John Wick- Chapter 4_ Movie Review

With its marvellous screenplay and clutch of fine performances, John Wick: Chapter 4, directed by Chad Stahelski from a script by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, is a fittingly flamboyant and fast-paced finale that packs a massive punch. It's hard to believe that a nearly three-hour movie could be so fun, but John Wick: Chapter 4 is one of the most entertaining films of recent years.

The film relies on relentless action and stunning stunts to ensure that it never hits a dull patch. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen's fabulously fluid camerawork is a key cog in a film that thrives on manic momentum and movement.

Keanu Reeves delivers another stoic and impactful performance as John Wick, the titular hitman with an ever-increasing price on his head. His elegantly executed, viscerally violent thriller has him taking on Marquis Vincent de Gramont (a terrifically chilling Bill Skarsgard), a ruthless and ambitious villain who draws his power from his network of international links and will let nobody pose a challenge to him.

De Gramont makes his intentions clear early in the film: he wants John Wick dead. However, he goes even further than that. He asserts that he isn't out to eliminate John Wick but to "kill the idea of John Wick". He wants to destroy "everyone the idea has touched", he says. The Harbinger (Clancy Brown), the High Table functionary who lays down the ground rules for a fight to the finish in keeping with the old ways, reminds Marquis de Gramont: "A man's ambition should not exceed his worth." The latter recognises no such limits either to his ambition or his worth.

The film's first major burst of action occurs at the Osaka Continental, where manager Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada) has allowed John Wick to hide. This long-drawn-out and bloody fight sequence involves the active participation of the blind assassin Caine (Donnie Yen), Koji's daughter Akira (Rina Sawayama), and Marquis de Gramont's right-hand man Chidi (Marko Zaror).

These twenty-odd minutes of heady action serve to set the tone for the rest of the film and give the tale the sort of heft that sends expectations soaring. That John Wick: Chapter 4 never falls short of what the audience anticipates is a genuine marvel.

As the excommunicated John Wick travels across the world - from New York to Osaka, Paris, and Berlin - and constantly fights off adversaries and friends-turned-foes in his bid to wrest back his freedom from the High Table, the lead actor's sturdy cloak of unflappability accentuates the high-octane film's galvanic energy.

In an era marked by a preponderance of Hollywood superhero films that have rendered genuine action heroes redundant, John Wick: Chapter 4 is an unabashedly old-school, full-blooded actioner that creates space for a reinvention of the genre in many significant ways.

The film is insanely entertaining and replete with elaborately choreographed action sequences, dizzyingly kinetic shootouts and chases, and boundlessly vibrant set pieces that come together in a way so miraculous that it makes everything look absolutely and consistently worthwhile. Even when one tends to wonder if a tighter edit might have been in order, the film never fails to deliver.

Especially impressive is the superbly written climax staged in front of the Sacre-Couer Basilica in Paris, a potent and smart final act that showcases the best of the film's dynamics. Stahelski, who has helmed all four films of the franchise fast-paced proceedings. But it is the brilliantly choreographed action scenes that truly steal the show. From the opening sequence set in the Osaka Continental to the final showdown in Paris, each action set piece is meticulously crafted and executed with jaw-dropping precision.

The film's cinematography by Dan Laustsen is another standout element. The camera work is fluid and dynamic, seamlessly following the action as it unfolds. The use of vivid colors and lighting also adds to the film's overall aesthetic appeal.

But perhaps the greatest strength of John Wick: Chapter 4 is its ability to deliver non-stop, adrenaline-fueled action while still maintaining a compelling narrative. The film's plot is intricately woven, with multiple storylines converging to create a thrilling and satisfying conclusion.

At the heart of the story is John Wick himself, a complex and enigmatic character whose motivations are often shrouded in mystery. Reeves delivers a nuanced and powerful performance, bringing depth and emotional resonance to a character that could have easily been reduced to a one-dimensional action hero.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Bill Skarsgard is chilling as the film's primary antagonist, Marquis de Gramont, while Ian McShane brings a sense of gravitas and world-weariness to his role as the manager of the New York Continental Hotel. Rina Sawayama also shines in her debut film role as Akira, the daughter of the Osaka Continental's manager.

Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a masterclass in action filmmaking. It combines heart-pumping action with a well-crafted plot and a strong cast of characters to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. With its stunning visuals, exhilarating fight scenes, and charismatic lead, this film is a must-see for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a tour-de-force that delivers on all fronts. It is a worthy addition to the franchise and a testament to the power of great action cinema. If you're looking for a thrilling and unforgettable movie experience, look no further than this cinematic gem.