Movie Review: “John Wick: Chapter 4” represents style over substance in the best way possible

MOVIE REVIEW: JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 (R)

Right out of the gate, let it be said that “John Wick: Chapter 4” is a case of style over substance in the best way possible. It’s excessive, it’s violent, it’s repetitious, and it’s long to be sure but no matter. In the end, it’s a hell of a good time and my goodness is it a stunning achievement in the realm of actioneer craftsmanship. In fact, this is the kind of contemporary action film (it sits right alongside the likes of “The Raid 2,” “Fury Road,” and “Mission: Impossible-Fallout”) that makes a strong argument for the long overdue addition of a stunt coordination category at the Oscars.

In “Chapter 4,” John Wick (once again played by a 100% committed Keanu Reeves) continues his dangerous crusade for freedom following the escalating events that took place in the previous three installments. This is to say, there are more folks out there that want to see Wick dead than alive. Throughout this film, Wick is reunited with familiar faces (including Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and the late, great Lance Reddick, to whom the film has been dedicated) but he also comes face to face with a colorful assortment of new characters (played by the likes of a shifty Donnie Yen, a sleazy Bill Skarsgard, a legendary Clancy Brown, a villainous Scott Adkins,  assassin Shamier Anderson,  honorable Hiroyuki Sanada, and a vengeful Rina Sawayama.) Beyond all the faces, “Chapter 4” delivers what most viewers are expecting in spades; A plethora of gun-fu fights, stylistic visions of a seedy crime underworld, over-the-top action sequences that don’t stop, Wick vs. everyone, and one badass canine.

As helmed by gifted stunt guru-turned-director Chad Stahelski, “John Wick: Chapter 4” is a wildly entertaining, ultra-violent looney tunes cartoon. It ups the absurd factor at nearly every corner and while at this point, most of the more grounded nature of the first installment is but a distant memory, the crazed nature of “Chapter 4” works more often than not in the context of the film. I mean…It’s certainly not likely to win any awards for best screenplay (I’m still a little confused by certain plot elements and character motivations) but then, that’s clearly not this film’s intent. 

“Chapter 4” rejects your average sense of grounded realism and throws the laws of physics completely out the window in the same way that the majority of the “Fast and Furious” films have but for my money, this movie is even more entertaining. Be it the opening hotel sequence (a set piece so epic, most other action films would use it as a climax), the assassins vs. car sequence, the Dragon’s Breath overhead oner, or the insane stairway fight, it’s like the team behind this film looked at the infamous (and appropriately ridiculous) street brawl at the center of John Carpenter’s masterwork, “They Live,” and extended it to nearly three hours. Yes… “John Wick: Chapter 4” pushes the 180-minute mark. That said, there’s such commitment and visual bravado on display that it doesn’t feel that long. 

Anchoring the whole crazy thing is the forever likable Mr. Reeves, a man who even at 58 years old, is still kicking ass and taking names. And in fact, this might be the most physically demanding turn we’ve seen from Theodore “Ted” Logan yet,  and that’s saying a lot given that this is the same dedicated performer we witnessed in celebrated action staples like “Point Break,” “Speed,” and “The Matric” back in the 90s. Beyond the physicality of the proceedings, though, is Reeves’s much-welcome charisma and coolness. Simply put; We root for this guy every step of the way and want to see him win!

Not surprisingly, “John Wick: Chapter 4” has made a massive killing at the box-office but in my humble opinion, it’s a bummer that those numbers are all the higher-ups seem to be focussed on. I get it…Dollar signs often reign supreme in Hollywood but again, it’s the wrong takeaway, here. 

Without going into spoiler territory, “Chapter 4” works as a very fulfilling conclusion for the series. Translation; Have at the inevitable spinoffs (which will include the Ana de Armas vehicle, “Ballerina” as well as the t.v. series, “The Continental”) but it would be a shame (and a downright betrayal) to continue this specific franchise.

The first is still my favorite, but here’s hoping that Lionsgate and the powers-that-be opt to end this series on the high note that is “John Wick: Chapter 4” because, for all its ridiculousness, it’s a truly exhilarating time at the movies.