John Wick: Chapter 4 shoots for the moon with a nearly 3-hour runtime and somehow commands the viewer for the entire ride. Director Chad Stahelski has created a true action epic for the history books following number one wanted assassin John Wick on his final ride. Keanu Reeves isn’t an actor generally known for remarkable performances, but he nails every moment of the journey here.

All of the supporting cast is superb, with Rina Sawayama making a great turn to acting, Donnie Yen kicking ass, Bill Skarsgard continuing to be reliable as whatever little freak is asked for, and of course Scott Adkins in a brilliant transcendently weird performance that is absolutely one of the best parts of this knockout film. The real star, though, is the breathtaking action and masterful filmmaking on display. The film has absolutely gorgeous cinematography, stunning production design, and stunts that are a marvel to behold. These top-tier technical elements made for a transfixing atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Many recent action films have fallen flat in giving me thrills due to my lack of emotional investment in the characters and their stakes. However, the John Wick films have always been different thanks to the simple yet effective character writing, and this one is no exception. In fact, since the character of John Wick has been brilliantly set up throughout the first 3 films, John Wick: Chapter 4 has a fully satisfying payoff that brings him full circle.

I cannot wait to see what Chad Stahelski does next, as if he keeps up this quality of filmmaking, I believe he will solidify himself as one of the great action auteurs. While Stahelski and Reeves’s previous John Wick films are undeniably incredible, John Wick: Chapter 4 somehow rises above the standard set by those 3 and is a bona fide action masterpiece. I cannot recommend it enough.

10/10