John Wick: Chapter 4 (9/10)

 

Title - John Wick: Chapter 4
Production - 87Eleven Entertainment, Lionsgate
Starring - Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Bill Skarsgard, Shamier Anderson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rina Sawayama, Clancy Brown, Lance Reddick, Scott Adkins
Writer - Chad Stahelski, Michael Finch, Derek Kolstad
Director - Chad Stahelski
Release - 23 March 2023

The Internet has been teasing the minimal number of words Keanu Reeves spoke in this movie even though he was the main star. But what they have failed to mention and praise, was for how much insane choreography Reeves alone has to do. He was there from the beginning to the end, and the movie was just choreography after choreography. So if Mr. Reeves has to memorize fight choreography rather than lines, that was a fair trade off.

You will not find another better action movie than this (though Tom Cruise is getting someone to hold his beer). Chad Stahelski finally got it just right after a disappointing second and a competent third. As an action movie, the sequences and choreography were balls to the wall throughout.

And not only Reeves, but the whole supporting cast were fantastic; starting with the newcomers in Rina Sawayama and Hiroyuki Sanada. Now, it's never wrong to add Sanada because he brings such class to everything. But pop singer Sawayama was a pleasant surprise. Her sold both her action scenes and her dramatic chops equally well. I would love to see more of her.

Bill Skarsgard played the best villain of the franchise. He brought so much personality to a one dimensional character. I loved how he said, "I like you" when meeting Shamier Anderson's character for the first time. Anderson, too, receiving his moniker "Mr. Nobody" in the storyline, was also another great addition.

But Scott Adkins donning a fat suit a la Tom Cruise's in Tropic Thunder. Almost unrecognizable as well, not only did he bring the action in a fat suit, but he also had so much characterization work in his performance.

But, of course, the best was Donnie Yen. He fit into this franchise like a glove. Just like in Chapter 3 - Parabellum, the only convincing and memorable fight sequence between Wick and any named villains, were the Indonesia duo from the raid. Because not only can they fight and choreograph, but they can act and deliver lines. 

Unlike adversaries from previous movies like Ruby Rose and Common, who were so forgettable; this time, everyone were memorable. Speaking of memorable, there were many scenes in here that were; like the card game, the nunchaku, and (oh my) the stairs. When Wick got to the stairs, I thought, no way, half expecting Mr. Nobody to show up and help him as a redemption arc. But no, Wick like a badass that he is just went full on up those 222 steps.

There were, again, scenes in here that were just outrageous; that left me cheering inside as I witness the fantastical. Ultimately, I was grinning the whole time from start to finish.