Unveiling the Unmatched Thrills of John Wick 4 - A New Era for Action Movies Begins

Summary

The Continental episode 1 successfully captures the look and tone of the John Wick series, but falls short in matching the exceptional action of John Wick: Chapter 4.

The action sequence in The Continental is impressive, but it falls short in terms of freshness and innovation compared to the latest John Wick installment.

The incredible action in John Wick: Chapter 4 sets a high standard that spin-offs like The Continental may find difficult to surpass. This creates a challenge for future films in the franchise, such as Ballerina.

While The Continental is indeed a commendable effort, John Wick: Chapter 4 may have established an impossibly high standard for action movies. Serving as a prequel to the beloved John Wick film series, The Continental takes us back to the 1970s and delves into the fascinating world of the eponymous establishment. As it exists within the same timeline as the original films, The Continental goes to great lengths to replicate the distinctive look, style, and ambiance that have come to define the franchise headlined by the iconic Keanu Reeves.

From the impeccably realized setting of New York's The Continental to the effortlessly suave and sophisticated nature of its characters, the first episode of The Continental undeniably succeeds in setting the stage for this enduring film series. In its attempt to capture the essence of John Wick, The Continental also strives for the same level of exhilarating action sequences. While these sequences are undoubtedly impressive in their own right, they simply cannot measure up to the unparalleled action showcased in John Wick: Chapter 4. This unintentionally raises the bar of expectations to an unattainable level, potentially hindering the success of future spin-offs within the franchise.

The Continental Episode 1's Heist Sequence Proves Franchise's Difficulty In Beating John Wick 4's Action

In the opening scene of episode 1, The Continental presents its first major action sequence. The character Frankie masterminds a heist at the hotel, engaging in a thrilling battle against hitmen and hotel staff who aim to hinder his progress. The action sequence in The Continental episode 1 is undeniably spectacular, showcasing exceptional choreography encompassing both hand-to-hand combat and the trademark gun-fu that has become synonymous with the John Wick series. This sequence exemplifies why The Continental surpasses the expectations set by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

However, it must be acknowledged that, despite its impressiveness according to TV standards and even compared to some action movies in theaters, The Continental's action falls short when compared to John Wick: Chapter 4. The truth is that The Continental's action fails to bring a fresh perspective to the table, reminiscent of a 2014 John Wick sequence rather than the innovative and exhilarating action sequences seen in the most recent John Wick installment. Within six months of The Continental's premiere, John Wick 4 showcased an endless succession of unique action scenes, making it challenging for the latter to surpass the most thrilling moments of its predecessor.

Why John Wick 4's Action Is So Incredible (& The Franchise's Best)

Without discounting The Continental, it is important to acknowledge the exceptional action showcased in John Wick: Chapter 4. Regarded as the pinnacle of the franchise's action sequences, this installment is considered to have some of the finest action ever witnessed on the silver screen. A considerable contributing factor to this achievement is undoubtedly Keanu Reeves.

Reeves has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most exceptional action stars in the industry today. He pours his heart and soul into every scene, showcasing remarkable stunts that he performs himself and an unwavering commitment to mastering various forms of martial arts and weaponry. With his unparalleled presence, Reeves elevates every single sequence in John Wick 4. While the performers in The Continental are undoubtedly talented, they simply cannot compare to the overwhelming impact that Reeves delivers in John Wick: Chapter 4.

Furthermore, John Wick 4 undeniably boasts the most diverse range of action sequences within the entire franchise. From deftly navigating through the chaotic streets of Paris amidst a fierce gun battle, utilizing cars as lethal weapons, to the awe-inspiring single-take Dragon's Breath shotgun sequence and the awe-inspiring one-on-one combat between martial arts icons Hiroyuki Sanada and Donnie Yen, John Wick 4 showcases an abundance of unique and exhilarating action sequences. The relentless onslaught of these varied scenes ensures that John Wick 4 never ceases to captivate, featuring some of the most extraordinary action ever captured on film.

John Wick 4's Action Sets Up A Bigger Problem For The Franchise's Spinoffs

Despite concluding the John Wick series on a remarkable note with its incredible action, John Wick: Chapter 4 has presented a larger hurdle for future spin-offs. As witnessed in The Continental, achieving the same level of brilliance in action filmmaking as John Wick 4's sequences, let alone surpassing them, will be a daunting task. The upcoming Ballerina spin-off will face a similar challenge, particularly without the expertise of a seasoned stunt coordinator like Chad Stahelski behind the camera.

Although Keanu Reeves is involved in Ballerina to some extent, the spin-off must provide a stronger justification for audiences to care about the film beyond its action scenes. It is highly unlikely that the film will be able to surpass the action sequences of John Wick 4. Hopefully, the film will achieve this by expanding the captivating world of the franchise and introducing likable characters, similar to what The Continental has done. However, it is important to acknowledge that John Wick: Chapter 4 has set impossibly high standards for action sequences, which even shows like The Continental struggle to match, regardless of their efforts.