Despite Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, Is John Wick 4 The Franchise's Best?

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

4.1

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Unparalleled Action Sequences and Stunts

John Wick 4 boasts action sequences unlike anything seen before in the franchise. The sheer scale and innovative choreography are breathtaking. The film's commitment to practical effects and extended long takes elevates the fight choreography to an unparalleled level.

• Long Takes and Practical Effects: The extended fight sequences, often filmed in single, unbroken takes, showcase the incredible athleticism of Keanu Reeves and the stunt team. This commitment to practical effects, rather than relying heavily on CGI, creates a visceral and realistic sense of impact and danger, making the action far more engaging and believable than many CGI-heavy action films. Keywords: action sequences, practical effects, fight choreography, long takes, stunt work.

• Iconic Moments: Specific scenes, such as the breathtaking fight at the Arc de Triomphe, demonstrate the film's mastery of action filmmaking. The sheer scale of the location, combined with the intricate choreography and relentless pacing, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience. Other notable scenes include the extended fight in the bustling Parisian streets and the climactic showdown. Keywords: Arc de Triomphe sequence, Parisian fight scene, climactic showdown.

• Improvements over Previous Films: Compared to John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, John Wick 4 significantly expands the scope and ambition of its action sequences. While previous films featured impressive gun-fu and fight choreography, John Wick 4 elevates it to a new level of intensity and inventiveness. Keywords: John Wick 3 action, John Wick 2 fight scenes, John Wick 1 gun-fu.

A Deeper Dive into Character Development and Story

Beyond the spectacular action, John Wick 4 delivers a surprisingly deep and engaging narrative. The film significantly develops established characters and expands the world, offering a richer and more satisfying story than some previous installments.

• John Wick's Character Arc: We see John Wick grappling with his past, his morality, and the consequences of his actions. His unwavering determination and increasing weariness add depth and complexity to his already iconic character. Keywords: John Wick character arc, John Wick's motivation, character development.

• Narrative Structure and Pacing: The film maintains a relentless pace, seamlessly blending action sequences with moments of quiet reflection and emotional depth. The narrative structure expertly balances exposition with exhilarating action, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout its impressive runtime. Keywords: narrative structure, pacing, John Wick's journey, themes of revenge.

• Expanding the John Wick Universe: John Wick 4 expands the world-building significantly, introducing new characters and factions while enriching the existing lore. This expansion provides a richer and more complex backdrop for the action and adds layers of intrigue to the narrative. Keywords: John Wick universe expansion, world-building, franchise lore.

The Impact of the Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Reception

Despite its box office success and overwhelmingly positive audience reaction, John Wick 4 received a surprisingly low Rotten Tomatoes score, highlighting a disparity between critical and audience reception.

• Audience vs. Critics: While audience scores have been overwhelmingly positive, some critics found fault with aspects of the film. The difference between the Rotten Tomatoes score and the audience score showcases a significant gap in opinion. Keywords: Rotten Tomatoes score, audience score, critical consensus, audience reaction.

• Reasons for Low Score: Potential reasons for the lower critical reception might include the film's excessive violence, its lengthy runtime, or perhaps a sense of repetition compared to previous films. However, many would argue these are features that enhance the film rather than detract from it.

• Box Office Success and Cultural Impact: The film's massive box office success, awards buzz (though perhaps not as much as some anticipated), and significant cultural impact far outweigh the criticism, proving that its appeal transcends critical reservations. Keywords: box office success, awards nominations, cultural impact.

John Wick 4: The Best in the Franchise? A Verdict

So, is John Wick 4 the best in the franchise? Weighing the evidence, the answer is a resounding yes.

• Arguments For and Against: While some might argue that the story is less innovative than previous entries, the sheer spectacle of the action, the depth of character development, and the expanded universe create a film that surpasses its predecessors. The relatively low Rotten Tomatoes score does not reflect the audience's overwhelmingly positive reaction.

• Weighing the Evidence: Considering the breathtaking action sequences, nuanced character development, and the film's overall impact, the arguments in favor of John Wick 4 being the best in the franchise strongly outweigh any criticisms.

• Definitive Conclusion: The exceptional action, improved storytelling, and significant audience appeal, despite a lower Rotten Tomatoes score, solidify John Wick 4 as the best entry in the franchise for many. Its achievements significantly outweigh any critical reservations.

Conclusion

John Wick 4's exceptional action, improved storytelling, and significant audience appeal, despite a lower Rotten Tomatoes score, solidify its place as a top-tier action film and a strong contender for the best in the franchise. We've explored its unparalleled action sequences, its deeper character development, and the reasons behind the critical divergence from audience reception.

Have you seen John Wick 4? What are your thoughts? Is it the best in the franchise? Share your opinion in the comments and join the debate on whether John Wick 4 truly deserves the title of "best John Wick movie," even with a lower Rotten Tomatoes score. Let's discuss!