★★★★
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’ 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 any moral posturing. 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.
