HCA Gradebook: “John Wick: Chapter 4”

Movie: John Wick: Chapter 4
Plot: ​​John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating the High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane
Director: Chad Stahelski
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Studio: Lionsgate
Number of Graders: 47
HCA Overall Grade: A

Zachary Pope says, “A bonafide Action MASTERPIECE. Cementing John Wick as one of the greatest Action Franchises of all time. Once you think you’ve seen the coolest sequence it only gets better up until the final 30 minutes which completely had my jaw on the floor.

Keanu Reeves out does himself in something that could be a complete swan song… I have zero idea how you top anything inside this film… & DONNIE YEN… one of the best supporting action characters. There is a one shot take in here that out does every one shot take ever.”
Grade: A+

Jeff Ewing says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is a right-and-proper action epic, in length and scale. Donnie Yen and Keanu give great performances, the stunt work and action set-pieces are top notch, and its a stunner of a film (minus a small chunk in the middle that lags by comparison). One of the best action films of the last decade, easy.”
Grade: A+

Griffin Schiller says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is one of the greatest action films I’ve ever seen in my entire life. A jaw dropping showcase of brutality & futility within a system designed to damn you. A technical marvel, an emotionally bleak, moody, yet ultimately melancholic war through an eternal hell.”
Grade: A+

Ashley Saunders says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is a mind-blowing, action-packed ride from start to bloody finish. It manages to up the ante in every way and deliver a creatively brutal yet beautiful masterpiece. Stahelski and Reeves together have given fans some of, if not the best action scenes ever to be seen in American films. This one deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible as Chapter 4 will keep you on the edge of your seat and your jaw on the floor.”
Grade: A+

Rama Tampubolon says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 was as badass & as awesome as I had hoped it would be. I didnt mind the lengthy runtime cause the Arc de Triomphe relentless action alone was worth it. And the gun-fu of Keanu Reeves VS. Donnie Yen lived up to the hype.”
Grade: A+

Shadan Larki says, “Action, style, high-stakes, and loads of fun—John Wick: Chapter 4 has everything you could want from a mega blockbuster. It demands to be seen on a big screen with a big crowd. Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves have delivered one of the best action films in years.”
Grade: A+

Mark Pacis says, “Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a high-octane action spectacle with enough moments of peace to let their characters develop and grow. With each John Wick flick, they raise the stakes, expand the world and lore, and heighten the action. It’s challenging to sustain in four films, but John Wick: Chapter 4 handles it with ease. This franchise has quickly become one of the best action franchises ever—no easy task, but well-deserved.”
Grade: A+

John Nguyen says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 continues with the visceral and brutal action. We finally get the conclusion to the story, and the film brings the action to a higher level with armored ninja, fiery weapons, epic one-shot scenes, and more. Donnie Yen is definitely icing on the cake.”
Grade: A

Rachel Leishman says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is a love letter to fans and the John Wick franchise as a whole. Its a beautiful note to the power that Keanu Reeves has as a performer and one of those rare cases where the more we get into the franchise, the more exciting the movies become. An action-packed ride and one youll want to see in theaters!”
Grade: A

Catalina Combs says, “The John Wick franchise is all about its practical effects and stunning fight choreography.John Wick: Chapter 4 Brings the Coolest Cast and the Most Epic Fight Scenes.
Laura Sirikul says, “Nonstop epic action filled with so much suspense and badass moments! Donnie Yen. Rina Sawayama, and Hiroyuki Sanada stand out.”
Grade: A

Brandon Katz says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is a symphony of balletic violence and practical excellence. The conceptual creativity that goes into concocting these unique action set pieces is only matched by the impressive execution, both of which set franchise highs. It doesnt hurt that this adventure, which boasts the longest running-time of the series, is also the funniest entry in the last decades most unlikely franchise success.”
Grade: A

Jonathan Fujii says, “The most technically impressive pure action movie in years. The action set pieces are worth the price of a ticket alone. Incredible.”
Grade: A

Matt Neglia says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is a stunning feat of action filmmaking. The ambitious stunts, cinematography, & sound have never been better. Keanu Reeves continues to push his body to the limit while Donnie Yen & Hiroyuki Sanada add real gravitas to the most epic film of the franchise yet. And if you’re worried about the 169 minute runtime, don’t be. I couldn’t get enough & wanted even more when it was over! Reminded me of how I felt coming out of Mission: Impossible – Fallout where the franchise reached new, seemingly impossible, heights. I don’t know how they will top this.”
Grade: A

Staci L. Wilson says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers on action, of course, but this is a more nuanced (and often funny) portrait of the eponymous man of mystery (and martial arts).”
Grade: A

Vanessa Armstrong says, “#JohnWick4 is the best movie Ive seen in ages!
Its like a Greek epic thats, yes, full of unparalleled action (and guns), and the set pieces are phenomenal. But its also about relationships and love. What a breathtaking, heartrending story! I cant wait to see it again.”
Grade: A

Cole Jaeger says, “A dazzling action epic that soars higher than any other entry in the franchise. That the film sustains itself so effortlessly through hours of combat is a testament to marvelous fight choreography, gigantic set pieces, and Dan Lausten’s eye-popping lighting design. It’s so over-the-top I felt the urge to laugh during random moments at the absurdity of it all. Chad Stahelski and his crew have raised the bar for Hollywood action filmmaking.”
Grade: A

Jami Philbrick says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is the best sequel in the franchise and rivals the original. With more action, and vibrant new characters, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a fantastic sequel and features stellar performances from Keanu Reeves and Donnie Yen.”
Grade: A

Greg Russell says, “This is a true shoot- em up action movie. From beginning to end this film moves. Keanu Reeves is at his best as the man who cant be stopped. The quickest 2 hours and 40 minutes on film.”
Grade: A

Nestor Bentancor says, “The strongest chapter in the Wick saga and of the best Hollywood action films of all time! The magnetic characters -especially Donnie Yan- anchor the brutal and beautiful torrent of mayhem.”
Grade: A

Kevin Jan says, “The John Wick franchise comes to an epic conclusion with Chapter 4 and its the finale that audiences deserve with its relentless action and breathtaking cinematography. Keanu has never been better and hes equally matched by a supporting cast thats includes Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, Bill Skarsgård, and the late Lance Reddick. Easily be one of the best action films of the year.”
Grade: A

Dana Han-Klein says, “Just when you think the Wickiverse couldnt get better John Wick: Chapter 4 ups the game with the holy Asian (and AARP eligible) trinity of Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, and Hiroyuki Sanada.”
Grade: A

Nikki Fowler says, “John Wick franchise fans are in for continuous action across Jordan, Japan, Berlin, and Paris. Keanu Reeves delivers another powerful role as John Wick. Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada were a phenomenal matchup of legendary actors and martial artists. Rina Sawayamas performance is stellar, and I cant wait to see whats next for her. The club scene was authentic, with a total vibe of areas Ive frequented, like Oranienburger Straße in Berlin, which is known for its intense art and club scenes. Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 was entertaining with a surplus of action, making it feel like a really immersive video game where you get lost for hours, only without the controls. Im torn on a perfect score because I enjoyed all of the action scenes, but it was a tad long and needed a bit more of a narrative, specifically with Wick having such few lines. Theres mystery in Wicks stoic guarded silence, but I definitely felt there needed to be more substance. What we got in action almost made up for it, which makes this a must-watch, especially with the incredible locations; the movie was filmed in France, Germany, and Japan. All of the stunts were just incredible, and Paris added a fantastic backdrop, including the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe that served for the infamous black mustang scene, which will have your jaw dropped. Reeves performance is simply stellar as he was actually driving the car and the added effects looked and felt real. Something about Keanu in a suit, guns blazing in a black mustang spinning in circles around the Arc de Triomphe with the doors off and not breaking a sweat screams satisfying.”
Grade: A

Wendy Lee Szany says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is non-stop action. I expected top-tier fight scenes but I was completely blown away. Incredible cinematography. So many scenes/frames looked like it was pulled straight out of a manga. A bit on the long side.”
Grade: A

Aaron Neuwirth says, “For this installment, whether it was the time taken to truly figure out how to elevate things to the next level or just some sort of cinematic magic trick, John Wick is not only back, he’s better than ever in one of the best modern American action films this side of a Mission: Impossible.”
Grade: A-

Tony Toscano says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 takes the John Wick franchise out with a bang. The films non-stop action, sparse dialogue and stunts make JW4 a true popcorn muncher. But it is Keanu Reeves who makes the film intensely watchable. Although there are a few moments in the film where the ride slows down significantly, but its only a brief pause in the action.
Grade: A-

DarkSkyLady says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 crafts jaw-dropping action while bridging multiple combat styles and action genres. Be it samurai, western or gunplay, it continues to raise the bar for action films. The cinematography and direction is stunning, and while most of the cast delivers, stand outs Donnie Yen, Rina Sawayama, and Shamier Anderson steal the show with each scene theyre in.
Grade: A-

Ryan McQuade says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 absolutely slaps!! Epic on every level and built upon the bones of the previous three entries, this fourth installment is takes no prisoners and feels like the cinematic equivalent of throwing the kitchen sink at the screen and, to much success, it all sticks. Director Chad Stahelski has made the first great action movie of the year, and Keanu Reeves has crafted a complete, fully realized actor hero that ranks as one of the greatest action heroes in film history. I can’t wait to see it again!”
Grade: A-

Nicholas Spake says, “For the past three movies, it’s been John Wick against the world. The world is still very much against him in Chapter 4. However, the world is more divided this time around. Most of the assassination community is out to collect the bounty on Mr. Wick, but our hero has gained several allies. Some partnerships are born from loyalty, others from revenge, and a few from sheer convenience. For all the new characters in Chapter 4, it doesn’t lose track of John’s story, which reaches a turning point in the franchise’s most ambitious outing yet.”
Grade: A-

Peggy Marie says, “JohnWickChapter4 is wild. Keanu Reeves I adore you. So much happens that its almost hard to say too much without giving anything away. Shamier Anderson is a wonderful addition, Donnie Yen Aimee Kwan & Hiroyuki Sanada just wow! And yes, there is a dog.”
Grade: A-

Nate Adams says, “After taking in 169-minutes of the pure, adrenaline fueled madness that is the epic John Wick: Chapter 4, I’ve come to the conclusion the main character could single handedly battle any living organism, including The Avengers, and live to tell the tale. 9 years removed from the originally slated direct-to-DVD John Wick, these films have only gotten better with each subsequent installment, and Chapter 4, goes out with a massive, I-can’t-believe-what-I’m-watching finesse reserved only for the greatest cinematic action films of all time. It now sits among the greats, including Die Hard, The Raid, and Seven Samurai. Not too shabby for the Baba Yaga.”
Grade: A-

Abbie Bernstein says, “As the saying goes, John Wick: Chapter 4 came to chew bubblegum and kick butt, and seldom has there been a movie so out of bubblegum. John Wick: Chapter 4 logs in at two hours and forty-nine minutes (including credits). There is butt-kicking, along with head-butting, shooting, swordfights, knife fights, fistfights, car fights, nunchucks, and assorted mayhem that is so extensive that we can’t help but be awed by the sheer scope of it.”
Grade: A-

Alex Billington says, “This rules!! Worth every minute of its 169 minute runtime, taking its time with deliberately unrushed pacing – to let the action play out for as long as it needs, with a moment to catch out breath as the story progresses. Absolutely must watch on the big screen, this is pure action cinema at its finest. Even better than both 2 and 3. Oh hell yes the Dragons Breath shotgun sequence is instantly iconic action excellence, along with the amazing staircase scene. Keanu is still the best and keeps this franchise magnificent, making it worthwhile no matter who comes after him and how many times they try to kill him.”
Grade: A-

Alexander Robinson says, “I will always be fascinated how a movie about a hitman getting revenge for the death of his dog ended up being a huge action franchise. The thing that anyone goes to a John Wick movie for is the action, and this movie 1000% delivers. All of the action is well choreographed, expertly directed, and beautifully shot. Each sequence topping the other in terms of intensity and creativity. All of the actors have enough charisma to carry the movie and fulfill their roles, despite the story and mythology not being interesting enough to warrant the nearly three hour runtime. Thats probably the only criticism that I can give for what is still an amazing action movie.”
Grade: A-

Sean Chandler says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is true action epic. The story expands the world of the franchise while offering an emotional connection, and truly astounding action set pieces. Every action sequence is distinct, memorable and finds a way to wow the audience. Im not sure it needed to be nearly 3 hours long, and you have to suspend an awful lot of disbelief. But in the end it delivers everything you want from a John Wick film.”
Grade: A-

Dan Murrell says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 ups the ante in every possible way in a masterclass of action filmmaking that sets the bar high, both for the franchise and for action movies in general. Featuring a cast who obviously put in the work for the stunt sequences, and bolstered by a stunt team that shows the need for the Oscars to recognize stunt work, Chapter 4 is also a spectacular technical achievement, with cinematography and sound that demand to be seen on the big screen. Each action sequence is meticulously crafted and the movie feels a fraction of its nearly three-hour length. Some story beats are a little underdeveloped and I genuinely dont know where the franchise goes from here, but John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers one of the best action movies in a very long time.”
Grade: A-

Mara Knopic says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 delivers exactly what the franchise has set for viewer expectations: exceptional fight choreography/stunts, breathtaking and inventive cinematography, with Keanu Reeves title character having a soft spot for all of the dogs. This installment improves on the world-building missteps of the previous entry, focusing less on needless fetch quests and more on its characters and their interwoven stories. The movie is well-paced for continued audience engagement despite being the longest film in the franchise by a significant margin. Donnie Yen is a stellar addition to the world of assassins and does not disappoint in physical execution as well as providing one of the biggest laughs of the film. Overall, John Wick: Chapter 4 seems to have put a round quite close to the ten ring.”
Grade: A-

Rick Hong says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 definitely continues the trend of upping the ante, and building on the previous three previous films. Fans of the franchise will not be disappointed of this super action packed number 4.”
Grade: B+

Maggie Ma says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 has many stunning fight sequences. Never gets boring. The one on the stairs is the funniest. Donnie Yen has more screen time than I expected and he brought a lot of humor to his role. His fighting sequences are also the most fun to watch with more complicated choreography . Bill Skarsgård looks dashing in many expensive tuxedos. He brought us the most stylish villain.”
Grade: B+

Rick Bentley says, “The franchise is a fun and entertaining ride on a tsunami of bullets. It takes everything to the peak of absurdity and then goes infinitely higher. This fourth edition is a little long as it checks in at just under three hours but it makes sense as all of the John Wick movies have been about going to extremes so why not do that with the running time.”
Grade: B+

Mike Manalo says, “Even though about 30-45 mins could have been jettisoned, audiences are going to cheer, wince, laugh, and just have a riotous good time watching the bullets fly and the steel clash. Anchored by Reeves’ strong work both as an actor and a hard working action star, and enhanced by the brilliant moments of action and acting from stars like Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada, John Wick: Chapter 4 is an incredibly satisfying, epic (if not a bit overstuffed) installment in a franchise we’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy for the past nine years. And I couldn’t be more grateful for the world that director Chad Stahelski and creator Derek Kolstad have created for us all.”
Grade: B

Lupe Rodriguez Haas says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is more of the same but funnier thanks to scene-stealer Donnie Yen. The action is relentless from start to finish, and this time around the filmmakers are self-aware of the over-the-top action.”
Grade: B

Scott Menzel says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is an action packed extravaganza filled with jaw-dropping stunts. While it’s rather light on story, the film has a very strong first act and a fantastic ending. The middle is a bit too much and feels a bit too stretched out for it’s own good. I will say that I also enjoyed how this entry fully embraced how ridiculously far fetched this franchise has become in an almost tongue-in-cheek sort of way. The film is currently the front runner for the most badass action film of the year and some of the stunts scenes have to been seen to be believed.”
Grade: B

Jeandra LeBeauf says, “You get action, upon action, upon action, upon action. The scenery is gorgeous, and Keanu Reeves steps fully into the franchise role that he is well known for. Rest in peace to the great Lance Reddick.”
Grade: B-

Cleide Klock says, “It’s definitely a movie for a particular audience but the fantastic action scenes and awesome soundtrack stand out for everyone who loves movies and Keanu Reeves.”
Grade: B-

Kevin Taft says, “Numb Wick 4 aka John Wick: Chapter 4 is way too much of a good thing. For a franchise that started with a very simple concept and idea, this thing has blown up Matrix style in production and concept. This fourth installment, while set in incredible locations and shot beautifully, is weirdly and phenomenally empty. It’s like watching a video game someone else is playing. And long gone are hand-to-hand fight scenes, clever action sequences utilizing different objects that surround the actors. Now it’s literally just guns, guns, and more guns. Seemingly with an endless supply of bullets.

While the action scenes are more elaborate, it has become a bit Halloween-esque in that John Wick can literally be hit by numerous cars repeatedly and still stand up and continue shooting people while riding motorcycles or dodging cars in Paris. It’s ludicrous and makes the series a bit of a joke.

Aside from pop-star Rina Sawayama (criminally underused), there are no women here except those fetishized while announcing updates on Wick’s whereabouts and survival. Otherwise, it’s a bunch of testosterone-fueled guys grumbling with a threatening whisper.

And if there’s any wonder why people glamorize the use of guns, we can all turn our attention to movies like these. I don’t say that as a damning of Hollywood. But when a movie literally numbs us to gun violence to the point of boredom, you have to wonder if that is having an effect.

And I do love Keanu. Even when his readings elicit many a giggle from the audience with any of his (maybe) 12 lines throughout the film,. Its still nice to see him on the screen.

I know people love this series (and I used to as well), but it really has lost its way. More isn’t more, folks.”
Grade: C

Ricky Valero says, “John Wick: Chapter 4 is an objectively bad movie with some strong components. I do believe audiences will eat this film up and enjoy it, which is always a good thing. But for me, it’s far too long, filled with nonsense for dialogue, but some rather incredible action moments that satisfy at least that urge.”
Grade: C-