John Wick: Chapter 4 movie review

MOVIE TITLE: John Wick Chapter 4

This action thriller movie releases in theaters on March 24, 2023.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 2 hours 49 minutes (This is LONG! In fact, it’s the longest John Wick movie ever.)

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

If you’re a fan of the John Wick franchise like I am, you can’t get enough. Time for more! This addition to the story features the uncovering of a new plan to defeat the High Table. Before John Wick can gain his freedom from this life of crime, he must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

The stylish film was directed by Chad Stahelski. The writers include Shay Hatten, Michael Finch, and Derek Kolstad.

THINGS I LIKED:

Who doesn’t adore Keanu Reeves? He’s beloved because he’s a total stud and a really nice guy in real life. He wanted to do as many of the action sequences himself as possible, so he spent 12 weeks in training for martial arts and stunt driving! What a guy.
The movie brings back some franchise favorites such as Ian McShane and Laurence Fishburne, as well as some new villains and allies: Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Clancy Brown, Natalia Tena, and Rina Sawayama.
John Wick movies are known for their incredible choreographed fight scenes. The creativity of this movie’s action sequences does not disappoint. The stunt team is amazing. The John Wick franchise really has set the standard for amazing fight scenes.
A blind fighter? Wow! That made for some entertaining fight scenes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before!
Ah man, that fight scene on the 222 stairs! AAAAH!
We get to travel all over the world in this movie. I always love that.
Amidst all of the killing, there is a lot of humor.
Fun fact: The Paris subway scene was filmed in a station that the city keeps available to filmmakers. It’s called “Porte des Lilas.” I’ll be there this summer!
Fun fact 2: The movie’s scene in the desert was the same place where they filmed Lawrence of Arabia!
There’s a scene that features the dragon’s breath shotgun, which was inspired by a 2019 video game called “Hong Kong Massacre.”
I absolutely love bird’s-eye view, one-shot sequences. The one in this movie is crazy-good.
There’s a tender moment when John Wick reveals what he wants to be written on his tombstone if and when he ever dies.
Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end for another quick scene.
Fans of the franchise will be happy to know that a TV series on the Peacock channel will soon tell the backstory of how Winston go the assassins hotel as a prequel.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

One of the most unrealistic fight scenes is held among dancing Millennials and Gen Z’ers. Why is is unrealistic, you ask? Because all of the dancers would have stopped what they were doing to pull out their cell phones and video everything to upload to TikTok! ha ha
While the action sequences are ridiculously awesome, it’s hard to believe that so many trained assassins missed so many close-up shots.
No spoilers: Do you believe the ending?

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

This movie is not appropriate for children.
EXTREME violence
Various weapons
Blood
Profanity, including F-bombs

THEMES:

Loyalty
Friendship
Patience
Alliances
Revenge
Family

FUNNY LINES:

* “I’m going to kill all.” – John Wick (Keanu Reeves)

“We found him once; we can find him again.” – Marquis (Bill Skarsgard) “Is that before or after he puts you in the ground.” – Tracker (Shamier Anderson)

“Why don’t you just die?” – Fat guy speaking to John Wick

“How’d you get this?” – John Wick (Keanu Reeves” “Let’s just say I know a guy who knows a guy who shot a guy.” –

INTERESTING LINES:

* “Have you ever given any thought to where all of this ends?” – Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada)

“Friendship means very little when it’s convenient.” – Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada)
“What do you get out of this, Winston?” – John Wick “What you are so good at getting: revenge.” – Winston (Ian McShane)
“How you do anything is how you do everything.” – Winston (Ian McShane)
“A man without purpose is nothing.” – Marquis (Bill Skarsgard)
“A man’s ambition should never exceed his worth.” – Harbinger (Clancy Brown)