John Wick: Chapter 4 review: Something Wick-ed this way comes (again)

In Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the characters’ abilities shine through dynamic action sequences rather than exposition. Even those unfamiliar with role-playing games can easily discern a druid’s shapeshifting prowess as Doric (Lillis) cleverly evades capture by morphing into various creatures. Each character embodies a distinct playstyle, akin to a heist movie ensemble where diverse specialties complement one another seamlessly.

The stellar cast, led by Chris Pine’s infectious charm as Edgin, infuses the film with palpable energy, reminding audiences of Pine’s versatility beyond recent serious roles. Hugh Grant revels in villainy once more, delivering comedic gold reminiscent of his beloved turn in Paddington 2. The humor in Honor Among Thieves feels natural, never veering into parody, as the characters banter authentically amidst fantastical adventures.

Beyond the fantasy elements, the film’s core message resonates—a testament to the power of teamwork and camaraderie in overcoming individual shortcomings. With its blend of humor, adventure, and camaraderie, Honor Among Thieves offers an exhilarating cinematic experience that transcends the boundaries of its gaming origins.

In John Wick: Chapter 4, Keanu Reeves’ titular character remains in the shadows, marked as “excommunicado” for his past sins. As he navigates a world teeming with danger, new adversaries emerge, including the flamboyant Marquis de Gramont, played with flair by Bill Skarsgård. Clad in opulent attire, the Marquis orchestrates chaos from his luxurious chateaux, placing a bounty on Wick’s head that attracts numerous assassins eager for the reward.

Amidst the peril, Wick finds allies in familiar faces like the steadfast Winston (Ian McShane) and the enigmatic Caine (Donnie Yen), whose blindness belies his lethal skills. Seeking refuge in Tokyo, Wick encounters Shimazu (Hiroyuki Sanada), who offers shelter despite his daughter Akira’s apprehension. As Wick embarks on his relentless quest, director Chad Stahelski delivers his trademark blend of inventive action sequences and globe-trotting mayhem, raising the stakes with each electrifying tableau.

In John Wick: Chapter 4, the action escalates to dizzying heights across various global locales, from a serene Japanese garden to a bustling nightclub in Berlin. Director Chad Stahelski orchestrates mind-bending setpieces, including improbable brawls amidst Parisian traffic and on vertiginous staircases. Each sequence is a spectacle of relentless carnage and visual splendor, punctuated by moments of dark humor and inadvertent slapstick.

Despite the whirlwind of violence, Keanu Reeves imbues Wick with a quiet dignity and an unwavering sense of purpose. His stoic demeanor belies a deep sense of grief and determination, as he relentlessly pursues his enemies while sparing those he can. Reeves’s performance, marked by deliberate, Wayne-esque line deliveries, elicits both laughter and awe from audiences, who marvel at Wick’s resilience and resolve.

Yet amidst the chaos, there’s an undeniable charm to Reeves’s portrayal, an ineffable quality that makes Wick a compelling protagonist. As the franchise looks towards an uncertain future, one thing remains clear: John Wick may evolve, but its essence, embodied by Reeves’s iconic performance, will endure.