When the unique John Wick hit theaters in 2014, the world was blown away. An motion film with world-building? A revenge flick with mythology? It was a compelling combine that instantly captured our consideration — and shortly spawned a franchise. Throughout 4 motion pictures, director Chad Stahelski and collection author/creator Derek Kolstad constructed a universe that was as mysterious because it was cutthroat, a modern underworld introduced to us via the eyes of a perpetually stoic Keanu Reeves.
To rejoice the discharge of John Wick Chapter 4, we’ve ranked each entry within the John Wick franchise from worst to finest. Tell us what you suppose!
4. John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum
Let’s get this out of the best way early: John Wick Chapter 3 isn’t essentially a nasty film. It’s only a boring one (largely). An particularly sturdy first act shortly offers method to a meandering and forgettable chase throughout continents, one which in the end leaves us wanting a bit extra.
Nevertheless it’s the absence of compelling villains that actually bogs down this third chapter. Certain, we get enjoyable sword fights and a prolonged shootout on the New York Continental, however not one of the dangerous guys really feel significantly attention-grabbing or threatening. Mark Dacascos’ Zero is campy and formidable, however he isn’t established sufficient for viewers to recollect him or respect his prowess as a fighter.
3. John Wick Chapter 2
John Wick Chapter 2 is great. It doesn’t attain the heights of its predecessor however it does profit from a pleasant emphasis on penalties. The closing minutes of the film put John in a tricky spot; having simply dedicated a very critical crime on Continental property (sacred floor for hitmen), John finds himself with few assets and even fewer mates.
The motion stays top-notch, and we truly get a handful of adversaries who can maintain their very own towards John. Among the many film’s most noteworthy introductions is that of Lawrence Fishburne’s Bowery King, a robust determine within the prison underworld who performs a pivotal position in John’s struggle towards the Excessive Desk.
John Wick Chapter 2 isn’t the very best the franchise has to supply however it’s actually one for the books.
2. John Wick
Practically a decade after its launch, the unique John Wick nonetheless holds up. It’s brutal, surprising, and emotionally satisfying to an nearly overwhelming diploma, leaving us with a burning want for growth. The world that Kolstad and Stahelski construct is so distinctive, so attention-grabbing, that it virtually begs for additional exploration. Add an ass-kicking Keanu Reeves to the combo and also you’ve bought the system for an motion traditional.
You solely want to look at (or rewatch) the film as soon as to grasp what all of the fuss is about. It’s clear from the get-go that this franchise-starter is particular, and it solely will get higher with each rewatch.
1. John Wick: Chapter 4
It’s insane that John Wick: Chapter 4 is as nice as it’s. Sure, the criticisms about its bloated runtime and over-indulgent motion are there and so they’re legitimate, however the franchise has by no means embraced what it’s — imperfections and all — as totally as this newest chapter. It’s every part we liked concerning the different three motion pictures dialed as much as eleven; extra violence, extra automotive chases, extra gun-toting baddies than you possibly can wave a sword at.
As phenomenal because the motion is, what actually elevates John Wick: Chapter 4 is its supporting solid. Donnie Yen is an absolute legend, and his flip because the blind murderer Caine will nearly actually go down as one of many actor’s most memorable performances.
John Wick: Chapter 4 has no enterprise being this wonderful.