John Wick Franchise: Why Chapter 4's Rotten Tomatoes Score Doesn't Tell The Whole Story

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.5

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Action Sequences: A Masterclass in Gun-Fu and Choreography

John Wick: Chapter 4 isn't just an action movie; it's a meticulously crafted ballet of violence. The film elevates the already impressive action style of the franchise to breathtaking new heights.

Unparalleled Fight Choreography

The innovative and intricate fight sequences are a testament to the filmmakers' dedication to practical effects and masterful storytelling.

• Practical Effects: The film relies heavily on practical effects, enhancing the realism and impact of each blow and gunshot. This commitment to practical stunts gives the action a visceral, tangible quality missing in many CGI-heavy action films.
• Innovative Camera Work: The dynamic camera work, employing long takes and innovative angles, keeps the viewer immersed in the heart of the action, making us feel as if we're right alongside John Wick.
• Extended Takes: Many sequences are filmed in incredibly long, unbroken takes, showcasing the actors' skill and the precision of the choreography. This technique creates a sense of unbroken tension and fluidity, enhancing the cinematic experience.
• Diverse Fight Styles: The film showcases a variety of fight styles, incorporating elements of gun-fu, judo, and other martial arts, creating diverse and engaging fight sequences that never feel repetitive. The John Wick 4 fight scenes are a masterclass in cinematic action.

Expansion of the John Wick Universe's Action Style

John Wick: Chapter 4 builds upon the established John Wick fight style, expanding its scope and scale significantly.

• Increased Scale: The action sequences are larger and more ambitious than in previous films, featuring more elaborate set pieces and a wider variety of locations.
• New Weapons and Fighting Styles: The introduction of new weapons and fighting styles adds layers of complexity and visual interest to the action, keeping things fresh and exciting.
• Enhanced Visual Effects: While practical effects are prioritized, the use of CGI is expertly integrated to enhance the spectacle without sacrificing realism. The improved visual effects seamlessly blend with the practical stunts, creating a cohesive and visually stunning cinematic experience. The John Wick 4 action is simply unparalleled.

Narrative Depth and Character Development Beyond the Action

While the John Wick 4 action is undeniably captivating, the film also boasts a surprisingly deep and nuanced narrative.

Exploring the Emotional Core of John Wick

Beneath the surface of the relentless action lies a compelling character study of John Wick himself.

• Motivations: The film delves deeper into John Wick's motivations, exploring the grief that fuels his actions and the emotional weight of his past.
• Relationships: The relationships with other characters are explored with surprising emotional depth, adding layers of complexity to the story and allowing the audience to connect with John Wick on a more personal level.
• Emotional Weight: Specific scenes, like the quieter moments of reflection, demonstrate the emotional toll of John Wick's journey, creating a powerful emotional resonance that goes beyond simple action. The John Wick character development is surprisingly profound.

Expanding the John Wick Universe's Mythology

John Wick: Chapter 4 significantly expands the lore and world-building established in previous installments.

• New Characters, Locations, and Factions: The introduction of new characters, locations, and factions enriches the John Wick universe, providing new layers of intrigue and conflict.
• Character Arcs: Existing characters are developed further, providing them with more agency and allowing their arcs to reach satisfying conclusions. This expands the John Wick lore and makes the world feel more lived-in and believable.
• World-Building: The world-building is significantly enhanced, revealing more about the High Table, the Continental Hotel, and the intricate rules governing the assassin underworld. The details of the John Wick universe are meticulously crafted, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.

Audience Reception vs. Critic Reviews: A Disconnect in Perception?

The disconnect between the critical response and audience reception of John Wick: Chapter 4 highlights the subjective nature of film criticism.

Box Office Success and Fan Feedback

Despite a mixed Rotten Tomatoes score, John Wick: Chapter 4 has been a resounding box office success.

• Box Office Numbers: The film's box office performance demonstrates significant audience interest and a strong demand for the franchise.
• Social Media Reactions: Social media has been abuzz with positive fan reviews and enthusiastic discussions, showcasing the widespread appreciation for the film.
• Fan Reviews: Fan reviews consistently praise the film's action, narrative, and overall cinematic experience, contrasting with some of the more lukewarm critic reviews. The John Wick 4 audience score is significantly higher than the Rotten Tomatoes score.

Analyzing the Discrepancy Between Critic and Audience Scores

The discrepancy between critic and audience scores can be attributed to several factors.

• Critical Bias: Critics may have different expectations or priorities when evaluating an action film compared to general audiences.
• Subjectivity of Film Criticism: Film criticism inherently involves subjectivity; what one critic considers a flaw, another may view as a strength.
• Audience Expectations: Audiences may have different expectations for an action film than critics, leading to different interpretations and evaluations of the film’s strengths and weaknesses. The Rotten Tomatoes score doesn’t always accurately reflect audience enjoyment.

Conclusion

While the Rotten Tomatoes score for John Wick: Chapter 4 may not fully capture the film's strengths, its groundbreaking action sequences, compelling narrative, and overwhelmingly positive audience reception paint a far more complete picture. The film's success lies not only in its spectacular John Wick 4 action, but also in its emotional depth and impressive expansion of the beloved John Wick universe. The John Wick 4 fight scenes and the overall cinematic experience should be experienced firsthand.

Don't let a single score define your cinematic experience. Watch John Wick: Chapter 4 and experience the adrenaline-fueled action and emotional resonance for yourself. Decide whether the Rotten Tomatoes score for John Wick: Chapter 4 truly reflects your opinion.