In the latest installment of the action-packed saga, “John Wick: Chapter 4” pushes the boundaries of sequel length, clocking in at a hefty 2 hours and 49 minutes. What once was a lean and mean 90-some-odd minutes in the original film has now evolved into an epic that veers towards excessiveness.
Despite its prolonged runtime, the film manages to inject some emotional depth, albeit stemming from events off-screen, notably the unexpected passing of co-star Lance Reddick, whose presence carries a somber undertone throughout his limited appearance.
The plot continues to follow Keanu Reeves’ stoic hitman as he navigates his way through a labyrinth of violence, aiming to sever ties with the enigmatic organization, The High Table, by eliminating anyone who stands in his path, including the menacing leader portrayed by Bill Skarsgård.
Adding to the fray are new adversaries played by Donnie Yen and Shamier Anderson, both formidable in their own right, as Wick finds himself confronted by increasingly skilled opponents. Director Chad Stahelski adeptly balances humor with the relentless action sequences, though the sheer volume of fights risks monotony.
Despite the film’s tendency to revisit familiar tropes, including signature fighting moves, the franchise’s endurance to reach its fourth chapter underscores its enduring popularity and Keanu Reeves’ association with adrenaline-fueled blockbusters.
As the credits roll, echoing the sentiment of one character to “get this s**t over with,” audiences may find themselves grappling with a film that, while entertaining, occasionally struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessors.
