On paper theWickseries reads like any paint by number, straight to video action franchise.
Over the years the Wick series has pushed and evolved in its on-screen combat.
The story has been pretty straightforward .
John Wick 4
The Continental Hotel side stories and its employees are a lovely respite in the nonstop action of theWickfranchise.
It has been a winning formula that has carried us into four films and an inevitable tv series spinoff.
That recipe however, can only take an audience so far before the novelty wears out.
SPOILER TIME
John Wick: Chapter 4is an absolutely fantastic 90 minute movie.
Unfortunately for viewers, the total running time is 169 minutes.
It picks up immediately whereJohn Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellumleft off.
Our title character is being hunted by the table aka the assassins guild and those who control them.
Its monotonous and immediately fatiguing.
The lone breath of fresh air isDonnie Yenwho is introduced as Caine, the blind swordsman.
He continually saves the movie every time it gets stale.
Hes speaking less and less with each installment and struggling to get out his two or three words.
Its almost painful when he speaks, especially when everyone else delivers their lines normally.
Theres an entire segment on the first third of the film dedicated to nunchakus.
Then we get to Paris.
The movie should have started and ended here.
These scenes are career making (dare I say legendary?
), iconic in scope, and something other action films should aspire to.
Their shared scenes are fun, and provide great levity to the intense fighting segments theyre featured in.
Go seeJohn Wick: Chapter 4, whilein theaters as youll want big screen for both sound and action.
Just dont be mad at yourself if you fall asleep in the first half or show up late.
