Keanu Reeves is back for more with John Wick: Chapter 4

Keanu Reeves returns as hitman John Wick for the fourth time in 2023 after starring in the original John Wick movie released in 2014. In the initial storyline, poor Wick had to not only deal with the death of his wife and puppy but had a bounty on his head. The first film was almost canceled just a few weeks prior to filming, so Chapter 4 must feel like revenge both on and off the big screen. Executives had doubts about a first-time director and a star who was at that time in a career lull.

This rollercoaster ride has Reeves once again on top and proving one doesn't need a mass of muscle to be a successful action star. The story continues after Chapter 3: Parabellum and wraps up the New York Continental Hotel part of the plot. Wick travels to Paris to seek assistance from a blind, retired Hight Table assassin named Caine. This leads to the idea of Wick freeing himself from being hunted by the Table and participating in a deadly duel to accomplish that.

Reeves is lithe and trim wearing his 42 regular bulletproof suit and that mane of hair is still holding out at age 58. He's a man of few words in the script but when he makes a statement it resonates and is full of power. John Wick plays to his strengths and spotlights many of the newcomers as well this time out.

Japanese, bisexual singer Rina Sawayama is impressive as the character Akira and Shamier Anderson proves he is somebody by playing Mr. Nobody!

Sadly, Lance Reddick, who played the role of Charon, passed away just before the debut of part four and will certainly be missed by many.

Director Chad Stahelski comes from a stuntman background and worked with Reeves in The Matrix franchise as his stunt double. It's a huge success story for all involved and the creative sequences need to be seen in the cinema.

Prepare for this by hitting the bathroom beforehand. The running time of over two and a half hours could be assisted by more cuts and edits to trim that length down. There are some slow moments that were unnecessary but the quirky humor and dynamic visuals make everything worth the wait.

Will there be a John Wick: Chapter 5? Time will only tell if someone else takes up the mantle and dons the suit to the tune of Sia's “Bulletproof.” For now, Reeves has earned a much-deserved rest with this Chapter hitting theaters on March 24, 2023.