“John Wick: Chapter 4” Review Round-Up: Bigger, Badder, Bolder

If any current franchise out there rivals Mission: Impossible and Fast & Furious for the sheer audacity of their action set pieces, it is John Wick. The series, centered on Keanu Reeves’ un-retirable hitman, is set to release its fourth chapter, and critics are saying it’s the craziest, biggest, boldest installment yet. How good is John Wick: Chapter 4? IndieWire‘s Rafael Motamayor writes that it’s the best action blockbuster since Mad Max: Fury Road. Considering Fury Road is widely considered the best action blockbuster of the 21st century, this is not a minor statement.

Wick’s rival in John Wick: Chapter 4 is Bill Skarsgård’s villain Marquis de Gramont, and he’ll be sending a legion of top-flight assassins after our humble, un-killable hero, who will once again be deploying the gun-fu style he’s been honing for years now. Director Chad Stahelski returns to shepherd the mayhem in Chapter 4, with Marquis de Gramont offering Wick his freedom, but only if he can defeat foes from across the world who appear as skilled in the deadly arts as he is. The set-up lets Wick prep for the big match like a boxer preparing for his title fight. You want nunchucks, car chases, battles on horseback, fighting with axes and swords? Chapter 4 brings all that and more.

Chapter 4 was written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch. Joining Reeves and Skarsgård are Ian McShane, Donnie Yen (who critics are saying is the film’s standout), Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, and Scott Adkins.

Now, let’s take a quick peek at what the critics are saying:

For more on the John Wick franchise, check out these stories:

“John Wick: Chapter 4” Trailer Finds Keanu Reeves Back in Black

Keanu Reeves to Return as John Wick in Ana de Armas-led Spinoff “Ballerina”

John Wick 3 Costume Designer Conjures Elegance Amid the Carnage

Featured image: Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick 4. Photo Credit: Murray Close

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