John Wick 4 is unashamed entertainment, a means for abundant action. There's cartoonish realism, no emotions, cliche motivations, arbitrary threats, pretentious dialogue, and inconsistent consequences. It's mostly middle with limited beginning and end. It's openly shallow, predictable, and contrived. It gets desensitizing. However, the film works by playing to its strengths, succeeding through creative set pieces, stylized lore, and a confident tone. It never takes itself too seriously nor makes a mockery, remaining streamlined and ferocious. Plus, while the acting is one-note, the sheer choreographed stunt work is wholly committed. Consequently, fans are sure to leave satisfied.
Technically, John Wick 4 is chic. Its neon visuals utilize lighting, motion, composition, angles, framing, focus, and a trademark long take. The production design offers globe-trotting, extravagance, and intensity. Its identifiable music provides regional diegetics, techno, needle drops, and coordination. The sound uses emphasis, violence, car chases, layers, split cuts, exaggeration, and silence. Its casting supports its crown jewel lead. The editing is arguably overindulgent but adds clear action, intercuts, homages, match cuts, cross cuts, inserts, slo-mo, tempo, and dissolves. Its effects enhance the extreme combat. Even without substance, John Wick 4 showcases executed style.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 8/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.6/10
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