Despite Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, Is John Wick 4 The Best Film In The Franchise?

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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The Unmatched Action and Stunts of John Wick 4

John Wick: Chapter 4 is undeniably a masterpiece of action cinema. The film's groundbreaking fight choreography elevates the action genre to new heights, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and filmmakers alike.

Innovative Fight Sequences

The film boasts incredibly long takes, showcasing intricate and flawlessly executed fight sequences. The diverse fighting styles employed, ranging from gun-fu to hand-to-hand combat, keep the action fresh and exciting. The innovative use of locations, transforming iconic settings like the Arc de Triomphe into breathtaking battlegrounds, adds another layer of visual spectacle.

• The Arc de Triomphe sequence: This extended fight scene is a standout, showcasing the film's commitment to practical effects and dynamic camerawork.
• The fight with the blind assassin: This unique encounter demonstrates the versatility of the choreography and the film's ability to surprise the audience.
• The Osaka Hotel fight: A visually stunning and brutally effective display of John Wick's skills.

Compared to previous John Wick films, Chapter 4 significantly expands the scope and complexity of its action sequences. The choreography is more intricate, the fight styles more diverse, and the locations more varied, resulting in a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Pushing the Boundaries of Action Cinema

John Wick 4 didn't just deliver exceptional action; it redefined it. The film's reliance on practical effects over CGI creates a level of realism and intensity rarely seen in modern action movies. This commitment to practical stunts adds weight and impact to every blow, making the fights visceral and believable. This dedication to practical effects has already influenced other action filmmakers, inspiring a renewed focus on real stunts and choreography.

• Practical effects over CGI: This choice enhances the realism and visceral impact of the fight scenes.
• Intensity and realism: The fights feel brutal and authentic, elevating the stakes and engaging the viewer on an emotional level.
• Influence on other filmmakers: The film's groundbreaking action is already inspiring a new wave of practical effects-driven action movies.

Character Development and Story Progression in John Wick 4

Beyond the spectacular action, John Wick 4 offers significant advancements in character development and narrative depth, enriching the already compelling John Wick universe.

Deeper Exploration of John Wick's Past

The film delves deeper into John Wick's past than ever before, offering impactful flashbacks and revelations that illuminate his motivations and shape our understanding of his present actions. These scenes provide crucial context, adding emotional weight to his relentless pursuit of revenge and his struggle for redemption.

• The backstory reveals: The film provides key insights into John Wick's training, relationships, and the events that led him down his current path.
• Character development: These revelations add layers to John Wick's personality and motivations, making him a more relatable and compelling protagonist.

The Expansion of the John Wick Universe

John Wick 4 introduces a host of intriguing new characters, expanding the world and adding new layers to the existing narrative. These characters, with their distinct motivations and backstories, enrich the overall mythos and create opportunities for future installments.

• The Marquis: A formidable antagonist that provides a worthy challenge to John Wick.
• The new allies and enemies: These additions increase the complexity of the story and the challenges faced by John Wick.
• World-building: The expansion of the John Wick universe strengthens its overall appeal and longevity.

Critical Reception vs. Audience Reaction to John Wick 4

While the Rotten Tomatoes score for John Wick 4 might be lower than some expected, the audience reaction tells a different story. The gap between critical and audience reception highlights the potential biases and varying perspectives in evaluating action cinema.

Analyzing the Rotten Tomatoes Score

The lower-than-expected Rotten Tomatoes score might stem from differing critical viewpoints. Some critics may prioritize narrative complexity over action spectacle, leading to a less favorable rating. However, this overlooks the film's mastery of action choreography and visual storytelling.

• Criticisms from Rotten Tomatoes: Some critics might find the plot relatively straightforward compared to other films.
• Counterarguments: The film excels in delivering a visceral and thrilling action experience, which is a key aspect of the franchise.

The Box Office Success and Audience Praise

Despite the mixed critical reception, John Wick 4 was a massive box office success, demonstrating the strong audience demand for the franchise. Social media buzz and overwhelmingly positive fan reviews further solidify the film's popularity and its place in the hearts of action movie enthusiasts.

• Box office numbers: The film's impressive box office performance demonstrates its popularity.
• Positive fan reviews: Online reviews and social media comments praise the action, stunts, and overall cinematic experience.
• Social media engagement: The film generated significant online discussion and engagement.

Conclusion

This article explored the arguments surrounding whether John Wick 4 is the best film in the franchise, despite a potentially lower Rotten Tomatoes score. We examined the exceptional action sequences, improved character development, and the overall cinematic experience. While critical reception might vary, the audience response and box office success strongly suggest John Wick 4 holds a significant place in the franchise’s legacy.

Call to Action: Have you seen John Wick 4? Do you agree it's the best in the franchise? Share your thoughts and opinions on whether John Wick 4 surpasses the others in the comments below! Join the conversation about the best John Wick film and let us know your ranking of the franchise!