The Case Against John Wick 5: A Critical Perspective

Omar Yusuf

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.9

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Overabundance of Action – Diminishing Returns

The sheer volume of action in John Wick 5, while technically impressive, becomes repetitive and ultimately tiring. The film sacrifices character development and narrative coherence for relentless fight choreography. This leads to a phenomenon we can call "action fatigue," where the constant barrage of violence numbs the viewer's senses and diminishes the impact of each individual scene.

Action Fatigue

• Too many extended fight scenes without sufficient breathing room: The film rarely allows for moments of quiet reflection or character interaction, leaving the audience breathless and overwhelmed. The pacing is relentless, leaving little room for emotional connection or narrative development.
• Lack of strategic variation in fight styles across different opponents: While the choreography is undeniably skillful, the repetitive nature of the fight sequences, with similar styles and tactics employed across numerous encounters, leads to a sense of monotony. The novelty wears off quickly.
• The sheer number of fights dilutes the impact of individual sequences: Because there are so many fights, none of them truly stand out. The cumulative effect is a sense of diminishing returns, where each subsequent fight is less impactful than the last.

Loss of Stakes

The constant barrage of action makes each individual encounter feel less impactful, diminishing the overall stakes of the narrative. Because John Wick survives so many near-death experiences, the audience becomes desensitized to the danger he faces, reducing the tension and suspense. The high body count loses its impact as the film progresses. This relentless action ultimately undermines the emotional core of the John Wick franchise.

A Weakened Narrative

Beyond the action, John Wick 5 suffers from a weakened narrative that struggles to maintain coherence and emotional depth. The plot becomes increasingly convoluted, overwhelming the audience with too many characters and subplots that don't always connect meaningfully.

Plot Complexity and Confusion

• Introduction of new characters and factions without sufficient development: The film introduces several new characters and expands the already complex world of the High Table, but these additions often feel underdeveloped and lack sufficient screen time to make a lasting impression. This results in a confusing narrative, making it difficult to follow the overarching plot.
• Unclear motivations and inconsistent character actions: Some characters' motivations seem unclear or inconsistent, leading to plot holes and a lack of believability. Their actions don't always align logically with their established personalities or goals.
• A meandering plot that loses sight of the central conflict: The film's plot meanders, diverting attention from the central conflict and getting bogged down in unnecessary subplots. This makes it difficult to maintain engagement with the main story.

Lack of Emotional Depth

The film prioritizes spectacle over character development, resulting in a significant lack of emotional connection with John Wick and the supporting cast. The emotional core of the John Wick saga, which was present in earlier installments, is largely absent here.

• Limited exploration of John Wick's internal conflict and motivations: While John Wick's backstory is touched upon, the film doesn't delve deeply into his emotional state or explore his motivations with the same depth as previous films.
• Underdeveloped relationships between John Wick and other key characters: Relationships that were central to earlier films are underutilized, resulting in a lack of emotional resonance. The connections between characters feel less genuine.
• Lack of impactful emotional moments to counterbalance the action: The film lacks the quieter, more intimate moments that provided emotional weight in earlier installments. The absence of these moments leaves the audience feeling emotionally detached.

Repetitive Formula

John Wick 5 relies too heavily on the established tropes and formulas of the previous installments, failing to offer anything truly new or innovative. This reliance on familiarity comes at the cost of originality and creativity.

Lack of Innovation

• Repetitive use of the same action set pieces and cinematography styles: The film utilizes similar action sequences and camera angles to those seen in previous films, lacking originality and visual flair. This repetitive approach makes the action feel less exciting and inventive.
• Familiar plot elements and character archetypes: The plot follows a familiar structure, employing similar tropes and character archetypes that have been used extensively in previous installments. The lack of fresh ideas stifles the narrative’s potential.
• Lack of creative risks or experimentation with the franchise’s formula: The film plays it safe, failing to take any creative risks or experiment with the established formula. This cautious approach ultimately results in a less compelling and memorable experience.

Missed Opportunities for Character Growth

John Wick 5 misses opportunities for meaningful character growth and development for John Wick and other returning characters. The characters feel stagnant, lacking the evolution and growth that would make their journeys more compelling.

• John Wick remains largely static, without significant emotional or personal changes: John Wick remains largely unchanged throughout the film, lacking significant emotional or personal growth. This static portrayal limits the character's potential for depth and complexity.
• Supporting characters are underutilized and their stories remain undeveloped: Supporting characters, despite having potential for richer stories, are largely underutilized, hindering their development and impact on the narrative.
• Lack of growth and evolution within the established relationships: The relationships between characters lack evolution and growth, limiting the emotional resonance of their interactions.

Conclusion

John Wick 5, despite its undeniable technical proficiency in action sequences, suffers from a weakened narrative, repetitive formula, and ultimately, action fatigue. The overwhelming amount of action overshadows character development and plot coherence, leading to a less satisfying viewing experience than its predecessors. The film fails to innovate, relying too much on established formulas, and misses opportunities for genuine character growth. While fans of non-stop action might find entertainment, a critical perspective reveals that John Wick 5 ultimately falls short of its potential. For a more fulfilling cinematic experience, consider rewatching the earlier entries in the John Wick franchise, or exploring other action films with stronger narratives and character arcs. This ultimately makes a strong case against John Wick 5.