The John Wick films have quickly become one of the most beloved action franchises in recent years, and for good reason. The mix of practical action, an uncharacteristically compelling performance from Keanu Reeves along with a smattering of stunning cinematography has helped propel the series into cult territory. The upcoming sequel John Wick Chapter 4 is set to release at the end of March 2023. And if early reviews for the film are anything to go off of, audiences should buckle up for an action experience like no other.
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At the time of writing, the first three John Wick films are all sitting at certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning they all have above an 85% on the aggregate review site and the initial critic response for John Wick Chapter 4 is looking promising. Variety‘s Courtney Howard had nothing but praise for the new instalment, tweeting that the film “brilliantly balances vested stakes with an absolutely spectacular, high octane thrill ride. A soaring, searing, scorching chapter in the saga. The wildest time you’ll have at the movies this year. A pure adrenaline rush.”
Howard then adds that the supporting cast truly shine as an integral part of the film’s success. “Donnie Yen: as sharp & swift as ever. Hiroyuki Sanada: amazing. Marko Zaror: an unrelenting beast. Scott Adkins does deep character work. The way Rina Sawayama doesn’t break eye contact while tossing off her kimono gave me goosebumps.” Cinemablend assistant managing editor Eric Eisenberg also praised the film despite initial worries that the three-hour runtime would hinder the quality of the overall experience.
“I had reservations about John Wick: Chapter 4‘s nearly three-hour runtime, but the movie earns it. It’s an epic with smart pacing that never lets the action feel exhausting, and the set pieces are phenomenal. Great cast of series newcomers, but Donnie Yen is the MVP.”
And with early responses for John Wick Chapter 4 as positive as they gets, hype for any and all other projects set in the same franchise are now even more hotly anticipated. There’s the spinoff movie Ballerina, a film that will see Ana de Armas take centre stage, with Reeves and McShane also set to reprise their roles in the spinoff film. In addition to this brand new spinoff outing for the franchise, a limited series based in the John Wick universe titled The Continental is also set to premiere sometime in 2023. John Wick Chapter 4 is set to release in theatres on March 24, 2023.
