John Wick 4: A Critical Look At Its Surprisingly Low Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

5.0

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Action Sequences and Stunt Work: A Masterclass or Overkill?

The Sheer Scale of Action

John Wick 4 boasts some of the most ambitious and elaborate action sequences ever put to film. The sheer scale is undeniable:

• Extended, unbroken fight scenes showcasing incredible choreography.
• Innovative stunt work utilizing diverse environments, from bustling Parisian streets to a visually stunning, meticulously crafted Osaka nightclub.
• A relentless pace that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

However, this relentless barrage of action might be the source of some of the critical backlash. Does the sheer volume overwhelm the narrative, sacrificing emotional depth for spectacle? Some critics argued that the film becomes excessive, prioritizing stunning visuals over meaningful storytelling.

Innovation vs. Repetition

While John Wick 4 undoubtedly showcases impressive stunt work, the question arises: does it truly innovate on the established formula, or does it rely too heavily on the tropes established in previous installments?

• Certain fight sequences feel reminiscent of previous films, potentially leading to a sense of repetition for seasoned viewers.
• While new weapons and locations are introduced, the core action style remains consistent, arguably lacking the groundbreaking evolution some critics hoped for.
• This repetition, coupled with the sheer volume of action, may have contributed to critic fatigue, impacting their overall assessment of the film's quality.

Narrative Structure and Pacing: A Tight Plot or Drawn-Out Saga?

The Expanding Wick-Verse

The John Wick universe continues to expand, introducing new characters and plotlines in John Wick 4. This expansion has both advantages and disadvantages:

• The introduction of new characters, like the Marquis, adds complexity and intrigue to the world.
• However, some critics argued that this expansion dilutes the core narrative focus on John Wick himself.
• The intricate web of alliances and betrayals, while engaging, may have impacted the overall pacing and clarity of the story for some viewers.

Character Development and Emotional Resonance

Beyond the breathtaking action, the emotional core of the John Wick franchise is crucial. In John Wick 4:

• John Wick's character arc continues, showcasing his unwavering resolve and growing weariness.
• Supporting characters, while compelling, might receive less individual focus than in previous installments.
• This shift in emphasis might have left some critics desiring more depth in character development and emotional resonance, perhaps contributing to the lower critical scores. The focus on spectacle, some argue, overshadowed the character-driven elements that helped define the series.

Comparing Audience and Critic Reception: A Clear Divide?

Audience Scores vs. Critic Reviews

The discrepancy between audience and critic reception of John Wick 4 is striking. On Rotten Tomatoes, at the time of writing:

• The audience score sits considerably higher than the critics' score.
• This significant difference points towards differing priorities and interpretations of the film's strengths and weaknesses.

The Role of Genre Expectations

Genre expectations significantly impact how audiences and critics receive a film.

• John Wick 4 delivers on the promise of exhilarating action, a key expectation of the action genre. This satisfies audience expectations.
• However, critics may have expected a more nuanced narrative or deeper character development, perhaps influenced by their broader cinematic experiences.
• The film's adherence to, and occasional subversion of, typical action film tropes might also have played a role in shaping the critical response. This divide highlights the subjective nature of film criticism and the varying expectations placed upon action films.

Conclusion: Re-evaluating John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes Rating

This analysis reveals that the relatively low Rotten Tomatoes rating for John Wick 4 is not a simple matter of good or bad. The film's strengths – its unparalleled action sequences and visually stunning cinematography – are undeniable. However, some critics felt that the sheer scale of action overshadowed the narrative and character development, leading to a less favorable review compared to audience reception which primarily valued the action spectacle. A re-evaluation of John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes score, therefore, requires acknowledging both its thrilling action and the potential shortcomings in narrative depth and character arc. Ultimately, the best way to form your own opinion on John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes score and its overall quality is to watch it and decide for yourself. Share your thoughts on John Wick 4's rating, John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes score, and your John Wick 4 review!