John Wick 4: Lowest Rotten Tomatoes Score, But Still The Best?

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 12, 2025

4.1

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Rotten Tomatoes Score Breakdown: Why the Lower Rating?

John Wick 4 Rotten Tomatoes scores present a fascinating dichotomy. While the audience score remains impressively high, reflecting the enthusiastic reception from viewers, the critics' score is noticeably lower than its predecessors. Why the discrepancy? Analyzing the John Wick 4 reviews, we find several recurring criticisms.

• Over-the-top action: Some critics felt the action, while undeniably impressive, became excessive, bordering on self-indulgent. The sheer volume of fight sequences, they argued, diluted the impact of individual scenes.
• Length: The film's runtime is significantly longer than previous installments. For some, this extended length led to pacing issues and a sense of fatigue.
• Predictable plot points: Certain plot developments were deemed predictable, lacking the surprising twists and turns of earlier films in the John Wick franchise.

However, these criticisms don't tell the whole story. Many positive John Wick 4 critics praised the film's technical achievements and artistic merit. For instance, Variety's Owen Gleiberman stated, "The fights are breathtaking in their complexity and inventiveness." The John Wick 4 action is lauded for its innovative choreography and breathtaking visuals. The cinematography elevates the gun-fu to an art form, exceeding even the high standards set by previous films. The difference between the audience score and the critic score highlights this divide: audiences responded to the spectacle and visceral thrill, while some critics struggled with its excesses.

The Action: A Masterclass in Gun-Fu and World-Building

The John Wick 4 action is a relentless spectacle, a meticulously crafted ballet of violence. This installment pushes the boundaries of the John Wick gun-fu, showcasing innovative fight choreography in diverse settings.

• The extended fight sequence in the Arc de Triomphe is a cinematic masterpiece, showcasing intricate fight choreography and breathtaking stunt work.
• The use of various weapons and fighting styles, expanding beyond the typical gunplay, adds to the film's visual richness.
• The John Wick world-building is further expanded, introducing new characters, locations, and factions within the assassin underworld, enriching the already complex universe.

This isn't just about the John Wick 4 action; it's about the evolution of the universe itself. Each fight scene subtly expands the lore and deepens our understanding of the intricate rules and dynamics of this deadly world.

Character Development and Performances: A Deeper Dive

John Wick 4 isn't just about the action; it's about the characters. Keanu Reeves delivers another iconic performance as John Wick, showcasing both the character's weariness and unwavering determination. The supporting cast shines as well. Bill Skarsgård's Marquis is a compelling antagonist, and the film offers deeper exploration of supporting characters, like Winston and Charon, adding emotional depth to their established roles.

• John Wick's emotional arc is explored with more nuance, showcasing his vulnerabilities beneath the hardened exterior.
• The performances of the supporting cast, particularly Bill Skarsgård, add layers of complexity to the narrative.
• The film deftly balances the existing character dynamics with the introduction of new players, enriching the John Wick 4 cast and adding depth to the already established relationships.

The Stakes and Emotional Core: More Than Just Action

While the John Wick 4 action is undoubtedly a major draw, the film also explores deeper themes. The narrative delves into themes of revenge, loyalty, and sacrifice, adding emotional weight to the otherwise relentless action sequences. The high stakes raise the emotional engagement, making the audience invest in John Wick's relentless pursuit of vengeance. This thematic depth sets John Wick 4 apart, demonstrating that it's more than just a spectacle; it's a story about the consequences of actions and the price of survival. The John Wick 4 themes resonate long after the credits roll.

Comparing John Wick 4 to Previous Installments: A Franchise Perspective

Compared to previous John Wick movies, John Wick 4 offers a grander scale and a more expansive narrative. It builds upon the established world, expanding on the lore and introducing new elements. While the John Wick 1 2 3 4 comparison shows a clear evolution in action choreography and visual style, the core elements of the franchise remain intact. The film's place within the overall John Wick franchise narrative solidifies its importance. Many argue that the John Wick movie ranking should place John Wick 4 at the top.

Conclusion

The lower John Wick 4 Rotten Tomatoes score doesn't negate the film's undeniable strengths. While some criticisms regarding length and predictability hold merit, the breathtaking John Wick 4 action, strong performances, and expanded world-building create a truly impactful cinematic experience. The film’s emotional depth and nuanced character development elevate it beyond a simple action spectacle. Ultimately, whether you consider it the best John Wick movie is subjective, but its contributions to the franchise are undeniable.

Have you seen John Wick 4? What are your thoughts on its Rotten Tomatoes score and its place within the franchise? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss whether John Wick 4 truly deserves its lower score and if it is, indeed, the best John Wick movie.