Why John Wick 4, Despite Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, Remains A Franchise High Point

6 min read Post on May 07, 2025

Why John Wick 4, Despite Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, Remains A Franchise High Point

Unparalleled Action Sequences and Stunts

John Wick: Chapter 4 didn't just raise the bar for action; it shattered it. The film delivers a masterclass in action cinema, surpassing even the already impressive fight choreography of its predecessors.

Elevated Fight Choreography

The fight choreography in John Wick 4 is nothing short of revolutionary.

Extended Takes: Long, unbroken takes showcase the skill of both Keanu Reeves and his stunt team, creating a sense of visceral immediacy and breathtaking fluidity. The extended fight in the Arc de Triomphe is a prime example.
Practical Effects: The film prioritizes practical effects over CGI, resulting in more realistic and impactful fight sequences. This commitment to practical stunts adds a layer of authenticity and excitement often missing in modern action films.
Diverse Fighting Styles: The film showcases a wider range of fighting styles than previous installments, from gun-fu and martial arts to hand-to-hand combat, keeping the action fresh and exciting.
Use of Locations: The stunning global locations, from Paris to Osaka, are seamlessly integrated into the action, creating visually stunning and dynamic fight sequences. The film cleverly uses the environment itself as a weapon.

Keywords: Gun-fu, Martial Arts, Action Sequences, Fight Choreography, Practical Effects.

A Masterclass in Action Cinema

John Wick 4 isn't just another action movie; it's a statement. It elevates the action genre, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of scale, scope, and innovation.

Increased Scale and Scope: The film boasts a larger scale and more ambitious set pieces than any previous installment, with elaborate fight sequences unfolding in diverse and breathtaking locations worldwide.
Impressive Set Pieces: From the adrenaline-fueled motorcycle chase to the breathtakingly intricate fight in the crowded Parisian square, John Wick 4 features a series of memorable and expertly executed set pieces.
Innovative Camera Work: The film's innovative camera work, often employing dynamic angles and perspectives, further enhances the intensity and excitement of the action sequences. This contributes significantly to the immersive cinematic experience.

Keywords: Action Movie, Action Cinema, Keanu Reeves Action, Stunts, Cinematic Experience.

Deeper Character Development and Emotional Resonance

While renowned for its action, John Wick 4 also delivers a surprising amount of emotional depth and compelling character development.

John Wick's Emotional Journey

Keanu Reeves delivers a nuanced and powerful performance, showcasing a more vulnerable and emotionally complex side of John Wick than we've seen before.

Exploration of Grief: The film delves deeper into John Wick's grief over the loss of his wife, exploring how this loss fuels his relentless pursuit of revenge. This emotional depth adds a surprising layer of humanity to the character.
Relentless Pursuit of Revenge: John Wick's quest for revenge is depicted with a brutal honesty, highlighting the toll it takes on him both physically and emotionally. This drives the narrative and keeps the audience invested.
Moments of Vulnerability: The film allows for moments of vulnerability, revealing cracks in John Wick's hardened exterior. These moments humanize him and create a more relatable protagonist.
Relationship with Other Characters: The film explores and develops John Wick's relationships with supporting characters, adding emotional layers and depth to the narrative. The connection with the Bowery King is particularly noteworthy.

Keywords: Character Development, Keanu Reeves Performance, Emotional Resonance, John Wick Character Arc.

Supporting Characters and Their Impact

The supporting characters in John Wick 4 are not mere sidekicks; they are fully fleshed-out individuals with their own motivations and arcs.

Development of Existing Characters: Existing characters like Winston and Charon receive further development, adding to their complexity and providing emotional resonance.
Introduction of Compelling New Characters: The film introduces several compelling new characters, such as the Marquis, adding new layers and intrigue to the narrative.
Their Impact on John Wick's Journey: These characters' actions directly impact John Wick's journey, creating obstacles and alliances that contribute significantly to the overall story.

Keywords: Supporting Characters, John Wick Characters, Character Relationships, Storytelling.

Box Office Success and Audience Reception

Despite a lower Rotten Tomatoes score, John Wick 4 proved to be a massive box office success and a fan favorite. This highlights the disconnect between critics and audiences, as well as the enduring appeal of the franchise.

Defying Rotten Tomatoes

The disparity between the Rotten Tomatoes score and audience reception speaks volumes. While critics seemed divided, audiences overwhelmingly embraced the film.

Box Office Numbers: The box office numbers speak for themselves, showcasing the film's immense popularity with moviegoers.
Positive Audience Reviews: Online reviews and social media were flooded with positive feedback, demonstrating strong audience appreciation for the film's action, characters, and overall experience.
Social Media Buzz: John Wick 4 generated significant social media buzz, reinforcing its impact and popularity with a wider audience.

Keywords: Box Office Success, Audience Reception, Fan Favorite, Critical Consensus, Rotten Tomatoes Score.

A Testament to the Franchise's Popularity

The success of John Wick 4 further solidifies the franchise's enduring appeal and cultural impact.

Legacy of Previous Films: The film builds upon the legacy of the previous installments, providing a satisfying and action-packed continuation of the story.
Future Potential of the Franchise: The film's success leaves the door open for future installments and spin-offs, solidifying its position as a major player in the action genre.
Cultural Impact: The John Wick franchise has achieved a level of cultural impact, influencing other films and solidifying its place in cinematic history.

Keywords: Franchise Success, Action Franchise, Keanu Reeves Franchise, John Wick Legacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Wick 4, despite a lower Rotten Tomatoes score, delivered groundbreaking action, compelling character development, and resonated strongly with audiences, ultimately solidifying its position as a franchise high point. Its unparalleled action sequences, deeper exploration of John Wick's character arc, and overwhelming audience reception make it a must-see for fans of action cinema and the John Wick franchise.

Have you seen John Wick 4? Share your thoughts on whether you agree it's a franchise high point, even with the lower Rotten Tomatoes score. Let's discuss it in the comments below! Keywords: John Wick 4, Rotten Tomatoes, Franchise High Point, Action Movie, Keanu Reeves.