Directed by Chad Stahelski (John Wick (2014); John Wick 2 (2017); John Wick 3 (2019)) and starring Keanu Reeves (The Matrix (1999); John Wick (2014); Speed (1994); Point Break (1991)), Bill Skarsgård (It (2017); Deadpool 2 (2018)), Donnie Yen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016); Mulan (2020); Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016)) and Shamier Anderson (Awake (2021); Race (2016)).
Action; 169 mins; 16+
The fourth in the series; now condemned by the High Table and continuously on the run, assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) attempts to make contact with people from his past. However, Marquis (Bill Skarsgård) tracks him down and challenges him to a duel out of which he potentially earn his freedom.
Along the way, however, John Wick leaves a trail of carnage when up against blind nemesis Caine (Donnie Yen) as well as Tracker (Shamier Anderson) after a bounty has been put on his head.
Set mainly in Paris and featuring a host of well-known landmarks, the film lasts for two and three quarter hours. It could well have been compacted down to half that, mainly by taking out the majority of the fight sequences which would not have diluted the plot and sub-plots in any way whatsoever. When battling his enemies, both he and they were displaying their range of martial arts moves as well as using guns and knives. How did those who had been shot, stabbed or badly beaten ever manage to get up again - defies logic. It was more akin to a zombie apocalypse at times...
Keavu Reeves has slowed down visibly since the third John Wick instalment while the director has extended the fight scenes which are visibly very well done indeed. But you will need to like all-action combat-style entertainment to last this one.
If this is your thing, you will enjoy this fourth instalment.
Currently being screened in Luxembourg at Kinepolis.
