight between Keanu Reeves and Scott Adkins is its weakest moment. A ridiculous thing really, but I am extremely happy for Adkins to finally be getting some of the attention he deserves.
The fourth John Wick film maintains the high standards of it’s predecessors, and arguably raises them higher. It’s such a cool film and moves along so well that the long run time is meaningless. I could nitpick but I don’t care enough. This film is a beautiful wave of violence, and I can’t wait to see it again.
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