The John Wick franchise has been the pinnacle of action movies since the first installment came out in 2014. Many were surprised that the series was not wrapped up as a trilogy and there was skepticism about whether a fourth film could live up to the massive expectations that come with the John Wick name. Well, I am here to tell you that John Wick 4 not only lives up to its name, but it may just be better than its predecessors. 

John Wick 4 maintains the same structure of previous films: a simple, compelling story driving an action epic. What sets John Wick 4 apart though is its action. Each fight scene is meticulously choreographed, with excellent sound design and immaculate cinematography. Every punch and kick feels real and visceral, and as a viewer, all you can do is sit with your jaw hanging open as you take in the complex lighting, set design, and camera work that takes everything to the next level. There are car chases, martial arts showcases, sword fights, and every other imaginable kind of action. And somehow nothing feels forced; the movie flows and is paced excellently, it is almost three hours long and it flies by in the blink of an eye. 

The film also has a lot of heart, something the second and third films were arguably lacking. You root for John Wick and by the end, you are desperate for him to succeed in his newest impossible task. It is impressive for a film to make a mercenary this compelling. It isn’t just John Wick though; you root for his friends too. New characters are introduced and old ones are built upon, all in positive ways.

John Wick 4 is simply a marvel. From impossible stunts to score, the movie was clearly meticulously crafted. If you were a fan of the first three John Wicks, and even if you weren’t, checking out John Wick 4 is a must. At the very least you will have an absolute blast. The film won’t be in theaters much longer, so be sure to hurry!