John Wick 4: Lowest Rotten Tomatoes Score, Yet A Fan Favorite?

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.5

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Deconstructing John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes Score

While raking in millions at the box office, John Wick 4 didn't quite resonate with critics in the same way its predecessors did. Let's examine why.

Analyzing the Critics' Reviews

Rotten Tomatoes reviews frequently pointed towards certain shortcomings. Common criticisms included:

• Excessive Violence: Some critics felt the sheer volume of violence, while expertly choreographed, became overwhelming and ultimately desensitizing.
• Repetitive Action Sequences: The argument was made that, despite the impressive fight choreography, the film occasionally fell into repetitive action patterns.
• Predictable Plot: Several reviewers felt the plot, while serviceable, lacked the surprising twists and turns of previous installments. The criticism often centered on a perceived lack of narrative innovation. One review in particular stated, "While visually stunning, the plot felt somewhat formulaic, relying heavily on the established tropes of the franchise."

The Role of Expectations

The success of the previous John Wick films created incredibly high expectations. This inherent pressure likely influenced critical reception.

• Comparison to Predecessors: John Wick 4 was inevitably compared to the groundbreaking action and storytelling of its predecessors, possibly leading to a harsher assessment.
• The Sophomore Slump (or, in this case, the 'Sequel Slump'): The phenomenon of a sequel not living up to the hype of the original is well-documented. This could be a contributing factor to the slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score compared to the first few films.

Rotten Tomatoes Score vs. Audience Score

Critically, the disparity between the critics' score and the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes is striking. While the critics' score may have been lower than expected, the audience score consistently demonstrated overwhelmingly positive feedback, showcasing the clear disconnect between professional opinion and audience enjoyment. This significant difference highlights the power of audience opinion and suggests that the critics may have missed the mark in fully grasping the film's appeal.

Why John Wick 4 Remains a Fan Favorite Despite Lower Rotten Tomatoes Score

Despite the less-than-stellar critical reception, John Wick 4 captivated audiences worldwide. Several key elements explain its enduring popularity:

The Action and Stunts

John Wick 4's action sequences are universally praised for their innovative choreography and breathtaking execution.

• Gun-Fu Mastery: The film showcases Keanu Reeves' mastery of gun-fu, blending precise gunplay with impressive martial arts skills. The extended, unbroken takes of many of the fight sequences are a testament to the dedication of the stunt team and cast.
• Creative Fight Choreography: The innovative fight choreography uses a wide array of weapons and environments, resulting in visually stunning and unforgettable action sequences. The iconic "dog fight" scene alone has generated considerable buzz online.
• Visually Stunning Action: The film’s dedication to practical effects and intricate fight choreography produced visually stunning action sequences that are simply impossible to replicate digitally.

Keanu Reeves' Performance and Charisma

Keanu Reeves' performance as John Wick is a cornerstone of the film's success.

• Dedication to the Role: Reeves' commitment to his role is evident in every scene. His physicality, emotional depth, and screen presence make him the perfect embodiment of the iconic assassin.
• Audience Connection: Audiences deeply connect with Wick’s stoic demeanor, unwavering determination, and underlying vulnerability. Reeves' charisma transcends the screen, creating an undeniable appeal.

Expanding the John Wick Universe

John Wick 4 successfully expands the world and mythology of the franchise.

• New Characters and Alliances: The introduction of new characters adds layers to the already rich world-building.
• Deepening the Mythology: The film explores the intricate history of the High Table and expands upon the existing mythology, further immersing viewers in this complex world.
• Setting up Future Installments: The ending leaves ample room for future installments, keeping fans eager for more adventures within the John Wick universe.

Nostalgia and Fan Loyalty

The film successfully taps into the nostalgia and loyalty of the existing fanbase.

• Return of Beloved Characters: The return of fan-favorite characters created significant excitement and helped to cement the film's place within the franchise’s narrative.
• Fulfillment of Fan Expectations: The film largely delivers on audience expectations, building upon the already established world and characters while offering new thrills and action.

Conclusion: John Wick 4: A Critical Miss or Audience Triumph?

The disparity between John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes score and its audience reception is undeniable. While critics pointed to excessive violence, repetitive action, and a predictable plot, audiences celebrated the film's breathtaking action sequences, Keanu Reeves' captivating performance, the expansion of the John Wick universe, and the fulfillment of their long-held expectations. The film stands as a testament to the power of audience engagement and the enduring appeal of expertly crafted action cinema. Is John Wick 4 a testament to audience opinion outweighing critical consensus? Let us know in the comments!