John Wick: Chapter 4

Director: Chad Stahelski Chad Stahelski

Overview

Directed by Chad Stahelski, the fourth installment of the John Wick franchise focuses on the assassin's ultimate calling, beating The High Table once and for all. But it's not an easy mission, as Wick must first confront a new, dangerous enemy with a massive global network. If he succeeds, he can finally free himself from the shackles of a violent life. The action thriller co-stars Keanu Reeves, Bill Skarsg?rd, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and Donnie Yen.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/09/2023
UPC:	0031398339465
Original Release:	2023
Rating:	R
Source:	Summit Inc/Lionsgate
Language:	English
Time:	2:49:00
Sales rank:	221

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Keanu Reeves	John Wick
Donnie Yen	Caine
Bill Skarsgård	Marquis
Laurence Fishburne	Bowery King
Hiroyuki Sanada	Shimazu
Shamier Anderson	Tracker
Lance Reddick	Charon
Rina Sawayama	Akira
Scott Adkins	Killa
Ian McShane	Winston
Marko Zaror	Chidi
Natalia Tena	Katia
Aimée Kwan	Mia
Clancy Brown	George Georgiou
George Georgiou	The Elder
Vhelma Richardson	Gangster
Brahim Chab	Thug 1
Jackey Mishra	Gangster
Robert Bess	Thug
Selman Iyi	Thug
Mako San	Thug

Technical Credits

Michael Finch

Shay Hatten

Michael Finch	Screenwriter
Shay Hatten	Screenwriter
Erica Lee	Producer
Chad Stahelski	Director,Producer
David Leitch	Executive Producer
Michael Paseornek	Executive Producer
Keanu Reeves	Executive Producer
Louise Rosner	Executive Producer
Basil Iwanyk	Producer

Editorial Reviews

John Wick is back and more bow-legged than ever as Keanu Reeves stumbles through another outing as the titular character. The world's most dangerous assassin John Wick finally comes to a reckoning against The High Table. The original film directed by Chad Stahelski was quick and dirty. Each subsequent installment builds the lore. Now we see the apex of that world-building, and the climax of the film overall is emotionally satisfying. There's an action scene in Japan that's brilliant and long, as well as one in a German nightclub and around a few key scenic French locales. Since this movie is tying up loose ends even as it expands lore, there's much ground to cover. Character development paces things out, but viewers shouldn't go into this movie expecting Shakespeare. It is a longer film at almost three hours, yet it is a treat to the eye, and when the action comes, it is handled with exceptional precision and skill. There are a few good lines here and there, too; though they're generally quite brief. Film technique in play here incorporates classic and original approaches, especially in terms of sweeping panoramic shots. It's easy to see Stahelski has not only developed as a director, but he has also tried things here he's always wanted to in terms of action and cinematography. Special effects are top notch. The film keeps pace with the already stratospheric standards of the franchise. Writers Shay Hatten, Michael Finch, and Derek Kolstad have contrived circumstances for over-the-top international action. Stunts are top-notch. Certainly, there are moments of CGI, but a heroic portion of practical effects make this film doubly engaging. Donnie Yen's blind assassin Caine matches the ferocity and relatability of Reeves's Wick. Lance Reddick as Charon is only in the movie briefly, and the actor's real-life passing in conjunction with Charon's treatment has a bittersweet flavor in context. Laurence Fishburne as the Bowery King brings his usual chemistry with Reeves, Ian McShane is perfect as Winston, Bill Skarsgård does a passable job in his role as Marquis. Shamier Anderson's "Mr. Nobody" seems a bit untethered in terms of his true purpose within the plot, and was perhaps less impacting than was the intention of writers or directors. Even so, his character's inclusion does add a sense of mystique, and as a "tracker," he fulfills a plot role. Perhaps neither Mr. Nobody nor his...shall we say...sidekick were really necessary; but there are a few good moments. Tyler Bates's score accents frenetic action interspersed with character and world-building scenes to help the audience breathe. His score builds tension as the plot barrels toward a poignant climax that's moving but satisfying. Supporting songs fit the film. Eventually, John gets an opportunity to have a fight that can absolve him of his problem with The High Table. Before he can, he must accomplish..."tasks," let's say. John is an assassin. As James Bond has a mission, or Mission Impossible agents have a mission, John must have at least one "task." Rated 'R,' the violence is continuous and entertaining, as are associated profanities. Reeves's performance is exactly what one would expect: monosyllabic, adequate, and stupidly entertaining. The film is great. It's mindless, but it works. There are a few melodramatic plot holes, but it skips the moral posturing and wokeness. Audiences will have fun, as it doesn't take itself too seriously. Even so, as with other entries, there are some astonishingly somber (and accidentally cheesy) moments. As far as sequels goes, many will say this is the best of the three. Those who like John Wick will love this fourth outing into his creatively violent universe.