John Wick: Chapter 4 has landed and it appears that Keanu Reeves’ ex-hitman is only improving with age, as the franchise receives its best reviews yet. The latest installment has received a 95% positive score on Rotten Tomatoes, while the first, second, and third films received 86%, 89%, and 89%, respectively. Critics are raving about the film, with The Hollywood Reporter saying that Chapter 4 “outdoes its formidable predecessors in nearly every respect.”
The movie, which was released on Friday, sees John Wick being pursued by a global criminal organization called the High Table. It has been called “an all-action blockbuster that really gives its all” by NME’s Jesse Hassenger, while the Evening Standard’s Charlotte O’Sullivan described it as “preposterously enjoyable.” She added, “JW4 is going to be huge and, for me, it’s easily the most satisfying entry of the lot.”
Rolling Stone’s David Fear said that no one could have predicted in 2014 that Wick would “revolutionize American action movies.” He called the film series “deliriously pleasurable” and established itself as the most reliable franchise after Mission: Impossible.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck said that the new chapter is a “pure, over-the-top action spectacle.” He added, “Bigger, badder, bolder, longer, and featuring nearly more spectacular set pieces than one movie can comfortably handle, this epic action film practically redefines the stakes. Reeves commits so thoroughly to the role’s insane physical demands that he should get an award, if not for acting, then merely surviving.”
Critics also praised Reeves’ performance in the film. Justin Chang from the Los Angeles Times said, “Reeves somehow barrels through the picture with equal parts rampaging force and Zen-like cool.” Reeves himself recently told ABC News that it was “cool” and “kind” for some people to be describing the latest film as one of the greatest action movies of all time.
However, the film’s release comes just days after the death of co-star Lance Reddick, who played hotel manager Charon in the franchise. Reeves paid tribute to him on the red carpet at the film’s US premiere on Monday, calling him “a beautiful person, [a] special artist, a man of grace and dignity, and such a passion for his craft.”
Despite the film’s excellent Rotten Tomatoes rating, not all critics enjoyed it. The Guardian’s Charles Bramesco called it an “overlong and overstuffed action sequel.” Empire’s Alex Godfrey said it was “relentlessly violent” and that “action cinema might want to take out a restraining order.”
Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 is receiving high praise from critics and fans alike. With its impressive action sequences, charismatic lead, and excellent reviews, it’s a must-watch for fans of the franchise and action movie lovers in general.
