<p>Ah, John Wick, the man who makes us all want to trade in our boring office jobs for a life of crime and vengeance (no, not really, but you get the point). The<em> John Wick</em> films are uber-fun, highly self-aware action movies. The first film particularly is a cinematic tour de force that captured the hearts of millions of action movie fans. It is hard to imagine today that the first film was an indie project that almost did not acquire theatrical distribution (it was not confirmed to hit big screens until two months before it releases). Anyway,<em> John Wick: Chapter 4</em> is almost here, continuing the story of Keanu Reeves' hitman as he takes on the High Table. But before it releases, let's delve into what exactly makes this franchise so great.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So grab your guns and your bulletproof suit, because we are about to find out.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yjRHZEUamCc" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Keanu Reeves himself</strong></h2>

<p>First and foremost, let's talk about Keanu Reeves. The man, the myth, the legend. There's something about him that just screams awesome — maybe it's the fact that he's been in the game for so long, maybe it's his chiselled jawline, or maybe it's the fact that he's just a genuinely cool dude in real life. Or all of them. Whatever it is, Keanu was the perfect choice for the role of John Wick, and he has proven that time and again. He brings a quiet intensity to the character that's impossible to ignore, and watching him take out bad guys left and right is pure catharsis.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-before-john-wick-4-lets-recap-the-blood-soaked-journey-of-keanu-reeves-hitman-574207">Before John Wick 4, let's recap the blood-soaked journey of Keanu Reeves' hitman</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Over-the-top action</strong></h2>

<p>Of course, John Wick wouldn't be nearly as fun if it weren't for the over-the-top action scenes. Let's be real here — these movies are basically just hours-long shootouts. But that's exactly what makes them so great. John Wick doesn't waste any time with complicated plotlines or a lot of character development. It's just non-stop, pulse-pounding action from beginning to end with some of the most awe-inspiring stunts in the business. And it's all so beautifully choreographed that you can't help but be in awe of the sheer skill and precision on display on part of people both front and behind the camera.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qEVUtrk8_B4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Deep world-building</strong></h2>

<p>But what really sets the<em> John Wick</em> franchise apart from other action movie franchises is the worldbuilding. The filmmakers have created a fully-realised underworld that's both fascinating and terrifying. The Continental Hotel, with its strict rules and assassins-only clientele, is a stroke of genius. And the fact that every character seems to know each other, even if they have never met, gives the sense that this world exists beyond just the scope of the movies. It's like we're only seeing a small slice of a much larger and more complex world. That is world-building at its finest.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Understated, but very much&nbsp;present, humour</strong></h2>

<p>And let's not forget about the humour. Yes,<em> John Wick</em> is a serious franchise about a man seeking revenge for the death of his dog (which, by the way, is the greatest motivation for a character in the history of cinema). But there are moments of humour sprinkled throughout that make it all the more enjoyable. Whether it's John's deadpan delivery of one-liners or the absurdity of a gunfight in a museum filled with priceless art, there's always something to give one a reprieve from all the violence.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4JcMF1P8AMA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Embracing the crazy and the ridiculous</strong></h2>

<p>But the real secret to the success of the <em>John Wick</em> franchise is the way it embraces its own ridiculousness. These movies know exactly what they are — gloriously violent, popcorn-chewing action flicks — and they revel in it. The fight scenes as mentioned above are so over-the-top that they border on cartoonish, and the dialogue is often so cheesy and campy that it's almost charming. It's like the filmmakers took everything that's great about '80s action movies and cranked it up to eleven.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-greatest-action-movies-of-all-time-573384">Top 10 greatest action movies of all time</a></strong></p>

<p>And that's why we love <em>John Wick</em> movies. It's a throwback to a simpler time when action movies didn't take themselves too seriously. It's a reminder that sometimes all you need is a hero with a gun and a grudge to make a great movie. And it's a celebration of the pure, unadulterated joy of watching some truly reprehensible people get their comeuppance in the most satisfying way possible.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gosh-i-love-movies-keanu-reeves-puts-handprints-outside-chinese-theatre-in-hollywood-218950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The <em>John Wick</em> movies are not at all high art, but they are not trying to be. They are just pure, unfiltered, adrenaline-fuelled fun. And isn't that what we all need sometimes?</p>

<h2><strong>Joh<em>n Wick: Chapter 4</em> and beyond&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The highly anticipated fourth chapter in the hit film franchise has already received rave reviews, so you know it's going to be a killer (literally). If you can't get enough of this world, the <em>John Wick </em>universe will continue to expand with a miniseries spinoff called<em> The Continental</em>. As the name suggests, it focusses on the hotel and its strange clientele. Then there's a big screen spinoff titled <em>Ballerina</em>, starring &nbsp;Ana de Armas as an assassin called Rooney.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Ah, John Wick, the man who makes us all want to trade in our boring office jobs for a life of crime and vengeance (no, not really, but you get the point). The John Wick films are uber-fun, highly self-aware action movies.

Ah, John Wick, the man who makes us all want to trade in our boring office jobs for a life of crime and vengeance (no, not really, but you get the point). The John Wick films are uber-fun, highly self-aware action movies. The first film particularly is a cinematic tour de force that captured the hearts of millions of action movie fans. It is hard to imagine today that the first film was an indie project that almost did not acquire theatrical distribution (it was not confirmed to hit big screens until two months before it releases). Anyway, John Wick: Chapter 4 is almost here, continuing the story of Keanu Reeves' hitman as he takes on the High Table. But before it releases, let's delve into what exactly makes this franchise so great. So grab your guns and your bulletproof suit, because we are about to find out. Keanu Reeves himself First and foremost, let's talk about Keanu Reeves. The man, the myth, the legend. There's something about him that just screams awesome — maybe it's the fact that he's been in the game for so long, maybe it's his chiselled jawline, or maybe it's the fact that he's just a genuinely cool dude in real life. Or all of them. Whatever it is, Keanu was the perfect choice for the role of John Wick, and he has proven that time and again. He brings a quiet intensity to the character that's impossible to ignore, and watching him take out bad guys left and right is pure catharsis. Also Read: Before John Wick 4, let's recap the blood-soaked journey of Keanu Reeves' hitman Over-the-top action Of course, John Wick wouldn't be nearly as fun if it weren't for the over-the-top action scenes. Let's be real here — these movies are basically just hours-long shootouts. But that's exactly what makes them so great. John Wick doesn't waste any time with complicated plotlines or a lot of character development. It's just non-stop, pulse-pounding action from beginning to end with some of the most awe-inspiring stunts in the business. And it's all so beautifully choreographed that you can't help but be in awe of the sheer skill and precision on display on part of people both front and behind the camera. Deep world-building But what really sets the John Wick franchise apart from other action movie franchises is the worldbuilding. The filmmakers have created a fully-realised underworld that's both fascinating and terrifying. The Continental Hotel, with its strict rules and assassins-only clientele, is a stroke of genius. And the fact that every character seems to know each other, even if they have never met, gives the sense that this world exists beyond just the scope of the movies. It's like we're only seeing a small slice of a much larger and more complex world. That is world-building at its finest. Understated, but very much present, humour And let's not forget about the humour. Yes, John Wick is a serious franchise about a man seeking revenge for the death of his dog (which, by the way, is the greatest motivation for a character in the history of cinema). But there are moments of humour sprinkled throughout that make it all the more enjoyable. Whether it's John's deadpan delivery of one-liners or the absurdity of a gunfight in a museum filled with priceless art, there's always something to give one a reprieve from all the violence. Embracing the crazy and the ridiculous But the real secret to the success of the John Wick franchise is the way it embraces its own ridiculousness. These movies know exactly what they are — gloriously violent, popcorn-chewing action flicks — and they revel in it. The fight scenes as mentioned above are so over-the-top that they border on cartoonish, and the dialogue is often so cheesy and campy that it's almost charming. It's like the filmmakers took everything that's great about '80s action movies and cranked it up to eleven. Also Read: Top 10 greatest action movies of all time And that's why we love John Wick movies. It's a throwback to a simpler time when action movies didn't take themselves too seriously. It's a reminder that sometimes all you need is a hero with a gun and a grudge to make a great movie. And it's a celebration of the pure, unadulterated joy of watching some truly reprehensible people get their comeuppance in the most satisfying way possible. The John Wick movies are not at all high art, but they are not trying to be. They are just pure, unfiltered, adrenaline-fuelled fun. And isn't that what we all need sometimes? John Wick: Chapter 4 and beyond The highly anticipated fourth chapter in the hit film franchise has already received rave reviews, so you know it's going to be a killer (literally). If you can't get enough of this world, the John Wick universe will continue to expand with a miniseries spinoff called The Continental. As the name suggests, it focusses on the hotel and its strange clientele. Then there's a big screen spinoff titled Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas as an assassin called Rooney. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Elements that make John Wick the definitive action movie experience

<p><em>John Wick Chapter 4</em>'s release in the offing. The fourth film in the celebrated action and neo-noir franchise, it continues the adventures of Keanu Reeves' titular hitman as he takes on the dreaded High Table with Laurence Fishburne's Bowery King. Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, Clancy Brown, Natalia Tena, Marko Zaror, and Ian McShane also star. The film is the second last of the <em>John Wick</em> movies. The series will end with the fifth movie.<em> John Wick: Chapter 4</em> has received highly positive reviews, with a score of 93 per cent on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the film releases, here's a brief recap of the franchise from the first movie to the third.</p>

<h2><em>John Wick</em> (2014)</h2>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C0BMx-qxsP4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In the first movie, we are introduced to John Wick, a legendary hitman who has retired from his profession and is trying to live a normal life with his wife, Helen. After Helen dies of an illness, John receives a posthumous gift from her, a little dog named Daisy. John forms a bond with Daisy, but his peaceful life is shattered when a group of Russian gangsters led by Iosef Tarasov break into his house, steal his car, and kill Daisy. Iosef is the son of Wick's former boss, Viggo Tarasov, who warns his son that he has angered someone he should not have. Viggo sends his henchmen to kill Wick, but they fail, and Wick returns to the underworld, seeking revenge. We are introduced to a world that exists in parallel to our world, where hitmen and hitwomen operate from the shadows.</p>

<p>John goes on a killing spree, eliminating anyone who gets in his way. Wick confronts Viggo, who reveals that Iosef is hiding at a safe house, and begs Wick to spare his life. John spares Viggo's life and kills Iosef. However, Iosef tortures and kills a close associate of John, who then kills Iosef too.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><em>John Wick: Chapter 2</em> (2017)</h2>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ChpLV9AMqm4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In the second movie, which takes place four days after the events of the first movie, John is forced out of retirement again when Santino D'Antonio, an Italian crime lord, demands that John honor a blood oath to kill his sister, Gianna. After completing the task, Santino puts a bounty on John's head as he wishes to tie up loose ends like John, and every assassin in the world comes after him. John travels to Rome to confront Santino, but is ambushed by Santino's bodyguards, including Ares, and is badly injured.</p>

<p>John is aided by a former colleague, Cassian, and heads back to New York to confront Santino. Santino tries to use the Continental Hotel's rules to protect himself, but John kills him in the Continental's lobby, which is a violation of the hotel's rules, and John becomes 'excommunicado'.</p>

<h2><em>John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum </em>(2019)</h2>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M7XM597XO94" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In the third movie, we pick up immediately where the second movie ended. John is now on the run, with a $14 million bounty on his head. He seeks the help of somebody called the Director. John attempts to find a way to clear his name and reach the High Table, the governing body of the criminal underworld. He is hunted by the Adjudicator, who enforces the High Table's rules, and her henchmen, including Zero, an assassin who idolises John.</p>

<p>John travels to Casablanca, Morocco, to meet with an old friend, Sofia, who owes him a favour. Together, they fight their way through the city and retrieve a key that John needs to reach the High Table. John finally confronts the High Table's leader, the Elder, who tells him that to clear his name, he must kill Winston, the owner of the Continental Hotel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After returning to New York, John is attacked by Zero and his students, but he manages to reach the Continental for protection. The Adjudicator arrives and demands that Winston give up his position, but he refuses. The Adjudicator revokes the hotel's neutrality and sends an army of enforcers to kill John and Winston. After a fierce battle, John defeats them all but is ambushed by Zero. Winston shoots John, causing him to fall to the street below. However, John survives and is taken to the Bowery King's hideout, where they agree to team up against the High Table. Winston, meanwhile, swears fealty to the High Table.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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John Wick Chapter 4's release in the offing. The fourth film in the celebrated action and neo-noir franchise, it continues the adventures of Keanu Reeves' titular hitman as he takes on the dreaded High Table with Laurence Fishburne's Bowery King.

John Wick Chapter 4's release in the offing. The fourth film in the celebrated action and neo-noir franchise, it continues the adventures of Keanu Reeves' titular hitman as he takes on the dreaded High Table with Laurence Fishburne's Bowery King. Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, Clancy Brown, Natalia Tena, Marko Zaror, and Ian McShane also star. The film is the second last of the John Wick movies. The series will end with the fifth movie. John Wick: Chapter 4 has received highly positive reviews, with a score of 93 per cent on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes. Before the film releases, here's a brief recap of the franchise from the first movie to the third. John Wick (2014) In the first movie, we are introduced to John Wick, a legendary hitman who has retired from his profession and is trying to live a normal life with his wife, Helen. After Helen dies of an illness, John receives a posthumous gift from her, a little dog named Daisy. John forms a bond with Daisy, but his peaceful life is shattered when a group of Russian gangsters led by Iosef Tarasov break into his house, steal his car, and kill Daisy. Iosef is the son of Wick's former boss, Viggo Tarasov, who warns his son that he has angered someone he should not have. Viggo sends his henchmen to kill Wick, but they fail, and Wick returns to the underworld, seeking revenge. We are introduced to a world that exists in parallel to our world, where hitmen and hitwomen operate from the shadows. John goes on a killing spree, eliminating anyone who gets in his way. Wick confronts Viggo, who reveals that Iosef is hiding at a safe house, and begs Wick to spare his life. John spares Viggo's life and kills Iosef. However, Iosef tortures and kills a close associate of John, who then kills Iosef too. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) In the second movie, which takes place four days after the events of the first movie, John is forced out of retirement again when Santino D'Antonio, an Italian crime lord, demands that John honor a blood oath to kill his sister, Gianna. After completing the task, Santino puts a bounty on John's head as he wishes to tie up loose ends like John, and every assassin in the world comes after him. John travels to Rome to confront Santino, but is ambushed by Santino's bodyguards, including Ares, and is badly injured. John is aided by a former colleague, Cassian, and heads back to New York to confront Santino. Santino tries to use the Continental Hotel's rules to protect himself, but John kills him in the Continental's lobby, which is a violation of the hotel's rules, and John becomes 'excommunicado'. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019) In the third movie, we pick up immediately where the second movie ended. John is now on the run, with a $14 million bounty on his head. He seeks the help of somebody called the Director. John attempts to find a way to clear his name and reach the High Table, the governing body of the criminal underworld. He is hunted by the Adjudicator, who enforces the High Table's rules, and her henchmen, including Zero, an assassin who idolises John. John travels to Casablanca, Morocco, to meet with an old friend, Sofia, who owes him a favour. Together, they fight their way through the city and retrieve a key that John needs to reach the High Table. John finally confronts the High Table's leader, the Elder, who tells him that to clear his name, he must kill Winston, the owner of the Continental Hotel. After returning to New York, John is attacked by Zero and his students, but he manages to reach the Continental for protection. The Adjudicator arrives and demands that Winston give up his position, but he refuses. The Adjudicator revokes the hotel's neutrality and sends an army of enforcers to kill John and Winston. After a fierce battle, John defeats them all but is ambushed by Zero. Winston shoots John, causing him to fall to the street below. However, John survives and is taken to the Bowery King's hideout, where they agree to team up against the High Table. Winston, meanwhile, swears fealty to the High Table. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Before John Wick 4, let's recap the blood-soaked journey of Keanu Reeves' hitman

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Explained: Elements that make John Wick the definitive action movie experience

Before John Wick 4, let's recap the blood-soaked journey of Keanu Reeves' hitman