The Surprising Truth About The Lowest-Rated John Wick Movie

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 11, 2025

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Identifying the Lowest-Rated John Wick Film

The unfortunate title of "lowest-rated John Wick movie" belongs to John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). While still well-received, it sits lower than its predecessors and successors on aggregate review sites. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a score of 89%, compared to Chapter 3 - Parabellum's 90% and Chapter 4's 95%. Metacritic scores also reflect a slight dip. This lower rating, while seemingly insignificant, sparked discussions about potential flaws and raised questions about the film's position within the franchise.

• Critical Reasons for Lower Rating: Critics pointed to a perceived slight dip in the innovative action sequences compared to the original, a denser plot, and perhaps a slightly less focused narrative compared to the more streamlined John Wick.
• Box Office Performance: While Chapter 2 still performed well at the box office, grossing over $171 million worldwide, it didn't match the explosive success of Chapter 3 which crossed $326 million, suggesting a possible correlation between critical reception and financial performance.
• Comparison to Contemporaries: Released in the same year as other notable action films, Chapter 2 faced stiffer competition, perhaps contributing to a relatively less enthusiastic critical response compared to its standalone counterparts.

Dissecting the Criticisms: Were They Justified?

The criticisms leveled against John Wick: Chapter 2 often center around its increased complexity. While the original film offered a focused revenge narrative, the sequel expanded the world, introducing new characters and factions, which some critics felt diluted the core focus.

• Increased Complexity: The introduction of the High Table and its intricate rules certainly added layers to the John Wick universe, but this added complexity may have felt overwhelming for some viewers who preferred the more straightforward nature of the original film. This is a common pitfall in sequels that try to expand their scope.
• Action Sequence Variation: Some critics felt the action sequences, while still impressive, were less groundbreaking than those in the first film. However, this could be argued as a matter of personal preference, rather than an objective flaw. The action still delivered impressive gun-fu and creative fight choreography.
• Pacing Issues: A few reviews cited pacing issues, arguing that the plot could have benefitted from a tighter edit. However, the expanded world and introduction of new characters naturally require more screen time to develop effectively.

Unexpected Strengths of the "Lowest-Rated" Film

Despite the criticisms, John Wick: Chapter 2 possesses several unexpected strengths often overlooked. Its expansion of the world is a key example.

• World-Building: The introduction of the High Table and its intricate rules significantly expanded the universe, setting up the larger conflicts that would define subsequent films. This added depth enriched the overall narrative arc of the John Wick saga.
• Character Development: The film further developed John Wick's character, exploring his relationships and motivations within the assassin underworld. The introduction of characters like Cassian and Ares added intriguing layers to the story.
• Action Set Pieces: Though debated in comparison to the first film, scenes such as the Continental Hotel shootout remain iconic examples of expertly crafted action sequences. These moments showcase the franchise's commitment to creativity and inventive fight choreography. The addition of new weapons and fight styles also demonstrates a willingness to experiment and evolve.
• Cinematic Techniques: John Wick: Chapter 2 employed sophisticated cinematic techniques, including creative camerawork and editing, further refining the visual language that defined the franchise.

The Legacy and Impact

While John Wick: Chapter 2 received slightly lower ratings, its impact on the franchise shouldn’t be underestimated. It laid the groundwork for the complexities that would define Chapter 3 and Chapter 4.

• Foundation for Future Films: The introduction of the High Table and its implications directly influenced the storylines and conflicts in subsequent films, establishing a larger, more intricate narrative framework.
• Evolution of the Franchise: The film pushed the boundaries of the franchise's action and storytelling, allowing for greater exploration and expansion of its universe. While the slightly lower rating may indicate a shift in critical focus, it didn't prevent the franchise from flourishing and evolving.

Conclusion

The perception of John Wick: Chapter 2 as the "lowest-rated John Wick movie" is partially true, but this assessment overlooks several significant aspects of the film. While criticisms about increased complexity and pacing are valid points of discussion, the sequel also expanded the franchise's world, deepened character development, and delivered impressive action sequences that remain highlights of the series. Ultimately, its contribution to the overarching narrative and its impact on subsequent films cannot be dismissed. Watch the lowest-rated John Wick movie and decide for yourself – is it truly the worst, or is there more to the story? Further exploration into the making of the John Wick films and analysis of other critically acclaimed action movies will only further enrich your understanding of this unique cinematic universe.