John Wick 4's Rotten Tomatoes Score: A Critical Analysis Of The Franchise's Lowest Rated Film

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.5

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The Unexpectedly Lower Rotten Tomatoes Score: A Deep Dive

John Wick: Chapter 4 boasts an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score – a respectable number for any action film, but a significant drop compared to its predecessors. John Wick 3 held a 90% rating, while the first two films scored even higher. This seemingly small percentage point difference holds substantial weight within the context of the franchise's consistent critical acclaim. The impact on the overall John Wick franchise perception is noticeable, shifting the narrative from universally lauded action masterpiece to a film with divided critical opinion. The gap between critical and audience reception, however, is less pronounced, suggesting a divergence in expectations between critics and the general viewing public.

• Specific score comparison: John Wick (2014): 86%, John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017): 89%, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019): 90%, John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023): 89%
• Impact on franchise perception: The slightly lower score has sparked discussions about the franchise's future direction and whether the increasing scale and complexity are affecting its critical reception.
• Critical vs. Audience Reception: While critics registered a slight dip, audience scores remained consistently high, indicating a strong disconnect between professional and audience opinions.

Analyzing the Criticisms: What Went Wrong?

Critics' negative feedback on John Wick: Chapter 4 centered around several key areas. Many reviewers felt the film suffered from pacing issues, with the extended runtime feeling bloated at times. Some criticized the sheer volume of action sequences, arguing that the film prioritized spectacle over substance. Others pointed to perceived weaknesses in plot and character development, particularly concerning the handling of certain supporting characters. The over-the-top violence, a hallmark of the franchise, was also singled out by some critics as being excessive or gratuitous.

• Examples of negative reviews: "While visually stunning, John Wick 4 ultimately suffers from pacing problems and a somewhat convoluted plot." "The action, while impressive, sometimes overshadows the narrative." "The film's runtime could have benefitted from a tighter edit."
• Counterarguments: Many fans argued that the extended action sequences were a key selling point, showcasing the evolution of the franchise’s signature fight choreography. Others felt the plot, while complex, delivered a satisfying conclusion to certain character arcs.
• Analysis of criticism validity: The criticisms largely revolve around stylistic choices. While valid points, they often overlook the film's strengths and the consistent quality of the action sequences.

The Success Despite Criticism: Box Office Performance and Fan Reception

Despite the slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score, John Wick: Chapter 4 proved a massive box office success, outperforming its predecessors in many territories. This demonstrates a significant disconnect between critical consensus and audience demand. The overwhelmingly positive audience reception, evident in high audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes and other platforms, alongside enthusiastic fan discussions online, underscores the film's broad appeal. The discrepancy between critical and audience scores suggests a difference in expectations or priorities: critics may prioritize nuanced storytelling and pacing, while audiences are more drawn to the high-octane action and visual spectacle.

• Box office figures: John Wick 4 significantly exceeded box office expectations, grossing considerably more than previous installments.
• Audience score on Rotten Tomatoes: The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes for John Wick 4 remained exceptionally high, suggesting strong audience satisfaction.
• Analysis of online fan reactions: Online forums and social media buzz surrounding John Wick 4 highlight overwhelmingly positive fan reactions, emphasizing the enjoyment of the film's action and visual elements.

The Evolution of the John Wick Franchise and its Action Style

The John Wick franchise has undergone a significant stylistic evolution. The first film introduced a relatively grounded, albeit stylish, action aesthetic. Subsequent films progressively embraced more extravagant and elaborate action sequences, pushing the boundaries of practical effects and choreography. This increased scale and complexity could explain some of the criticism aimed at John Wick 4. Some critics might have found the shift towards larger-scale set pieces and increasingly complex plots to be at odds with the more intimate feel of the original film. Audience fatigue, or a change in audience expectations, might also play a role. The evolution of the franchise's action style is a key aspect to consider when analyzing the reasons behind the slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score.

• Comparison of action styles: Early films focused on close-quarters combat and gun-fu; later films incorporated larger-scale action sequences and more elaborate set pieces.
• Analysis of plot complexity and character arcs: The plots have become more intricate and interwoven across the franchise, potentially alienating some viewers who prefer a simpler narrative.
• Discussion on audience fatigue: The sheer volume of action sequences could lead to audience fatigue, especially for viewers expecting a similar pace and style to the earlier films.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while John Wick: Chapter 4 received a slightly lower Rotten Tomatoes score compared to its predecessors – a score that still places it in the highly rated category – its box office success and overwhelmingly positive audience reception demonstrate a clear disconnect between critical and popular opinion. The criticisms, mainly focused on pacing, plot complexity, and the sheer scale of action, highlight a potential divergence in expectations between critics and the broader audience. The evolution of the franchise’s action style, moving from a more grounded aesthetic to increasingly elaborate set pieces, may also contribute to this disparity. The John Wick 4 Rotten Tomatoes score, therefore, should be viewed within the context of these factors, highlighting the subjective nature of critical analysis and the importance of audience engagement in the ultimate success of a film.

What are your thoughts on the John Wick 4 Rotten Tomatoes score? Did the critics miss the mark? Share your opinion in the comments below! Let's discuss the John Wick 4 critical reception and its impact on the franchise's future.