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

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.7

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The John Wick films, known for their innovative gun-fu and intricate fight choreography, have cultivated a devoted fanbase. The anticipation for Chapter 4 was immense, promising a culmination of the previous chapters’ intricate storylines and explosive action sequences. Yet, the film’s critical reception, as reflected in its Rotten Tomatoes score, didn't quite match the hype or the audience enthusiasm. This article aims to explore the contributing factors to this intriguing disparity.

Over-the-Top Action: A Double-Edged Sword

The John Wick franchise is undeniably defined by its extended, meticulously choreographed action sequences. These scenes are often lauded by fans for their creativity, intensity, and sheer spectacle. However, this very style might have contributed to the lower critical reception reflected in the John Wick Chapter 4 Rotten Tomatoes score. While fans relish the over-the-top action, some critics may have perceived it as excessive or even repetitive.

• Examples of excessively long fight scenes: The lengthy fight sequence in the Arc de Triomphe, while visually stunning, might have been considered overly prolonged by some critics. The continuous action, without significant narrative breaks, could have felt overwhelming.
• Choreography over narrative: Some critics might argue that the film prioritized breathtaking choreography over advancing the plot, leading to a disconnect between the action and the story.
• Contrasting reactions: While fans celebrated the sheer scale and creativity of the action sequences, some critics might have felt that the relentless action detracted from the overall narrative coherence.

Narrative Structure and Pacing

Another contributing factor to the lower John Wick Chapter 4 Rotten Tomatoes score might be the film's narrative structure and pacing. While the action is undeniably captivating, some critics may have found the plot somewhat convoluted or predictable. The film juggles multiple storylines, potentially leading to a feeling of being stretched thin narratively.

• Multiple storylines and pacing: The film’s attempt to weave together several character arcs could have impacted the overall pacing, making it feel less focused for some viewers.
• Character development: While the core characters are well-developed, the introduction and development of new characters might have felt rushed or underdeveloped to some critics, overshadowing the established characters' arcs.
• Comparison to previous films: Compared to the more streamlined narratives of earlier films, Chapter 4 might have felt less focused and tighter in its pacing, leading to critical dissatisfaction.

Critic vs. Audience Score Discrepancy: A Matter of Perspective

The significant disparity between the John Wick Chapter 4 Rotten Tomatoes score among critics and the overwhelmingly positive audience reaction points to a fundamental difference in perspective. This difference underscores the subjective nature of film criticism.

• Statistical comparison: A clear comparison of the critic and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes and other platforms showcases a dramatic gap. Audiences clearly embraced the film, while critics were less enthusiastic.
• Potential biases: Critics may have approached the film with different expectations, potentially focusing more on narrative coherence and originality, while audiences may have prioritized the spectacle and action. Pre-existing biases against the genre itself or the franchise's established style could also contribute.
• Impact of hype: The immense anticipation surrounding the film could have led to heightened expectations for critics, making it more challenging for the film to fully meet their critical standards.

The Role of "Genre Fatigue" in Critical Reception

The action genre is rife with films featuring similar themes, plots, and action sequences. The concept of “genre fatigue” suggests that audiences and critics alike may become desensitized to repetitive tropes, influencing critical reception. This could be a significant element contributing to the John Wick Chapter 4 Rotten Tomatoes score.

• Similar action franchises: Many action franchises face similar challenges in maintaining originality and innovation, resulting in lower critical scores despite enthusiastic fan reception.
• Repetitive tropes: The repeated use of certain action tropes might have contributed to a sense of déjà vu for some critics, leading to less enthusiastic reviews.
• Attempts at innovation: While John Wick: Chapter 4 attempted to push boundaries within the action genre, these innovations might not have been enough to fully overcome the perceived genre fatigue amongst some critics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lower John Wick Chapter 4 Rotten Tomatoes score, despite its popularity with audiences, can likely be attributed to a combination of factors. The potentially excessive action sequences, the film's narrative structure and pacing, and the pervasive phenomenon of genre fatigue likely all played a role. The discrepancy between critical and audience reception emphasizes the subjective nature of film criticism. What are your thoughts on the John Wick Chapter 4 Rotten Tomatoes score? Do you agree with the critics' assessment, or do you think the audience reaction is a more accurate reflection of the film's quality? Let’s discuss! Share your John Wick Chapter 4 experience! Let us know your opinion in the comments below!