by Even with John Wick: Chapter 4’s longer running time, it sounds like critics are calling it worth the extra time. Eric Eisenberg of Cinema Blend admitted that he is concerned about the epic length, but the film more than deserves it.
I had reservations about John Wick: Chapter 4’s nearly three-hour running time, but the movie deserves it. It’s an epic game with a smart pace that never lets the action get exhausting, and the set pieces are phenomenal. Great cast of newcomers to the show, but Donnie Yen is the MVP. #JohnWick4 pic.twitter.com/xyMbLXmXUM
— Eric Eisenberg (@eeisenberg) March 6, 2023
Kirsten Acuna of Insider was less thrilled with the long running time, but praised the film, saying “That’s what we’re going to the movies to see.” She also tweeted that Donnie Yen is an “AMAZING addition to the series”, which is music to the ears of anyone who is also unhealthily obsessed with the “Ip Man” series (like yours).
#JohnWick4 it’s a damn good time. Great action and fight sequences. Donnie Yen is an AMAZING addition to the series. He is the climax of the movie. Plenty of surprises in this one that will bring a divisive ending. See this one in IMAX. pic.twitter.com/MMCW54KydQ
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) March 6, 2023
Hunter Bolding massively claimed the film was “the easiest of the best in the series”, which is really high praise considering all three previous “John Wick” movies, well, the fucking rule. Bolding’s responses were part of a thread where he also stated that Donnie Yen was stealing the show. I mean, duh. he is Donnie Yen!
John Wick: Chapter 4 is one of the best action movies ever made. My jaw hit the floor at least six times. One section on the Dragon’s Breath shotgun is just action movie goodness at its best. Donnie Yen steals the show. Easily the best in the series #JohnWick4 #JohnWickChapter 4 pic.twitter.com/VBsZxC6bhu
— Hunter Bolding (@HunterBVideo) March 6, 2023
/Movie, Vanessa Armstrong agrees with Bolding, going so far as to declare it “the best movie [she’s] I’ve seen for ages!” Considering how packed 2022 was with amazing titles, that’s really high praise. And of course we know and love Armstrong here, so we’re happy to take her word for it.
#JohnWick4 this is the best movie i have seen in ages!
It’s like a Greek epic that’s, yes, full of unparalleled action (and guns), and the set pieces are phenomenal. But it’s also about relationships and love. What a breathtaking, heartbreaking story! I can’t wait to see it again. pic.twitter.com/n5cJjWa73B
— Vanessa Armstrong (@vfarmstrong) March 6, 2023
Insider’s Eammon Jacobs wasn’t as excited as some other critics, saying “The thrilling action is brilliantly done, but the story was silly – then again, we’re all here to see Keanu Reeves kick ass and he does it so damn well .” As far as I’m concerned, that’s still quite a compliment! Jacobs shared some additional thoughts in the thread and admitted he struggled with the 3 hour runtime. But he drew attention to Rina Sawayama, saying that she is so good that she deserves her own spin-off. WE ARE FOR IT!
So, #JohnWickChapter 4. The thrilling action is perfectly done, but the story was stupid – then again, we’re all here to see Keanu Reeves kick ass, and he does it so damn well. Fans will love one tumultuous scene in particular. (Hint: Dragon Breath Shotgun.) pic.twitter.com/YezAZ7stkl
— Eammon Jacobs (@EammonJacobs) March 6, 2023
But the positive feedback doesn’t end there. People from publications around the world can’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed John Wick: Chapter 4, and that’s exciting news for action fans everywhere. Here are what other critics have said about the film in their own words.
Muscular, brave and evil, #JohnWick4 perfectly balances acquired stakes with an absolutely spectacular, high-octane thrill ride. A violent, burning, burning chapter of the saga. The craziest time in the cinema this year. A pure adrenaline rush. pic.twitter.com/eUmJRfnwJw
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 6, 2023
#JohnWick4 it’s an action-packed, bloody killing fest, and that’s why it’s good! I’m usually not into action in my movies, but Stahelski makes every frame count. Yes, it’s funny. Yes, it’s video game logic. Yes, it’s extra as hell. Yes, I will watch again! pic.twitter.com/D56ODsTTcq
— Therese Lacson • 宋蕾蕾 (@bamfpire) March 6, 2023
#JohnWick4Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada and Rina Sawayama steal scenes. Everyone has so much style, charisma and talent that adds to the entire film.
Chad Stahelski also upped his game and dropped one of my favorite action scenes. You will know it. pic.twitter.com/Id4IvUZBfJ
— Brandalorian (@BrandonDavisBD) March 6, 2023
#JohnWick4 this is the most epic part of the series! While it is a bit long and suffers from some issues with pacing and unnecessary plot points, the film is never dull. Just when everything goes stale, Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves find a way to pull you back @JohnWickMovie
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) March 6, 2023
#JohnWick4A three-hour working time makes sense when you go *so* hard. Only the third act… just wonderful. pic.twitter.com/TDCs74aGV7
— Liz Shannon Miller (@lizlet) March 6, 2023
It only had a few minor nuances. For example, I didn’t realize the movie was almost 3 hours long. I’d rather see a little more of Skarsgård here. But generally #JohnWick4it’s a really great time at the theaters. This is why we go to the cinema.
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) March 6, 2023
I’ll be honest, I spent some time looking for genuinely negative reviews for this movie to add some balance, but I really couldn’t find any. (Of course, this will change after the release of the film.) But apart from some people who find the film a bit too long for their tastes, the reaction seems to be overwhelmingly positive. It’s always a great day when people have good things to say about cool movies.
John Wick: Chapter 4 will hit theaters on March 24, 2023.
