John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Dir: Chad Stahelski
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Usually, by the fourth installment of a franchise, the quality of the films has dropped off and the stories feel lazy. This fourth chapter in director Chad Stahelski's is a phenomenal exception to the rule.
He has managed to consistently produce riveting storytelling and gripping action in each of the four films, mixing a range of styles, aesthetics and themes to create an eclectic and thrilling set of neo-noir action epics.
Stahelski clearly has been influenced by a range of combat styles, including Hong-Kong kung-fu, John Woo's "gun-fu", Samurai-inspired kendo, Western standoffs, as well as a wide array of mixed martial arts disciplines.
The result of this is a series of varied, intense and enthralling action scenes with incredibly fluid sequences, matched by equally stunning camera shots, that mean this film has some of the best all-round action of any film I've seen. Furthermore, the cinematography of this film is beautiful, with lighting being a particular strength, as it has been throughout the franchise.
Most films that near 3 hours fatigue me mentally, but Stahelski manages to tow the fine line between action and dialogue expertly. The narrative flows very nicely, thanks to some satisfying pacing, with a number of smaller acts feeding the definitive arc along the way.
Keanu Reeves doesn't do much talking in this film, it's all about the fighting. And his intense training over the course of this franchise pays off as his action scenes are arguably better than ever. He uses his body language to tell a story better than most dialogue, and conveys some intense emotions.
Legendary star of Asian action films Donnie Yen provides the most deadly foil for Reeves thus far. Not only does he use his vast experience to sell his character's threat, he manages to use his character's supposed weakness as a way to make him memorable and unique, and arguably even more deadly.
Bill Skarsgård initially confused me as a casting choice for the film's antagonist. However, it did actually make sense with the story. The only thing I did take issue with, was his French accent, which was a little weak at times.
Ian McShane has been a mainstay of the franchise since the beginning, and has been consistently one of the best characters along the way. That doesn't change here, although he clearly takes much more of a backseat in this fourth inclusion. Despite this, he still shows why he is such a strong actor with this role, particularly due to some truly great moments of emotion.
One of my favourite performances came from franchise newcomer Shamier Anderson. His character could easily have felt a bit forced or unnecessary, but ultimately, I think he provided a performance that elevated his subplot, and potentially even sets up his character for more appearances in the franchise.
I also want to give praise to the rest of the supporting cast, whom all did excellently for the most part; franchise minstays Laurence Fishburne and the late Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Hiroyuki Sanada, Marko Zaror and Scott Adkins.
Overall, this is yet another action phenomena from Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves that left me invested, excited and, most of all, entertained. I adore this franchise, and can't wait to see what comes out of this franchise next.
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