John Wick: Chapter 4

The best 'videogame' movies are always those not actually based on an existing IP. Think Wreck-It Ralph and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and add to that list John Wick: Chapter 4, not so much a film as a perfect spoof of a modern action game.

Going back in and adding to the exemplary trilogy was always going to be a brave move but there was a sense of unfinished business. With everyone returning, Chapter 4 just dials up on everything we've seen before in the series, stretching to a bum-numbing three-hour run time.

I think you'll struggle to think of a film this long where the lead (nay, title) character gets less lines. Keanu Reeves was born to play this role though; grunting, staggering and getting hit by cars like a man possessed. It's an almost silent-film-era comedian's performance, but the film around it sticks the landing to tow that action/humour line just so.

It's just great fun as all the other films in the series are, built for the cinema, built for a group viewing, built to make you wince and cringe along with Wick.

Some of the fight scenes are arguably overlong but the choreography and originality is often jaw-dropping. A top down, very videogame-esque one shot shootout in a house is mind blowing.

Not just an exemplary action film, sequel and 'videogame' movie, it's basically a dance film the way this plays out.

This is how to make an action series.

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