The Best And Worst Things In John Wick 4

"John Wick: Chapter 4" has arrived with its most unstoppable assassin action yet. But with a nearly three-hour runtime, how will fans feel about it? Let's dive into the best and worst aspects of the movie.

Dancing Pedestrians and a Lack of Normal People

One divisive element of the "John Wick" series is the way it handles pedestrians. Shootouts and fight scenes often take place in crowded locations, but the onlookers never react to the bloodshed happening right in front of them. While some find this campy and fun, others feel that it breaks immersion and makes the world feel artificial. It would benefit the sequels to include more characters outside the assassination game to provide contrast and make the world feel more realistic.

A Stunning Globe-Spanning Adventure

The settings and backdrops of the "John Wick" sequels have always been impressive, and "Chapter 4" raises the bar even further. The plot takes John Wick to locations such as New York City, the Sahara desert, Osaka, Berlin, and Paris, expanding the scope of the franchise. The cinematography in this installment is arguably the best of the bunch, with visually stunning shots and a vibrant color palette that evolves throughout the series.

Changes and Inconsistencies in the Universe

While the first three movies followed the rules of the universe, "Chapter 4" introduces changes that may require turning a blind eye to the discrepancies. This may be due to the absence of the original screenwriter. Inconsistencies include how easily John travels this time around and the unnecessary trip to Berlin. These inconsistencies can be distracting and detract from the overall cohesiveness of the story.

A Stellar Soundtrack and the Invincible John Wick

The "John Wick" movies have always had strong soundtracks, but "Chapter 4" may have the best overall soundtrack in the series. The original score seamlessly mixes with pre-existing music, creating memorable needle-drop moments. The inclusion of tracks from popular artists adds to the overall impact.

On the downside, John Wick starts to feel too invincible in this installment. Part of the appeal of the first movie was seeing his vulnerability and how he pushed through pain. However, in "Chapter 4," he can take massive falls and endure physical trauma without flinching, which reduces the sense of danger and lowers the stakes in the action scenes.

Dogs, Cliffhangers, and Focusing on Relationships

Dogs have always played a significant role in the "John Wick" series, and "Chapter 4" introduces a new dog owned by the Tracker. The creative ways in which the dog is involved in the action provide some unique moments. Furthermore, John's redemption when he saves the dog echoes back to the first movie's emotional core.

The film also addresses the unresolved cliffhanger from "Chapter 3," but the resolution falls short. The confrontation between John and Winston feels easily resolved, and the promised vengeance never materializes. This lack of resolution contradicts John's character, who is known for settling scores.

Coming Full Circle and Loss of Motivation

"Chapter 4" brings a focus back to John's deceased wife, Helen, creating impactful moments that tie the series together. Her presence, though less prominent than in the first film, adds depth and humanity to John's character. However, while the action remains impressive, John lacks a strong motivation for the bloodshed in this installment. This emptiness in his character makes him feel less like a protagonist and more like a vessel for other characters.

A Cast of New Characters and a Lengthy Runtime

"Chapter 4" introduces a range of new characters, such as Chidi, Akira, the harbinger, Shimazu, The Tracker, Marquis, and Caine. These additions to the "John Wick" world enrich the story and provide great dynamics. In fact, Caine steals the show and may even become the protagonist of his own spinoff in the franchise's future.

While the action remains a highlight, the nearly three-hour runtime becomes a hindrance. The extended Berlin portion of the plot feels unnecessary and could have been left out, resulting in a tighter and better-paced film.

The Unstoppable Action Continues

Despite some flaws and inconsistencies, "John Wick: Chapter 4" delivers the unstoppable assassin action that fans love. With stunning visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, and new additions to the cast, the movie manages to captivate and entertain. While it may not be perfect, it keeps the franchise's heart pounding and sets the stage for future installments.

Note: This rewritten article is based on the original, and the content and ideas remain the same. The language and tone have been adjusted to match the requested style.