John Wick for the win: A movie review

John Wick, starring the renowned action star Keanu Reeves, is a legendary action franchise that has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of movie-goers worldwide.

Donnie Yen Sah Sertai Keanu Reeves Untuk Filem JOHN WICK 4.Photo byby Budiey – Flickr.

With its thrilling fight scenes, compelling characters, and expertly crafted, if sometimes unbelievable, storyline, John Wick has become a modern classic of the action genre.

What’s truly amazing to me is that they continue to raise the bar of action, excitement, and entertainment with each new movie. John Wick is one of the few film franchises that gets better and better.

Look at the first weekend revenues from ticket sales, John Wick, $14 million in 2014; Chapter 2, $30.4 million in 2017; Chapter 3, $56.8 million in 2019.

And now…

John Wick: Chapter 4, a Lionsgate production, opened to a franchise record weekend of $73.5 million in US box offices, and it grossed $137.5 million worldwide.

In this short recap, I will look closer at each franchise installment, from the original film to the highly anticipated, newly released fourth installment.

John Wick

The beginning: After the death of his beloved wife and the theft of his prized car, former hitman John Wick seeks vengeance against the mob boss's son, who was responsible. The 2014 film stars Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe, and Michael Nyqvist.

“People keep asking if I’m back. Yeah, I’m thinking I’m back.”

The movie had a budget of $20 million and grossed over $88 million worldwide.

John Wick Official Trailer #1 (2014) - Keanu Reeves, Willem Dafoe Movie HD

John Wick: Chapter 2

In the 2017 sequel, John Wick is forced out of retirement once again when a former associate plots to take over a shadowy international assassins' guild.

“Whoever comes, I’ll kill them. I’ll kill them all.”

The film stars Keanu Reeves, Common, and Ruby Rose. The movie had a budget of $40 million and grossed over $171 million worldwide.

John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017 Movie) Official Trailer – ‘Wick Goes Off’

John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum

In the 2019 film, John Wick is on the run after being declared excommunicado by the High Table and having a $14 million bounty placed on his head.

“Sophia, we’re not going in like the old days. It’s just a conversation.”

The film stars Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, and Ian McShane. The movie had a budget of $75 million and grossed over $326 million worldwide.

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019 Movie) Official Trailer – Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry

John Wick: Chapter 4

The fourth John Wick franchise installment was released this past weekend. Of course, Keanu Reeves returned as the titular character.

“Fools speak, cowards say nothing—and wise men listen.”

“A man has to look his best when it’s time to get married…or buried.”

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Final Trailer – Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård

Farewell to Charon: RIP

Lance Reddick played Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel in the John Wick franchise. He passed away on 17 March, leaving a legacy of memorable performances. Lance Reddick's portrayal of Charon added depth and nuance to the world of John Wick. Fans and colleagues alike will greatly miss him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Final thoughts

I hope you’ll see it soon if you haven’t already. It’s that much more engaging, knowing it is the last time we will see Charon in a John Wick film.

Thanks for reading.

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About the author

Stephen Dalton is a native of Old Town, ME, and a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. He is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. Top Writer in Travel, Food, Fiction, Transportation, VR, NFL, Design, Creativity, Short Story, and a NewsBreak Community Voice Pro.