John Wick Franchise: Why Chapter 4's Low Rotten Tomatoes Score Is Misleading

Pedro Alvarez

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.5

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The Limitations of Rotten Tomatoes Scores

Rotten Tomatoes, while a popular resource, presents a simplified view of critical consensus. Its aggregate score, while convenient, masks the nuances and complexities of individual reviews. Several factors contribute to the limitations of using Rotten Tomatoes as the sole indicator of a film's quality.

• Critics Prioritize Different Aspects: Critics may prioritize different aspects of filmmaking. Some may value intricate narratives and character development above all else, while others might focus on technical aspects like cinematography or action choreography. This diverse range of priorities leads to varied scoring.

• Sequel Bias: Preconceived notions about sequels can significantly impact reviews. Critics might enter a viewing with expectations shaped by previous installments, potentially leading to harsher judgments, even if the film stands on its own merits. The John Wick franchise, with its established high bar for action, may have inadvertently increased this bias.

• Aggregate Scores Mask Nuances: The aggregate nature of the Rotten Tomatoes score obscures individual critic perspectives. A single low score can disproportionately influence the overall rating, masking potentially insightful, positive reviews that focus on specific aspects of excellence. The holistic experience of watching John Wick Chapter 4 is lost in this numerical simplification.

• Disconnection from Audience Reception: Rotten Tomatoes scores don't always accurately predict audience enjoyment or box office success. John Wick: Chapter 4's massive box office performance clearly demonstrates a significant disconnect between the critical reception and audience enthusiasm. The public clearly enjoyed the film, regardless of the critics' consensus.

Chapter 4's Action and Visuals Deserve Recognition

John Wick: Chapter 4 is a masterclass in action cinema, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in terms of fight choreography and visual storytelling. The film's breathtaking action sequences alone deserve far more recognition than the Rotten Tomatoes score suggests.

• Extended Fight Choreography: The film features extended, intricate fight sequences that are meticulously crafted. Each fight is a ballet of violence, showcasing creativity and complexity rarely seen in modern action films. The iconic "gun-fu" style is further refined and elevated.

• Innovative Camera Work: The innovative camera work contributes significantly to the immersive experience. Dynamic angles, quick cuts, and creative camerawork enhance the frenetic energy of the action, drawing the viewer directly into the heart of the fight.

• Practical Effects and Stunts: The film relies heavily on practical effects and stunts, a refreshing change from CGI-heavy action movies. This commitment to practical filmmaking contributes to a more visceral and authentic feel, adding depth and weight to the action sequences and enhancing the realism of the gun-fu.

• Improvements over Previous Installments: Chapter 4 builds on the established strengths of the franchise, improving upon the already impressive action sequences of previous films. The scale and ambition of the action are significantly elevated, showcasing the evolution of the John Wick style of action choreography and cinematography.

Expanding the John Wick Universe and its Narrative Success

John Wick: Chapter 4 successfully expands the world and mythology of the John Wick franchise, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the existing lore. This narrative expansion contributes significantly to the film's overall success, a factor often overlooked in simplified critical assessments.

• New Character Introductions: The introduction of compelling new characters enriches the narrative and adds complexity to the already established world. These characters provide fresh perspectives and contribute to the evolving dynamics of the story.

• Enhanced World-Building: The film adds substantial layers to the existing lore and mythology, expanding the world's rules, history, and inner workings. This enhanced world-building enhances the viewer's immersion and provides a richer context for the action and narrative.

• Narrative Structure and Pacing: Despite the film's length, the narrative structure and pacing are expertly managed. The pacing keeps the viewer engaged, ensuring the action never becomes overwhelming, while the carefully crafted story maintains its narrative momentum.

• Setting up Future Installments: Chapter 4 cleverly sets the stage for future installments, leaving the door open for further exploration of the John Wick universe and its characters. This franchise expansion further validates the film's contribution to the overall storyline and potential future installments.

Beyond the Score: Fan Reception and Cultural Impact

Despite its relatively low Rotten Tomatoes score, John Wick: Chapter 4 has been overwhelmingly well-received by fans, becoming a cultural touchstone for action cinema. The film's box office success and widespread social media praise demonstrate a clear disconnect between critical consensus and audience appreciation.

• Box Office Success and Social Media Buzz: The film's significant box office numbers speak volumes about its popularity, easily surpassing expectations and confirming its resonance with the public. The considerable social media buzz around the film adds further weight to this positive fan reception.

• Cultural Impact on Action Cinema: John Wick: Chapter 4 has undoubtedly left its mark on action cinema, influencing future productions with its innovative approach to fight choreography, cinematography, and storytelling.

• Awards and Nominations: While Rotten Tomatoes may not be reflective of the film’s true impact, it should be noted whether John Wick Chapter 4 received any accolades or recognition in other award ceremonies.

Conclusion

While the Rotten Tomatoes score for John Wick: Chapter 4 might be lower than some expected, it doesn't accurately represent the film's remarkable action sequences, innovative filmmaking, and contribution to the franchise's ongoing success. The film's critical reception should be viewed in context, acknowledging the subjective nature of film criticism and the overwhelmingly positive response from audiences.

Don't let a misleading Rotten Tomatoes score deter you from experiencing the breathtaking action and captivating storytelling of John Wick: Chapter 4. See for yourself why this installment is a must-watch for action fans and a significant addition to the John Wick legacy. Go beyond the score and judge John Wick Chapter 4 for yourself.