The fourth installment of the John Wick franchise picked up from where the 3rd dropped off. This movie was a symphony of high-quality action. Director Chad Stahelski put together an adrenalin rush feast fest. Watching Chapter 3 I remember thinking, 'This film keeps escalating, I don't see how they can keep topping the previous scene' and then it kept topping the previous scene. On that rising hill, Chapter 4 keeps climbing, topping not only the last film but escalating and topping itself, scene after scene. Keanu Reeves was at his best as the John Wick character as he seeks to rid himself of the global organization of killers' grip on his freedom. The villains in this movie outdid every previous villain and antagonist in every way. More brutal, more entertaining, more threatening, and harder to kill.
The introduction of Donnie Yen as Caine gave John his most challenging protagonist. Not only were they equally matched but both men had motivations that for the first time would split the audience of who was most deserving. This was a strange feeling because we have three movie character buildups with John Wick and in just a few scenes of clever dialogue and emotional tethering, Caine became a character to root for and admire.
Hiroyuki Sanada as Shimazu gave a riveting performance. Honor personified and a kiss-ass boss of a man. Along with Rina Sawayama, a Japanese singer/songwriter who stole the show with her ability to thrill with her physicality in her fight scenes. The last stand out from the film was Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick. Every single moment, though brief, was compelling and impactful.
Last but not least, what would a John Wick film be without a faithful K-9 companion? Introducing Shamier Anderson as Tracker (aka Nobody). This man plays a smooth-operating, very disciplined, and calculating gunner with a unique ability to find anyone anywhere. His close friend (the dog) was able to top both Halie Berry's pooches from chapter 3 and Wicks's pitbull by just being overall capable to take more punishment and stalk its targets like a supernatural demon. Though the puppy from chapter one is still the cutest, Trackers dog was a close second for the simple fact that he was able to drive his victims nuts.
I believe that this will be the most successful installment because it is most definitely the most entertaining. If I were to rank it now, it's Chapters 1, 4, 2, and 3 as far as best film/story. If I were to rank the fun factors it's 4, 1, 3, 2. Where do you rank this film? Let me know if the comment section or on social media @t3medias. I'll be seeing this movie as many times as I can while it is in theaters and I recommend you do too. Don't forget to check out our full spoiler review Thursday, March 30, 2023, on Youtube on Th3 Rundown live show.