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

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

4.9

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Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Reception

Rotten Tomatoes scores hold significant weight in the film industry, often influencing audience expectations and box office success. They aggregate reviews from various critics, providing a seemingly objective measure of a film's critical acclaim. John Wick: Chapter 4 currently sits with a score considerably lower than its predecessors, sparking debate among fans and critics alike. While the exact score fluctuates slightly, the relative drop compared to John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2, and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum is undeniable. This lower score, however, doesn't tell the whole story.

Common criticisms leveled against John Wick 4 by critics include:

• Repetitive action sequences: Some critics felt the sheer volume of action, while impressive, became somewhat repetitive after a certain point. The relentless pace, while thrilling for many, led to accusations of a lack of variation in the fight choreography.
• Overly long runtime: With a runtime exceeding two and a half hours, some critics found the film to be unnecessarily long, arguing that certain scenes could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. The extended length, however, allowed for more elaborate action sequences and character development for some viewers.
• Predictable plot points: Several reviewers cited predictable plot twists and a somewhat formulaic narrative structure, feeling the focus was primarily on the action spectacle rather than narrative innovation. However, many viewers found the familiar elements comforting within the overall thrilling experience.

Box Office Success and Audience Reception

Despite the mixed critical reception, John Wick 4 enjoyed phenomenal box office success, significantly outperforming expectations. This stark contrast between critical and audience reception highlights the disconnect between professional critics and the general viewing public. Platforms like IMDb showcase overwhelmingly positive audience reviews, with scores consistently higher than those on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a strong connection with viewers.

The reasons for this positive audience response are multifaceted:

• Exceptional action choreography and fight sequences: The film's action is lauded for its innovation, creativity, and breathtaking execution. The extended fight sequences, often unbroken by cuts, showcase incredible skill and athleticism. The "gun-fu" style, a hallmark of the franchise, is elevated to new heights in John Wick 4.
• Memorable characters and performances: The performances, particularly Keanu Reeves' portrayal of John Wick, are considered captivating and emotionally resonant. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing audience engagement.
• Satisfying conclusion to character arcs: Many viewers found the film to offer a satisfying conclusion to several key character arcs, providing emotional closure and a sense of finality that resonated deeply. This emotional payoff helped compensate for any perceived narrative shortcomings for many.

Action, Style, and Innovation

John Wick 4 isn't just an action film; it's a meticulously crafted spectacle of style and innovation. The action sequences are not merely violent; they're choreographed with artistic precision, utilizing a dynamic interplay of camera angles, lighting, and editing to create a visually stunning experience. The film expands on the established gun-fu style, incorporating new weapons, environments, and fighting styles, pushing the boundaries of action cinema.

The stylistic elements that set John Wick 4 apart include:

• Gun-fu mastery: The film's signature gun-fu is refined and expanded, showcasing new techniques and a greater level of fluidity in combat.
• Visual storytelling: The film employs innovative visual storytelling techniques, using camera movement and editing to convey emotion and information without relying heavily on dialogue.
• World-building expansion: John Wick 4 further expands the intricate world and mythology of the franchise, adding depth and complexity to the already rich setting.

The action sequences in John Wick 4 represent a significant advancement compared to previous films in the franchise, showcasing a refined and elevated level of skill and creativity in choreography, camerawork, and editing.

Thematic Depth and Character Development

Beyond the surface-level action, John Wick 4 explores deeper themes that resonate with viewers. The film delves into the concepts of loyalty, revenge, and the consequences of violence, prompting reflection on the moral ambiguities inherent in the protagonist's actions. While the action is undoubtedly a central element, the film's thematic depth adds a layer of complexity that elevates it beyond a simple action flick.

The character development in John Wick 4 is another contributing factor to its success. We see John Wick grapple with his past, his motivations, and the weight of his actions. The supporting characters also undergo significant development, adding emotional investment to the narrative. This narrative complexity, layered over the spectacular action, creates a satisfying and thought-provoking experience.

Conclusion

The dichotomy between the critical and audience reception of John Wick 4 underscores the limitations of relying solely on aggregate scores like Rotten Tomatoes to determine a film's merit. While the film may have a lower Rotten Tomatoes score than its predecessors, its box office triumph and overwhelmingly positive audience response highlight its enduring appeal. The film's exceptional action sequences, memorable characters, compelling narrative, and thematic depth combine to create a truly captivating cinematic experience. The innovative action choreography and satisfying character arcs solidify its place as a significant contribution to action cinema.

Have you seen John Wick: Chapter 4? Share your thoughts on whether you think it’s the best in the franchise in the comments below! Let's discuss whether the John Wick series deserves its reputation for groundbreaking action and compelling storytelling, even with a lower Rotten Tomatoes score. Is John Wick 4 a masterpiece despite its lower Rotten Tomatoes rating? Let the debate begin!