(L to R) Ana de Armas as Eve and Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
The ‘John Wick‘ franchise has become one of the most popular action franchises of all time!
Starring Keanu Reeves, ‘John Wick’ and its three sequels have made more than $1 billion at the box office and has spawned a TV series, a documentary, and a new spinoff called ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina‘, which stars Ana de Armas, as well as Reeves reprising his iconic role.
In honor of the new movie, which opens in theaters on June 6th, Moviefone is counting down every ‘John Wick’ movie and TV show ever made, from non-lethal to most deadly.
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
Taking place during the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
(L to R) Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Super-assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) returns with a $14 million price tag on his head and an army of bounty-hunting killers on his trail. After killing a member of the shadowy international assassin’s guild, the High Table, John Wick is excommunicado, but the world’s most ruthless hit men and women await his every turn.
Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. Photo: Lionsgate.
John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is forced out of retirement by a former associate looking to seize control of a shadowy international assassins’ guild. Bound by a blood oath to aid him, Wick travels to Rome and does battle against some of the world’s most dangerous killers.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
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.
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’ has shades of what made the previous ‘John Wick’ films great, especially in the second half, but suffers from a boring first half and tonal issues throughout. The first half meanders through exposition and trying too hard to fit into the ‘John Wick’ universe, while the second half succeeds in delivering the type of action sequences we expect from the franchise. Director Len Wiseman fails to inject the first half of the film with any urgency, and instead relies on the second half’s action sequences to sell the movie.
Not surprisingly, Ana de Armas shines in the action sequences, but her character’s backstory is muddled by the slow tone of the first half. We also are meant to follow her as she learns to become an assassin, but this becomes tedious as we want our hero in a ‘John Wick’ movie to be kicking butt and not getting her own butt kicked. The returning ‘Wick’ actors are all welcomed but not given much to do, except for Keanu Reeves in the second half, but even his character seems wasted in a way and brings into question how this movie fits into the larger ‘John Wick’ franchise timeline.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Ana de Armas as Eve and Director Len Wiseman in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
The film begins with a flashback revealing how a young Eve Macarro (Victoria Comte) watched as the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), a member of the High Table, murdered her father before she escaped, and was taken to the Director (Huston) by Winston Scott (McShane). Through an opening credits montage, we learn that Eve was trained by the Ruska Roma crime syndicate as both a ballet dancer and an assassin.
The story then picks up at the beginning of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, with de Armas now portraying Eve, as she watches the notorious John Wick (Reeves), a former member, now on the run, seek refuge from the Director. After a brief encounter between the two, Wick leaves and the story then jumps ahead several months. Eve is now working as an assassin but struggles with her first assignment. She soon discovers that her target has the same mark on his hand as the man who killed her father.
Looking for revenge, and against the orders of the Director, Eve searches to find Daniel Pine (Reedus), who is trying to protect his own daughter and is also being hunted by the group that killed Eve’s father. Eventually she discovers that the Chancellor is behind her father’s death, and she travels to the remote town of assassins that the Chancellor leads. However, to protect an alliance the Director has with the Chancellor, she hires John Wick to stop Eve from killing him, even if that means John must kill her himself.
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
I consider Len Wiseman a serviceable director having made decent films like the ‘Underworld’ franchise and ‘Live Free or Die Hard’, but he is by no means a great director, and hardly my first choice to take over the franchise from Chad Stahelski, who’s brilliant work with the action sequences set the tone for the entire franchise. Wiseman was clearly out of his depths working on a ‘John Wick’ spinoff, and the pacing, tone, and the uninspiring action sequences in the first half of the movie prove it.
But the second half of the film does deliver the fast-paced tone and vibrant action of the previous films, so how did that happen? Well, if rumors are true, Wiseman was replaced during production by producer and ‘John Wick’ director Chad Stahelski, who re-shot most of the movie, particularly the second half’s action sequences and the scenes with Reeves. If this is true, it would explain why the movie feels like two different films. It’s not as bad of a “Frankenstein assembled movie” as say, ‘Justice League’, but it is still quite glaring and I’m not sure why the studio didn’t just hire Stahelski in the first place?
While the tone and pacing are all over the place, and the story itself contradicts the timeline established in the previous movies, if Stahelski did reshoot half the film, it was well worth it and saved the movie from being a complete disaster to a decent action film that gets exceedingly better in the second half.
Cast and Performances
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Murray Close.
Taking over for real life ballerina Unity Phelan, who played Eve in a cameo in ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, Ana de Armas brings a lot to the role. She is captivating on screen and brings true emotion to her character but is also fantastic in the action sequences. However, the poor pacing and confusing tone of the first half of the film does the actress no favors.
The concept of a ‘Ballerina’ movie, so I thought, was to establish a “Female John Wick” in this cinematic universe, but the first half of the film feels more like “Female John Wick Begins”, with the character still finding her way as an assassin. That might have worked in any other film, but this is a ‘John Wick’ movie, and if Eve is going to go up against “Baba Yaga” himself, I would have wanted the character to be a match in experience and fighting skills to Wick.
Once she does face off with Wick towards the film’s finale, she is able to go toe to toe with him, but that doesn’t exactly align with the character that was established earlier in the movie. But regardless, de Armas is a very strong actress, and despite the film’s shortcomings, carries the movie well, especially in the later action sequences. The character is a great addition to the franchise but will perhaps be better used in a supporting role in a possible ‘John Wick: Chapter 5’, rather than in her own series.
(L to R) Ana de Armas as Eve and Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
It’s always great to see Keanu Reeves playing this character, but except for a cameo appearance in the beginning, he is not given much to do until the end. While the inclusion of his character was meant to bridge the gap between this film and the original series, it does take the audience’s attention away from Eve, and this really should be her story.
Reeves inclusion at the end also feels like a desperate move to link the films, and the timeline of how this happens might be confusing for some. My guess is that the end of ‘Ballerina’ takes place between the end of ‘Parabellum’ and the beginning of ‘Chapter 4’, but it’s hard to really know. Having previously worked together on ‘Knock Knock’ and ‘Exposed’, Reeves and de Armas do have strong chemistry together, which shows in their scenes.
As for the rest of the returning ‘Wick’ characters, none of them are given much to do. Anjelica Huston is good as the Director, but after the beginning of the movie, is relegated to “phone acting” in most of her subsequent scenes and the history of the character is never really explored.
(L to R) Ian McShane as Winston Scott and Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
The same could be said for Ian McShane’s Winston Scott, who is de-aged for his opening scene with a young Eve, and then not really revisited till the end of the movie. I would have liked the film to explore his connection to Eve more and have that play a bigger role in the story. But it was a treat to see the late great Lance Reddick return one more time as Winston’s right hand man Charon, even if his role is a glorified cameo.
Gabriel Byrne’s Chancellor fits well into the seedy world of ‘John Wick’ and is a strong advisory to Eve. The actor walks the thin line between generic bad guy and a real emotional and physical threat and does his best to overcome the script’s shortcomings. ‘The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus is also a good addition to the franchise, but his role was cut short, and I really would have liked it if the film had explored his character, relationship to his daughter, and encounter with Eve more. As it is, Reedus only has one scene but does the best he can with it.
Final Thoughts
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Murray Close.
In short, ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’ was not as bad as I feared, but not as good as I had hoped. While the first half is slow and does not feel like a ‘John Wick’ movie, the second half is more of what I expected, and is worth watching. But despite some great action sequences and strong performances from both de Armas and Reeves, the movie fails to truly resonate for ‘Wick’ fans and non-fans alike.
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What is the plot of ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’?
Taking place between the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and ‘Chapter 4’, Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a ballerina-assassin, begins to train in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma and sets out to exact revenge for her father’s death.
Who is in the cast of ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’?
Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro
Anjelica Huston as the Director
Gabriel Byrne as the Chancellor
Ian McShane as Winston Scott
Lance Reddick as Charon
Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine
Keanu Reeves as John Wick
(L to R) Lance Reddick as Charon, Ian McShane as Winston Scott and Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘John Wick’ Franchise:
Ana de Armas stars in ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ana de Armas about her work on ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’, what ‘John Wick’ fans can expect from the movie, shooting the action sequences, reuniting on screen with Keanu Reeves, and joining the iconic franchise.
You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with de Armas, Ian McShane, Norman Reedus, and director Len Wiseman.
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
Moviefone: To begin with, what would you say to ‘John Wick’ fans sitting down right now to watch this movie in a theater to prepare them for the action-packed experience they are about to have?
Ana de Armas: Just get a lot of popcorn and get ready for a wild ride. I mean, if they like the ‘John Wick’ (movies), this is right down their alley. It’s a perfect addition and extension of the franchise and I think they’re going to be really surprised and they’re going to have a blast.
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
MF: Can you talk about preparing physically for the action sequences and working with the incredible stunt team at 87eleven Productions?
ADA: It was wonderful. I enjoyed every second of it. I also was in a lot of pain at times, but it was part of the process, and it just transformed me. It pushed me to my limits, it changed my body, it changed my endurance, my discipline, and the way I just approached my everyday life during filming. It was just great to feel like you’re getting good at something, like you’re learning new stuff. I love that, learning new skills and that you’re capable of doing these things. It was fun.
(L to R) Ana de Armas as Eve and Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate.
MF: What was it like reuniting with actor Keanu Reeves on screen after making ‘Knock Knock’ and ‘Exposed’, and having his blessing for joining the franchise?
ADA: It was great. It was special. Ten years after we met, we’re here working together again. ‘John Wick’ and the franchise is what it is because of him and what he’s done. I have so much respect for him as an actor and the work they’ve done with the movies. Just to have him on set on my film now supporting me and like you said, giving his blessing to this extension of the franchise, it was a dream come true. Have him walking, wearing the John Wick suit again and in such a cool scene between the two characters, was just amazing.
(L to R) Lance Reddick as Charon, Ian McShane as Winston Scott and Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
MF: Finally, you are now officially a member of the ‘John Wick’ cinematic universe. What does it mean to you personally to join this franchise and be part of its legacy?
ADA: It’s amazing. It’s something I never thought was going to come my way and it just means a lot. I love just being a part of it. Whatever happens with ‘Ballerina’, whatever we go from now, I just know that I am a part of something special.
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What is the plot of ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’?
Taking place between the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ and ‘Chapter 4’, Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a ballerina-assassin, begins to train in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma and sets out to exact revenge for her father’s death.
Who is in the cast of ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’?
Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro
Anjelica Huston as the Director
Gabriel Byrne as the Chancellor
Ian McShane as Winston Scott
Lance Reddick as Charon
Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine
Keanu Reeves as John Wick
Ana de Armas as Eve in ‘Ballerina’. Photo: Larry D. Horricks.
List of Movies and TV Shows in the ‘John Wick’ Franchise:
(L to R) Ian McShane as Winston, Keanu Reeves as John Wick, and director Chad Stahelski on the set of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Preview:
Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski are involved in a new ‘John Wick’ TV series.
‘John Wick: The High Table’ will continue the movies’ story.
‘The Old Man’ co-creator Robert Levin is running the show.
While Lionsgate’s bosses seem convinced that more ‘John Wick’ theatrical releases will be on the way, it appears that the main duo involved in the movies so far –– star Keanu Reeves and director/producer Chad Stahelski –– are focusing their immediate efforts on the latest small-screen incarnation of the story.
According to Deadline, Lionsgate now has Stahelski and Reeves involved in a new series called ‘John Wick: The High Table’, which the company will produce.
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What’s the story of ‘John Wick: The High Table’?
(L to R) Director Chad Stahelski and Bill Skarsgård as Marquis in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The new series picks up directly after the end of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’.
John Wick has left the world of the High Table in a tenuous position and a collection of new characters will look to make a name for themselves while some of the franchise stalwart characters remain committed to the old-world order.
A description of the new series promises to “combine new and old and thrust the ‘Wick’ universe into a new age.”
Who else is working on ‘John Wick: The High Table’?
Jeff Bridges in FX’s ‘The Old Man’. Photo: FX.
While Reeves right now is only attached to produce, with no plans to appear (after all, his character dies… probably in ‘Chapter Four’), Stahelski is on board to direct the first episode.
And the filmmaker’s involvement will be part of his big overall deal with Lionsgate, sealed in January, to oversee all aspects of the expanding Wick storytelling scene. He’ll produce via his 87Eleven Entertainment company.
On the creative front for the new show, Robert Levine, one of the co-creators of FX series ‘The Old Man’ (which certainly shared themes with ‘Wick’, is writing and running it.
What else is going on with the ‘John Wick’ movie universe?
Donnie Yen as Caine in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The new show is just the latest way that Lionsgate is looking to utilize the sprawling ‘Wick’-verse, and the next version to actually appear will be ‘Ballerina’, due on June 6th next, year. The movie, set between the events of the third and fourth movie, stars Ana de Armas as a young assassin out for revenge and has Len Wiseman directing.
Though Lionsgate is producing the show, it is currently being shopped to networks. Peacock, of course, picked up the previous spin-off, prequel series ‘The Continental’, but the new show is up for grabs. So expect plenty of interest from the likes of Netflix and more.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Other Movies and TV Shows in the ‘John Wick’ Franchise:
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
John Wick is back and it is even more action-packed than ever. Can he ever earn his freedom and finally be released from the grasp of the High Table?
Following the events of 2019’s ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is seeking out the new head of the High Table, Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård). With a hefty price on his head and hundreds of assassins go after Wick, including his old friend Caine – a blind assassin – Wick is in for the biggest and longest battle yet.
The official synopsis for ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is below:
“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.”
‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ opened to $73.8 million domestically, making it the highest opening grossing movie in the ‘John Wick’ franchise’. It is certified Tomatoe-meter fresh with a 91% score from critics, 93% from the audience, and 95% from Moviefone. The fourth installment has grossed $180 million domestically and $406 million worldwide since its release.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The Most Intense Fight Scenes Of The Franchise
The ‘John Wick’ franchise has come a long way since the 2014 film where the former assassin was seeking revenge from those who murdered his beagle puppy, a gift from his late wife Helen (Bridget Moynahan). The film is known for its intricate “Gun-fu” fight choreography, carefully crafted by director and stuntman Chad Stahleski and his stunt team.
Working with stunt coordinators Scott Rogers and Stephen Dunlevy, who have over 30 years of experience in the industry, they created some of the most stunning fight sequences of the franchise including one involving a weapon named “Dragon’s Breath”. This scene takes place later on in the film and gives the audience a top-down view of the fight, something that has not been done yet in the franchise.
The cameras had to be rigged on wires over the set in order to shoot it from the top-down. The walls of the set had to be built shorter in order for the camera rig to be set up correctly for the scene. And the “Dragon’s Breath” weapon? It was a modified shotgun that shot fireballs. Each time it fired, it would ignite the victims on fire in a flurry of flames and sparks. Paired with the heart-thumping music, making this scene quite the spectacle.
Donnie Yen as Caine in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Another intense – and long – fight scene was the one that took place at the iconic Rue Foyatier. It is a 222-step staircase that leads to the Sacré-Coeur. Wick has a time limit to reach the top of the stairs, and it wasn’t just the endless staircase that stood in his way. Countless assassins show up at the Rue Foyatier to try to claim the hefty bounty that’s been placed on the Baba Yaga. Just when Wick finally sees the top of the stairs, he receives a kick that sends it all the way back to the bottom. For the safety of the actor, Reeves’ stunt double Vincent Bouillon made the fall.
Finally, there’s the incredible John Wick verses cars sequence at the Arc de Troimphe. Filled with busy traffic of Paris, Wick is dodging endless cars and Garmont’s goons while taking a few hits himself. This scene was accomplished with group of 50 stunt drivers from all over the world, two camera crews, and countless hours of rehearsal.
(L to R) Ian McShane as Winston, Keanu Reeves as John Wick, and director Chad Stahelski on the set of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Where Can I Watch ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’?
The film premiered in London on March 6, 2023 and was released theatrically in the United States on March 23, 2023. Originally, the film was slated to release in 2021 but was delayed due to COVID. ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ has a total runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes. It is the fourth film in the ‘John Wick’ franchise. You can still experience the action-thriller on the big screen. Be sure to check below for showtimes in your area.
Watch the official trailers for ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ below:
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For any fans of the franchise, this is definitely a film to watch on the big screen. But for those who wants to experience the movie from the comfort of their home, we’ve got good new for you. ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ will be available on digital starting May 23.
Looking to complete your ‘John Wick’ Blu-ray collection? Physical release of the movie will be on June 13 in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. The Blu-ray will include a ton of special features such as a featurette featuring director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves called “Chad and Keanu: Through Wick and Thin”, a weapons training featurette, behind the scene look at set design, costumes, fight choreography, exploring Donnie Yen’s character Caine and much more.
We just can’t get enough of the world of John Wick. Lucky for us, the spin-off series ‘The Continental’ will stream on Peacock this September, and the spin-off film ‘Ballerina’ starring Ana de Armas (‘Ghosted’) in 2024, which will feature an appearance from John Wick himself.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Following the events of ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,’ John Wick (Keanu Reeves) seeks to kill the leader of the High Table, and Winston Scott (Ian McShane) must face the consequences of his actions. The new leader of the High Table, Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård), wants Wick dead and hires hundreds of assassins to kill him, including a tracker named Mr. Nobody (Shamier Anderson), and Caine (Donnie Yen), a blind assassin who is old friends with Wick.
Aided by another old friend, Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada), the manager of the Osaka Continental Hotel, as well as the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), Wick agrees to Winston’s dangerous plan to earn him his freedom, which involves Wick rejoining the Ruska Roma, assassinating German High Table member Killa (Scott Adkins), and challenging Marquis Vincent de Gramont to a duel to the death. But first John Wick will need to survive until sunrise if he wants a chance at getting his life back.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Initial Thoughts
With over-the-top action, more character development, and a satisfying conclusion, ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is the best of the ‘John Wick’ sequels and is on par with the original film. Keanu Reeves excels in his signature role, and Donnie Yen is finally given a part in an American film worthy of his great talents.
The Story, the Action and the Direction
2014’s ‘John Wick’ was a revolutionary film for the action genre and helped to rejuvenate Keanu Reeves’ career (more on that later). What felt like a perfect stand-alone action movie was eventually transformed into a huge franchise, thanks to the success of its sequels and upcoming spinoffs. While ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ was a strong sequel that expanded the “Wick Universe,” ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,’ while a good movie in its own right, was ultimately not as satisfying a conclusion to the series as expected as it basically ended with a “To Be Continued.”
‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is absolutely a satisfying ending to the title character’s story (at least for now) and one that fans of the series truly deserve. With the exception of the introduction of Halle Berry’s great character Sofia Al-Azwar in ‘Parabellum,’ who unfortunately does not appear in ‘Chapter 4,’ the third movie does not seem that relevant anymore, as most of the new film follows the same story beats: Wick and Winston atoning for their actions in ‘Chapter 2.’ While I think a trilogy would have made the series stronger in the long run, I understand the studio wanting to stretch it out given its success, and I guess ‘Parabellum’ needed to set up the upcoming spinoff ‘Ballerina.’
Director and former stunt coordinator Chad Stahelski, who upped the game for action movies with the first ‘John Wick’ ups his action game again with this film, which truly contains some amazing fight sequences. And it’s not just the scenes with what Reeves has called “Gun-Fu,” the movie also has “Car-Fun,” as well as “Sword-Fu” moments. The scenes are shot incredibly well and fluid, and allows the audience to follow the wild action without missing a beat. Particularly impressive is a massive gun and sword fight that takes place at the Osaka Continental Hotel, as well as the final set-piece, a 10-minute-plus long fight sequence that takes place on a steep set of outdoor stairs.
(L to R) Ian McShane as Winston, Keanu Reeves as John Wick, and director Chad Stahelski on the set of ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Keanu Reeves is one of our most beloved, and at times, underrated actors. Reeves has starred in countless modern classics like ‘Point Break,’ ‘Speed,’ and of course ‘The Matrix,’ but it seems like he didn’t finally receive the respect he deserved for his impressive career until he starred in the surprise hit ‘John Wick,’ which completely changed everything for the actor. Keanu is now a national treasure, and his dedication to the role of John Wick, as demonstrated in his training videos on YouTube, shows just how much this role has meant to him, and just how talented an actor he really is.
John Wick was never your typical action character, as his origin story began with the death of his wife (to an illness, not assassination) and his motivation was to avenge the death of the dog she gave him before she died. From inception, this gave the character more depth and made him more emotionally vulnerable than most action heroes. Reeves’ deep emotional connection as an actor is part of what makes him so good as this character and that is only elevated by the new movie. While in some ways he will always be remembered for playing Neo in ‘The Matrix’ series, it’s safe to say John Wick is now Reeves’ signature character. With ‘Chapter 4’ the actor not only brings his character to a satisfying conclusion, but also seems to be at the apex of his talents and career.
Donnie Yen as Caine in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
Donnie Yen’s Caine
Best known for his work on the ‘Ip Man’ series, actor and martial artist Donnie Yen has only appeared in a few American films such as ‘Rogue One’ and ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage,’ and he has not really been given a chance to show off his talents until now. In ‘Chapter 4,’ Donnie Yen is truly brilliant as Wick’s old friend and adversary Caine, and absolutely shines in the role. He creates a fully formed character as the blind assassin, and is completely believable in the role. His action sequences are some of the best in the film, and he brings a lot of humor to the part, and has great onscreen chemistry with Reeves. There are some hints in the movie that Caine may continue on in future installments or spinoffs, and I for one would love to see Yen return to the role.
(L to R) Ian McShane as Winston and Bill Skarsgård as Marquis in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The Villains
While not necessarily a villain, like Caine, Shamier Anderson’s Mr. Nobody is an adversary to Wick and one of the great new characters this film introduces. He is mysterious at first, and we’re not quite sure who’s side he is really on, which makes him more interesting to follow throughout the film. His physicality and skills are a match for Wick, but their mutual love of dogs is key to them possibly calling a truce before film’s end. I was not that familiar with Anderson’s work previous to this movie, but was impressed with his portrayal of the character and would love to see him appear in the franchise again.
Although he is really only in one sequence, action star Scott Adkins steals his scene as Killa, a physically massive German High Table member that poses a threat to Wick. The actor is heavily made-up and physically imposing, while his martial arts skills are well on display, regardless of the character’s size. Character actor Clancy Brown is always good when he appears in small but pivotal roles, and has another strong one here as the Harbinger, who works for the High Table.
But the true villain of the movie is the Marquis Vincent de Gramont, played by Bill Skarsgård. The actor does his best with the material, but like Alfie Allen’s Tarasov in the first movie, and Riccardo Scamarcio’s Santino D’Antonio in the second, the character comes off as a spoiled brat, and without the power of the High Table, one on one, is no threat for Wick, which does play out in the final scenes of the movie. He’s your standard “Bond Villain” behind the scenes pulling the strings, and I would have liked a main villain that could really be a physical threat for our hero, but perhaps that is why they cast Yen and Adkins in their roles.
Laurence Fishburne as Bowery King in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
The Supporting Cast
The ‘Matrix’ reunion is cut short again as Laurence Fishburne does return as the Bowery King but has limited screen time. However, it is always nice to see Fishburne and Reeves share the frame again, and his role is pivotal to Wick’s success. Actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Rina Sawayama are great additions to the franchise as Shimazu Koji and his daughter Akira, respectively, and it was fascinating to see the Osaka version of the Continental Hotel.
Tragically, actor Lance Reddick, who has played Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel in New York, in all four ‘Wick’ movies died this past week, just before the film’s release. Unfortunately, the actor’s role is limited in the new movie, but his performance now has new context as it will be one of his last. Reddick’s character was a staple of the series, always having great chemistry with McShane and Reeves, particularly in ‘Parabellum,’ and the actor will definitely be missed.
But in many ways it is Ian McShane’s Winston Scott who has the biggest upgrade in ‘Chapter 4.’ The character played an important but small role in the original, and that role has grown in each new installment. Winston’s power is threatened in this film, and like a scared animal backed into a corner, we learn what happens when you cross the character. It’s his plan that could help John regain his freedom, and in turn help himself return to power, but McShane allows the character to come across in a way that you feel he is motivated by his friendship and respect for Wick as much as he is by his own self-preservation. And again, his lovely moments with Reddick as Charon will take on more resonance now that the actor is gone.
(L to R) Lance Reddick as Charon and Ian McShane as Winston Scott in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’
Is ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ the last one, or will there be a ‘John Wick 5?’
Without giving anything away, there definitely is a finality to ‘John Wick: Chapter 4,’ or at least a satisfying conclusion to the main character’s story arc. Regardless of the movie’s outcome, rest assured that the franchise will not end here. While there are plans for a ‘John Wick: Chapter 5,’ director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves have both said recently that they plan to take a break from the character and the franchise for a while.
But no matter what happens with the flagship ‘Wick’ series, the franchise and especially ‘Chapter 4’ have created such a big world with so many interesting characters that it will go on for the foreseeable future. Already in production is ‘Ballerina,’ based on characters introduced in ‘Parabellum,’ including Unity Phelan’s Rooney (now played by Oscar nominee Ana de Armas) and Anjelica Huston’s “The Director.” The movie is helmed by ‘Underworld’s Len Wiseman and will also feature Reeves, McShane and Reddick, reprising their roles, and it is said to be set between ‘Parabellum’ and ‘Chapter 4.’
There has also been talk of a spinoff featuring Halle Berry’s ‘Parabellum’ character, and a possible crossover with Bob Odenkirk’s ‘Nobody’ series. Not to mention the upcoming series adaption called ‘The Continental,’ which is an origin story for the Winston Scott character, featuring Colin Woodell playing a young Winston, as well as Oscar winner Mel Gibson.
Final Thoughts
In the end, ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ is an action-packed and emotional rollercoaster with fantastic new characters and a satisfying conclusion to the title character’s arc. Keanu Reeves reminds us why we love him playing his beloved signature character, and Donnie Yen dazzles creating a new character you’ll want to see again, while director Chad Stahelski delivers the best sequel in the series.
‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ receives 9.5 out of 10 stars.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in ‘John Wick: Chapter 4.’ Photo Credit: Murray Close.
He’s thinking he’s back — or will be soon, anyway.
One of the many upcoming films with Just Shut Up And Take Our Money status is “John Wick: Chapter 3.” Lionsgate promoted the movie as part of its CinemaCon lineup, sharing a basic plot synopsis, and a promotional poster.
The poster is only barely worth mentioning, since it’s simply the title of the movie and not up to the standard of what we’re sure they’re going to provide before the movie comes out.
But it exists. So here it is, along with the plot synopsis, both via Collider:
“John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run for two reasons… he’s being hunted for a global $14 million dollar open contract on his life, and for breaking a central rule: taking a life on Continental Hotel grounds. The victim was a member of the High Table who ordered the open contract. John should have already been executed, except the Continental’s manager, Winston, has given him a one-hour grace period before he’s ‘Excommunicado’ – membership revoked, banned from all services and cut off from other members. John uses the service industry to stay alive as he fights and kills his way out of New York City.”
The “John Wick” poster game is too strong to consider that a real poster. It’s just a placeholder for CinemaCon.
We’re hoping for something more like this by the time the film opens next year:
It does sound like the story picks up directly from “Chapter 2,” which makes sense and continues the heightened sense of urgency.
Back in June 2017, director Chad Stahelski talked to the Independent about what elements he hopes to explore in “Chapter 3”:
“We are going to put in something about the High Table, how that all works. We’re going to put in something about where John comes from, and where he wants to go. I don’t want to say too much more, but it will be a nice completion to Mr. Wick’s journey.”
Completion. Don’t forget that there’s also a John Wick spinoff series coming to Starz, called “The Continental.”
“Chapter 3” ends the film trilogy on May 17, 2019.
Bruce Wayne is a billionaire, so a missing $20 million here or there isn’t going to put a big crimp in his Bat-budget.
Still, box office experts must be scratching their heads wondering why “The LEGO Batman Movie” opened about $15 million below the $70 million they projected, taking the No.1 spot with $55.6 million.
Analysts widely expected the new animated feature to top the $69 million opening that “The LEGO Movie” enjoyed three years ago, released around the same time as “LEGO Batman.” The success of the first movie, the eight-decade popularity of Batman, and the 4,088-screen release (the biggest ever for a February film) all made for much loftier prediction than what the film brought it for its opening weekend.
Fellow sequels “Fifty Shades Darker” and “John Wick: Chapter Two” both outperformed expectations. Pundits predicted “Darker” would premiere in the low $40s, but its estimated sales as of Sunday came to $46.8 million. For “Wick,” predictions hovered around $20 million, but the Keanu Reeves action film over-performed with an estimated $30.0 million.
Why did “LEGO Batman” fall short of expectations, while “Darker” and “Wick” outdid them? Here are six likely reasons why:
1. Fanbases Batman’s been a popular character for nearly 80 years, but last year’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Suicide Squad” may have squandered a lot of the franchise’s good will.
Not that it’s at all clear that fans of those grim, grown-up movies would have come to see the family-oriented “LEGO” film’s funnier take on the Caped Crusader, unless they wanted to see a spoof of the bleak bummers the live-action “Batman” movies have become. But it’s also not clear that fans of the first movie, with its universe of characters, wanted to see a “LEGO” movie confined to Gotham City.
Meanwhile, fans of the first “Fifty Shades” were widely expected to come back for a movie that pretty much offered more of the same “Mommy Porn” elements. And “John Wick” may have had the most ardent fanbase of all, those who made the 2014 hitman movie a modest hit in theaters — and even bigger on home video. The “John Wick” fanbase may have been cultish, but they’re also vocal and enthusiastic.
2. “LEGO Batman” < “LEGO Movie” It’s no wonder that “LEGO Batman” can’t match the startling originality of the first movie. Sure, it was a feature-length toy commercial, but it also had a message (about world-building and childlike imagination) that fit the product. It also had a bright and dazzling visual style, one that seems both familiar and slightly muted in the new movie.
Familiarity, not novelty, is the selling point of “Darker.” Indeed, the point of casting Kim Basinger in a supporting role seems to be to remind older viewers that this sort of kinky-yet-glossy romance is nothing new, since Basinger herself practically invented it 31 years ago with “9 1/2 Weeks.”
As for “John Wick,” the franchise’s balletic action choreography and complex backstory will be novelties to most viewers, while the “Wick” cult from the first movie should appreciate the sequel’s deeper dives into both style and mythology.
3. Reviews Actually, reviews for “LEGO Batman” have been very strong (91 percent “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes), as has word-of-mouth (as measured by an A- grade at CinemaScore). Not that kids read reviews, of course.
The new “John Wick” has enjoyed nearly identical praise from both critics (90 percent on RT) and fans (A- at CinemaScore). In fact, the sequel’s $30 million is more than twice the $14.4 million premiere of “John Wick” in October 2014, which shows just how strong the word-of-mouth is among “Wick” fans.
The new “Fifty Shades,” on the other hand, has earned terrible reviews (9 percent “Rotten” on RT), not that they matter so much to fans of the novel. Even they, however, seem to agree a bit with critics, having given “Darker” a good-but-not-great B+ grade at CinemaScore.
To the extent that “Darker” viewers are older adults who still read reviews, the drubbing critics gave the movie may have kept some of them away. Indeed, that’s why the sequel was expected to premiere with only about half the $85.2 million that “Fifty Shades of Grey” opened with two years ago.
4. Star Power The names on the marquee don’t much matter for animated movies, not that “Batman” voice star Arrested Development” fans, but it’s true.)
Neither are Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan; certainly, neither has proved to be any kind of box office draw outside the “Fifty Shades” franchise. Keanu Reeves doesn’t have the greatest track record either, but he is a household name, and as long as he stays in his wheelhouse (brooding men of action who remain mysterious as long as they don’t speak much), he’s capable of delivering, as the “John Wick” movies have shown. Still, even the 52-year-old Reeves has to be pleasantly surprised by the robust premiere of “Chapter Two,” which marks his best opening weekend since “The Day the Earth Stood Still” eight years ago.
5. Not Great Timing February can be a good month for surprise blockbusters. This time last year, we saw “Deadpool” open with $132 million, about as much as this week’s three new releases earned combined.
Still, having three big movies open at the same time, even in February, means at least one will suffer. Yeah, you wouldn’t think the audiences for the family-friendly “LEGO Batman,” the female-friendly “Darker,” and the testosterone-heavy “Wick” would overlap, and yet nearly $15 million of that extra $20 million projected for “LEGO Batman” seems to have gone instead to its new rivals. The rest may have gone to the other still-strong family films already established at the multiplex, including “A Dog’s Purpose,” “Sing,” and even “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.”
“Darker” may also have suffered from a quirk of timing. It opened on the same weekend as the first movie did two years ago, but in 2014, that Friday fell on February 13, so the weekend included both Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. That meant both a date-movie crowd and a Monday holiday helped boost sales. With Friday falling on the 10th this year, “Darker” enjoys neither of those advantages.
6. Bad Weather on the East Coast The downside of a February opening? iAudiences may get snowed in, as much of the country did this weekend.
Even so, moviegoers braved blizzard conditions to make this the biggest overall weekend at the box office since “Rogue One” opened two months ago. Plus, all of these movies have already earned sizable amounts overseas (a massive $100.1 million, in the case of “Darker”), so profitability is assured, as are the prospects of third installments for each franchise.
Still, even though he’s sitting on a $92.6 million worldwide jackpot, which will surely double by the time his movie leaves theaters, LEGO Batman’s still going to brood over that $20 million left on the table.
He’s the Dark Knight, after all, and he’s just built that way.
The man. The myth. The legend. John Wick is back — because, as Laurence Fishburne tells Keanu Reeves in the “John Wick: Chapter 2” trailer, he’s not very good at retiring. Reeves’s assassin has a lot of work ahead of him, not only in the 2017 sequel but in “John Wick: Chapter 3,” which is already in the works.
Director Chad Stahelski talked to Collider at New York Comic Con, revealing some details about what’s ahead in this movie and the third. “Orange Is the New Black” star Ruby Rose is part of the new cast, and you can see her battling Wick in the trailer. Apparently she will be more seen than heard in Chapter 2.
“I don’t know if she was expecting ‘Wick’ to be as kooky as it really is, but she’s mute in the movie, she does the whole thing in sign language. She was nervous for the first couple days, and then she just went for it.”
Sounds like everyone went for it enough for Lionsgate to start planning a third film. As Stahelski told Collider:
“The studio has asked us to put our heads together and see if we can come up with something. Winston [played by Ian McShane] is a big part of the next one, so is Lance Reddick [who plays Charon]. We’ve got some ideas.”
Winston is the owner of the Continental Hotel, showcased in the original film, with Charon as the concierge. We’d never say no to more screen time for McShane and Reddick, who are both billed as returning in Chapter 2. The sequel’s plot forces Wick out of retirement (and over to Rome) to help a former associate seize control of a shadowy international assassins’s guild.
The upcoming sequel to revenge flick “John Wick” has a new title, a new release date, and an exotic new locale.
The follow-up, originally known simply as “John Wick 2,” is now called “John Wick: Chapter Two,” and is set for release on February 10, 2017. Perhaps it’s hoping for some “Deadpool”-sized success in next year’s pre-Valentine’s Day release slot? (It will have some competition from “Fifty Shades Darker,” “The LEGO Batman Movie,” and “The Mountain Between Us.”)
In “Chapter Two,” Keanu Reeves will return as the titular star, an ex-hitman who in the first flick was forced back into action when a group of gangsters broke into his home, beat him up, and killed his dog. Seeking revenge (RIP, adorable puppy), Wick returns to his old, contract-killing ways, taking out goons left and right.
This time, at least part of the action will take place in Rome. Wick will face down a villain played by franchise newcomer Common, who stars as the “head of security for a female crime lord,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. No word yet on who’s playing the crime lord. (Or if another cute canine will meet an untimely end.)
He’s thinking he’s back — or will be soon, anyway.
Bruce Wayne is a billionaire, so a missing $20 million here or there isn’t going to put a big crimp in his Bat-budget.
Batman’s been a popular character for nearly 80 years, but last year’s “
It’s no wonder that “LEGO Batman” can’t match the startling originality of the first movie. Sure, it was a feature-length toy commercial, but it also had a message (about world-building and childlike imagination) that fit the product. It also had a bright and dazzling visual style, one that seems both familiar and slightly muted in the new movie. 
Actually, reviews for “LEGO Batman” have been very strong (91 percent “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes), as has word-of-mouth (as measured by an A- grade at CinemaScore). Not that kids read reviews, of course.
The names on the marquee don’t much matter for animated movies, not that “Batman” voice star Arrested Development” fans, but it’s true.)
February can be a good month for surprise blockbusters. This time last year, we saw “
The downside of a February opening? iAudiences may get snowed in, as much of the country did this weekend.
The man. The myth. The legend. John Wick is back — because, as 
Sounds like everyone went for it enough for Lionsgate to start planning a third film. As Stahelski told 
The upcoming sequel to revenge flick “