Keanu Reeves is one of the nicest and most well-loved actors in Hollywood because even after all the tragic experiences he has encountered, he remains humble and kind. The actor, who found another shot of fame after starring in the action franchise John Wick, opened up about dealing with loss and grief.
Keanu Reeves in John Wick / Lionsgate
Everyone knows he lost his best friend River Phoenix after the young star suffered from a drug overdose, but he also lost his child and his partner, Jennifer Syme, in just a short span of time.
Keanu Reeves Shared How He Managed To Survive The Pain Of Losing His Loved Ones
Speaking with The Guardian, actor Keanu Reeves revealed he published a book in 2016 titled Shadows in hopes of expressing grief in a healthy way. He has known loss many times and for such a tragic event, it would have been too difficult to bounce back.
Keanu Reeves in John Wick / Lionsgate
Everyone knows he lost his best friend River Phoenix after the young star suffered from a drug overdose, but he also lost his child and his partner, Jennifer Syme, in just a short span of time.
Keanu Reeves Shared How He Managed To Survive The Pain Of Losing His Loved Ones
Speaking with The Guardian, actor Keanu Reeves revealed he published a book in 2016 titled Shadows in hopes of expressing grief in a healthy way. He has known loss many times and for such a tragic event, it would have been too difficult to bounce back.
- 6/3/2024
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
Even if "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" is arguably the lowest point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and marked the beginning of what seems to be the end of its dominance in pop culture and box office, there is no denying that the first two "Ant-Man" movies are fantastic. They serve important roles in balancing out rather bleak and dense chapters in the Infinity Saga with some light fun that also grounds the universe and shows how regular people live outside of the big world-ending events.
A big part of the fun is Scott Lang's group of friends turned co-workers in his X-Con Security crew, which includes David Dastmalchian's Kurt — who delivers the best bit in either of the two movies. The bit begins when the crew hears about the second film ("Ant-Man and The Wasp")'s villain, Ghost, who has the ability to turn invisible. Kurt wastes...
A big part of the fun is Scott Lang's group of friends turned co-workers in his X-Con Security crew, which includes David Dastmalchian's Kurt — who delivers the best bit in either of the two movies. The bit begins when the crew hears about the second film ("Ant-Man and The Wasp")'s villain, Ghost, who has the ability to turn invisible. Kurt wastes...
- 5/26/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Could the John Wick universe be poised to introduce an assassin even more formidable than the legendary Baba Yaga (Keanu Reeves) himself? Well, it seems the possibility is high since the acclaimed action franchise is expanding again with Donnie Yen’s enigmatic character, Caine, the blind master of lethality. For the unversed, he was introduced to us in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Lionsgate is now weaving a new tale in the form of a John Wick spinoff movie centered around Caine, with the veteran Hong Kong action hero, now 60, set to reprise the role again.
While speculation abounds and no director has been announced, the project, highlighted by the skilled hands of producers Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, the original series’ director Chad Stahelski, promises to carry the torch forward with authenticity.
Highly Anticipated John Wick Character Spinoff Starring...
Keanu Reeves as John Wick in 2023’s John Wick: Chapter 4 (Credit: Lionsgate)
Lionsgate is now weaving a new tale in the form of a John Wick spinoff movie centered around Caine, with the veteran Hong Kong action hero, now 60, set to reprise the role again.
While speculation abounds and no director has been announced, the project, highlighted by the skilled hands of producers Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, the original series’ director Chad Stahelski, promises to carry the torch forward with authenticity.
Highly Anticipated John Wick Character Spinoff Starring...
- 5/16/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
LevelK has signed key territory deals for Danish family animation Mumbo Jumbo, from prolific Scandinavian production company A. Film Production.
The film has sold to France (Gebeka Films), Middle East (Empire Networks Ltd.), Poland (Vivarto), Benelux (Just4Kids bv), Hungary (Ads Service ltd), Estonia (Estinfilm), Greece (Rosebud.21 S.A), Former Yugoslavia (Demiurg), Bulgaria (Pro Films Ood) and Cis (Silver Box/Russian Report). Further deals are in the works.
The film, currently in pre-production, will be pitched this week at animation industry event Cartoon Movie (March 5-7). Nordisk Film will release the film in Scandinavia in 2025.
3D CGI animation Mumbo Jumbo...
The film has sold to France (Gebeka Films), Middle East (Empire Networks Ltd.), Poland (Vivarto), Benelux (Just4Kids bv), Hungary (Ads Service ltd), Estonia (Estinfilm), Greece (Rosebud.21 S.A), Former Yugoslavia (Demiurg), Bulgaria (Pro Films Ood) and Cis (Silver Box/Russian Report). Further deals are in the works.
The film, currently in pre-production, will be pitched this week at animation industry event Cartoon Movie (March 5-7). Nordisk Film will release the film in Scandinavia in 2025.
3D CGI animation Mumbo Jumbo...
- 3/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Hayao Miyazaki's 2003 fantasy film "Spirited Away" is set largely in a bathhouse reserved for itinerant spirits and traveling minor deities. In the world of "Spirited Away," gods, sprites, and other magical beings from Japanese folklore accumulate a great deal of filth and weariness in their travels, and occasionally have to rest and wash up at a local spa. The spa is usually only visible to spirits, and is run by the tyrannical and terrifying Yubaba, a large-headed witch. Yubaba enslaves the young Chihiro, changes her name to Sen, and forces her to work in the spa. While there, Chihiro interacts with human-shaped co-workers, and serves a wide variety of magical beings she cannot fathom.
The creatures in "Spirited Away" are all wholly original creations, invented by Miyazaki specifically for the movie. It's a credit to the director and the other filmmakers that all of the deities on display feel ineffably old,...
The creatures in "Spirited Away" are all wholly original creations, invented by Miyazaki specifically for the movie. It's a credit to the director and the other filmmakers that all of the deities on display feel ineffably old,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Jason Statham stars as Clay in director David Ayer’s The Beekeeper. An Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
By now, Jason Statham’s fans expect his movies to have a generous dose of over-the-top action sequences, with little regard for the creativity (or even coherence) of the plot. Ka-ching! The Beekeeper stirs up plenty of adrenaline in a standard story line that sets up a whole lot of Statham at his Statham-est.
There’s a bit of John Wick in the premise of The Beekeeper. Statham is a retired super-secret, super-skilled government agent, trying to live quietly, just tending to his titular hives. He rents space from a kind, elderly lady (Phylicia Rashad), who promptly gets conned out of all her savings and $2 mil from a charity she helps manage by a multi-million dollar internet scamming operation. They...
By now, Jason Statham’s fans expect his movies to have a generous dose of over-the-top action sequences, with little regard for the creativity (or even coherence) of the plot. Ka-ching! The Beekeeper stirs up plenty of adrenaline in a standard story line that sets up a whole lot of Statham at his Statham-est.
There’s a bit of John Wick in the premise of The Beekeeper. Statham is a retired super-secret, super-skilled government agent, trying to live quietly, just tending to his titular hives. He rents space from a kind, elderly lady (Phylicia Rashad), who promptly gets conned out of all her savings and $2 mil from a charity she helps manage by a multi-million dollar internet scamming operation. They...
- 1/12/2024
- by Mark Glass
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with action franchise smash John Wick: Chapter 4. The fourth installment in the Chad Stahelski-directed series was penned by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch (based on characters created by Derek Kolstad) in their first turn with Baba Yaga — even if the titular revenge artist, played by Keanu Reeves, speaks only 380 words of dialogue.
From Lionsgate/Thunder Road Films/87 Eleven, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees the ex-hitman uncover a path to defeating crime lord council The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe, and forces that turn old friends into foes.
The film is the highest-grossing of the franchise at over $440 million in global box office, and in May pushed the four-title series across the $1 biillon mark worldwide. It is also the...
From Lionsgate/Thunder Road Films/87 Eleven, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees the ex-hitman uncover a path to defeating crime lord council The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe, and forces that turn old friends into foes.
The film is the highest-grossing of the franchise at over $440 million in global box office, and in May pushed the four-title series across the $1 biillon mark worldwide. It is also the...
- 12/8/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Black Spot Books announces a new anthology, Mother Knows Best: Tales Of Homemade Horror [Black Spot Books, May 7, 2024], a collection of original stories and poems inspired by the scariest monster of them all—our mothers—from some of today’s fiercest women in horror, coming Mother’s Day 2024.
Edited by Lindy Ryan [Into The Forest], Mother Knows Best includes seventeen original stories and ten original poems from women in horror. Featured contributors include Gwendolyn Kiste, Rachel Harrison, Kristi DeMeester, and Kelsea Yu, with an introduction from Mother Horror, Sadie Hartmann, and cover art from Najla Qamber.
“In our previous women-in-horror anthology, Into The Forest, Baba Yaga provided a ready muse for tales of wildness and wickedness,” says editor Ryan. “Mothers—good, bad, or otherwise—are likewise powerful creatures. Sometimes Mother is the savior tucking us into our warm beds, other times she is the monster waiting beneath it. Mother Knows Best is an exploration...
Edited by Lindy Ryan [Into The Forest], Mother Knows Best includes seventeen original stories and ten original poems from women in horror. Featured contributors include Gwendolyn Kiste, Rachel Harrison, Kristi DeMeester, and Kelsea Yu, with an introduction from Mother Horror, Sadie Hartmann, and cover art from Najla Qamber.
“In our previous women-in-horror anthology, Into The Forest, Baba Yaga provided a ready muse for tales of wildness and wickedness,” says editor Ryan. “Mothers—good, bad, or otherwise—are likewise powerful creatures. Sometimes Mother is the savior tucking us into our warm beds, other times she is the monster waiting beneath it. Mother Knows Best is an exploration...
- 11/22/2023
- by Michael Joy
- Horror Asylum
When most people think of martial arts masters, names like Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, Chuck Norris, Michael Jai White, Cynthia Rothrock, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Michelle Yeoh come to mind. Still, Hollywood is ripe with what some would call unsung industry heroes, such as Scott Adkins, a powerhouse of talent on several fronts. In a detailed article featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Alex Ritman delves into Adkins’ origin, a quest for the spotlight, and reputation for being one of the hardest working badasses in Tinseltown.
In addition to being a charismatic actor, Adkins is a gifted student of many martial arts disciplines, including Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, Ninjitsu, Capoeira, Krav Maga, Wushu, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing and Brazilian and Jui Jitsu. His passion for elevating his body and spirit began near the age of 10 when the captivating Bruce Lee inspired Adkins to study Judo. After getting mugged...
In addition to being a charismatic actor, Adkins is a gifted student of many martial arts disciplines, including Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, Ninjitsu, Capoeira, Krav Maga, Wushu, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing and Brazilian and Jui Jitsu. His passion for elevating his body and spirit began near the age of 10 when the captivating Bruce Lee inspired Adkins to study Judo. After getting mugged...
- 10/31/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Hellboy finally returns to video games on October 18th with Hellboy: Web of Wyrd. The roguelike brawler will put players in the shoes of the “world’s greatest paranormal investigator” as he encounters the mysterious Butterfly House that acts as a portal to the dimension of Wyrd. In Wyrd, Hellboy will encounter horrors beyond human comprehension and be forced to relive Groundhog Day-like scenarios over and over again.
What really makes Web of Wyrd stick out is its killer art style that brings to life the gorgeous comic book art by Mike Mignola. With this visual standpoint, developers Upstream Arcade have collaborated with Dark House and Mignola to craft a wholly original Hellboy story set in the world of the comics. While most fans’ first exposure to the world and character may have been the films over the years, for many this may be their first foray into the world of the comics.
What really makes Web of Wyrd stick out is its killer art style that brings to life the gorgeous comic book art by Mike Mignola. With this visual standpoint, developers Upstream Arcade have collaborated with Dark House and Mignola to craft a wholly original Hellboy story set in the world of the comics. While most fans’ first exposure to the world and character may have been the films over the years, for many this may be their first foray into the world of the comics.
- 10/12/2023
- by Reyna Cervantes
- bloody-disgusting.com
Some of the best scenes in "The Witcher" season 3 fast-track the show's central relationships. After two seasons spent splitting up and reuniting, Princess Ciri (Freya Allan), Geralt of Rivera (Henry Cavill), and the powerful sorceress Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) were finally in one place -- and surprisingly happy. There was still some bad blood about that whole 'Yen almost sacrificed Ciri to a Baba Yaga-esque demon' thing, sure, but "The Witcher" pretty swiftly moved past it. The season premiere features a surprisingly endearing montage of the group evading detection together, all while Yen trains Ciri to be the hero she's meant to become.
These scenes worked well thanks to the cohesion of the core cast, who all have a familial chemistry that makes even a sped-up bonding experience look sweet and believable. According to Chalotra, though, it took some coordination between the actors to get the bond between Ciri...
These scenes worked well thanks to the cohesion of the core cast, who all have a familial chemistry that makes even a sped-up bonding experience look sweet and believable. According to Chalotra, though, it took some coordination between the actors to get the bond between Ciri...
- 10/2/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Osnat Shurer, an Oscar-nominated producer of Disney Animation’s Moana and Raya and the Last Dragon, has joined Baobab Studios as co-chief creative officer, alongside company founder and Cco Eric Darnell (Madagascar).
Previously, Shurer served as Walt Disney Feature Animation’s vp development and as executive producer of the short films group at Pixar, where she produced or executive produced shorts such as 2006’s Lifted and 2003’s Boundin’.
As she joins interactive animation studio Baobab, Shurer joins creative leaders including Darnell, chief content officer Kane Lee and advisors and investors such as Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull and Disney legend Glen Keane.
“We are thrilled to welcome Osnat to Baobab,” said Maureen Fan, CEO and co-founder of the studio. “She has a gift for launching franchises with beloved characters that resonate across ages and cultures. Osnat’s extensive background brings invaluable expertise to our growing story franchises across film, television, games and books.
Previously, Shurer served as Walt Disney Feature Animation’s vp development and as executive producer of the short films group at Pixar, where she produced or executive produced shorts such as 2006’s Lifted and 2003’s Boundin’.
As she joins interactive animation studio Baobab, Shurer joins creative leaders including Darnell, chief content officer Kane Lee and advisors and investors such as Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull and Disney legend Glen Keane.
“We are thrilled to welcome Osnat to Baobab,” said Maureen Fan, CEO and co-founder of the studio. “She has a gift for launching franchises with beloved characters that resonate across ages and cultures. Osnat’s extensive background brings invaluable expertise to our growing story franchises across film, television, games and books.
- 9/27/2023
- by Carolyn Giardina
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The John Wick Universe returns once again after the release of the masterclass fourth entry of the franchise earlier this year, this time winding the clock back to the 1970s, an era marked by turmoil and change. Although we will not meet the legendary hitman in this upcoming venture, the dreadful underbelly of the criminal empire to which he belongs will be explored. The soon-to-be-released TV series titled The Continental will take the franchise fans to the early days of Baba Yaga’s trusted associate, Winston Scott, manager of the eponymous hotel, and, through the tale of his ascension, showcase the then-condition of the underworld, filled with treachery, murderous assassins, and lots of gunfu. To assess what the three-part series will consist of, let’s discuss the intricacies regarding the Continental and the points highlighted in the two trailers released previously.
Spoilers Ahead
The Continental and Its Role in John...
Spoilers Ahead
The Continental and Its Role in John...
- 9/22/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
After four movies and just over $1 billion at the box office, it’s easy to forget that “John Wick” wasn’t supposed to be a franchise. The first film was sold as a revenge fantasy for “Marley & Me” fans who weren’t satisfied with a good cry. Its budget was modest, accommodating a star the industry considered declining and co-directors with more experience behind a wheel than a camera. Even the theatrical revenue, rather than totaling the kind of tallies that spin studio heads’… heads, were only viewed as above-average. Yet each subsequent sequel saw the gun-toting widower’s popularity skyrocket. As more and more bodies hit the floor, more and more dollars filled Lionsgate’s coffers. John Wick’s journey from obscurity to omnipresence was so unexpected, the third film functioned as a particularly morbid metaphor for coping with newfound fame.
Wick became a franchise because of two...
Wick became a franchise because of two...
- 9/20/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Contains spoilers for for John Wick: Chapter 4.
Nothing can stop John Wick. We know that now. But after four movies of increasingly elaborate means of doing his enemies in – gun-fu, horse-fu, book-fu, etc – the time came for Baba Yaga to lay down his arms for good at the end of the fourth John Wick instalment. As you might recall from the latest film, there was that showdown at the Sacre-Couer in Paris between Wick and the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård), which left Wick fairly definitively ascending to the great High Table in the sky. He’s got a grave and everything. He’s gone. Isn’t he?
In an interview with Collider, series producer Basil Iwanyk says that the franchise’s star Keanu Reeves was keen for that death to be definitive – a proper full stop ending to the film (and Wick), rather than a kind of dot-dot-dot. “After the second,...
Nothing can stop John Wick. We know that now. But after four movies of increasingly elaborate means of doing his enemies in – gun-fu, horse-fu, book-fu, etc – the time came for Baba Yaga to lay down his arms for good at the end of the fourth John Wick instalment. As you might recall from the latest film, there was that showdown at the Sacre-Couer in Paris between Wick and the Marquis (Bill Skarsgård), which left Wick fairly definitively ascending to the great High Table in the sky. He’s got a grave and everything. He’s gone. Isn’t he?
In an interview with Collider, series producer Basil Iwanyk says that the franchise’s star Keanu Reeves was keen for that death to be definitive – a proper full stop ending to the film (and Wick), rather than a kind of dot-dot-dot. “After the second,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Tom Nicholson
- Empire - Movies
Before Keanu Reeves established himself as the action hero powerhouse we all know, the actor had to be convinced to do his own stunts for 1994's "Speed." Director Jan de Bont told The Huffington Post that Reeves thought a stunt involving his character jumping from a moving car to a bus was "way too dangerous," and only agreed to do it after de Bont told him it was "basically like stepping onto an escalator."
The director said that having actors perform stunts was "more realistic" and allowed the audience to "understand why the actor or the character reacts in a certain way." By the time Reeves came to star in 1999's "The Matrix," not only did he not require any convincing to do his own stunts, but he'd basically adopted the view of his "Speed" director as his own guiding principle. Suddenly, he was throwing himself in harm's way, telling...
The director said that having actors perform stunts was "more realistic" and allowed the audience to "understand why the actor or the character reacts in a certain way." By the time Reeves came to star in 1999's "The Matrix," not only did he not require any convincing to do his own stunts, but he'd basically adopted the view of his "Speed" director as his own guiding principle. Suddenly, he was throwing himself in harm's way, telling...
- 9/18/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
International sales and aggregation company LevelK has boarded Danish 3D animation “Mumbo Jumbo.”
The project, which has kicked off its pre-production phase, is based on the beloved children’s book by Jakob Martin Strid (“The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear”). It will be written and directed by Karsten Kiilerich and produced by Anders Mastrup for A. Film Production.
When Mumbo Jumbo magically grows to giant size, he has to go on a dangerous journey with his three friends, to find the scary witch Baba Yaga so she can turn him small again. It is an adventurous journey which might make Mumbo Jumbo small again, but a whole lot bigger on the inside.
A. Film Production is one of Scandinavia’s most prolific animation companies with their CGI and classically animated feature films and TV series having found appreciative audiences over the past 30 years around the world. The company is...
The project, which has kicked off its pre-production phase, is based on the beloved children’s book by Jakob Martin Strid (“The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear”). It will be written and directed by Karsten Kiilerich and produced by Anders Mastrup for A. Film Production.
When Mumbo Jumbo magically grows to giant size, he has to go on a dangerous journey with his three friends, to find the scary witch Baba Yaga so she can turn him small again. It is an adventurous journey which might make Mumbo Jumbo small again, but a whole lot bigger on the inside.
A. Film Production is one of Scandinavia’s most prolific animation companies with their CGI and classically animated feature films and TV series having found appreciative audiences over the past 30 years around the world. The company is...
- 9/4/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Regardless of the interpretation of the ending of John Wick: Chapter 4, the film serves as a fitting ending for the contract killer and his quest for peace. While movie franchises tend to make an initial run as a trilogy, as the three-movie structure perfectly encapsulates the beginning, middle and end of a story arc, back when John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum was released, it surprisingly sported a cliffhanger ending that seemingly set up for a finale. Parabellum would feature an end sequence at the iconic series location of The Continental, which naturally felt like the perfect thematic location for a finale, but the ultimate conclusion was not satisfying for star Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski.
According to ScreenRant, Reeves and Stahelski were so dissatisfied with the ending that they were motivated to finish it conclusively with Chapter 4. Stahelski explained in Empire, “We didn’t feel like we had done our best.
According to ScreenRant, Reeves and Stahelski were so dissatisfied with the ending that they were motivated to finish it conclusively with Chapter 4. Stahelski explained in Empire, “We didn’t feel like we had done our best.
- 7/7/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The "John Wick" movies are an anomaly in Hollywood today. This is a rare franchise based on an entirely original concept, with the first movie only hinting at a larger world for the sequels to explore without explicitly setting up threads for future movies. Instead, the "John Wick" movies have organically expanded the simple tale of a guy getting revenge for the death of his dog and the theft of his car into a massive world that looks like our own but isn't, complete with intricate lore and worldbuilding that is organically expanding into spin-offs.
At the center of it all, of course, is John Wick himself, an absolute killing machine we know rather little about. Other than vague hints about his past, his great affection for dogs, and his love for his wife, we don't know much about him. This is mostly because John Wick is one of the...
At the center of it all, of course, is John Wick himself, an absolute killing machine we know rather little about. Other than vague hints about his past, his great affection for dogs, and his love for his wife, we don't know much about him. This is mostly because John Wick is one of the...
- 5/27/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
John Wick is arguably the most simple-to-understand blockbuster franchise to have come out in the 21st century. As blockbusters and high-value IPs continue to lean heavily on reliable nostalgia pops, name brand recognition, and in-universe lore expansion, John Wick thrives on the simplicity of its high-concept hook. 4 movies in and despite a gradually built-in lore to keep the universe alive, John Wick’s appeal boils down to two factors: an inciting revenge story and nonstop, bone-crunching action.
It is a formula regularly found in the world of action video games, wherein the story – or what little of it there actually is – serves almost purely as the inciting incident for the exhilarating action we hope to experience. John Wick has delved into the land of gaming within its IP, first with the 2017 VR shooter, John Wick Chronicles. Followed in 2019 with the tactical RPG game John Wick Hex, the franchise’s attempts...
It is a formula regularly found in the world of action video games, wherein the story – or what little of it there actually is – serves almost purely as the inciting incident for the exhilarating action we hope to experience. John Wick has delved into the land of gaming within its IP, first with the 2017 VR shooter, John Wick Chronicles. Followed in 2019 with the tactical RPG game John Wick Hex, the franchise’s attempts...
- 5/24/2023
- by Wesley Lara
- bloody-disgusting.com
In the world of "John Wick," coming face to face with the Baba Yaga might as well be an appointment to sign your own death certificate. John Wick has killed an alarming number of people, so it's almost more shocking when he doesn't kill someone. In the film that kicked off the franchise, Wick walks up to the VIP entrance of The Red Circle club owned by Russian crime lord Viggo Tarasov and intimidates the bouncer, Francis, outside. Despite his hulking frame, Wick puts his gun to Francis' head and addresses him by name. He compliments him on his weight loss, which Francis clarifies is a loss of 60 kilograms. While this might appear to be some gentle conversation to break the tension before a bloodbath, it's actually an exchange of information.
Francis' reference to 60 kilograms is actually a code for how many guards are in the club, providing Wick with...
Francis' reference to 60 kilograms is actually a code for how many guards are in the club, providing Wick with...
- 5/20/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
I don't envy the editor of "John Wick: Chapter 4." Director Chad Stahelski basically used Lionsgate's money to shoot wildly extravagant action and combat sequences that went beyond anything in the previous "John Wick" movies — which, considering the action movie majesty of the "John Wick" franchise, is saying something.
Remember that club fight sequence in "Chapter 4," where Keanu Reeves' assassin faces off against stunt legend Scott Adkins in a fat suit? According to the film's stunt coordinators Stephen Dunlevy and Scott Rogers, it was actually the most challenging scene to film and believe it or not, was initially twice as long as what you see in the final movie. Then there's that entire third act that's basically one long action montage, as Baba Yaga fights his way across Paris toward his final showdown with Bill Skarsgård's Marquis Vincent de Gramont. And all of this even after Stahelski cut...
Remember that club fight sequence in "Chapter 4," where Keanu Reeves' assassin faces off against stunt legend Scott Adkins in a fat suit? According to the film's stunt coordinators Stephen Dunlevy and Scott Rogers, it was actually the most challenging scene to film and believe it or not, was initially twice as long as what you see in the final movie. Then there's that entire third act that's basically one long action montage, as Baba Yaga fights his way across Paris toward his final showdown with Bill Skarsgård's Marquis Vincent de Gramont. And all of this even after Stahelski cut...
- 5/7/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The action sequence montage that was "John Wick: Chapter 4" has cemented the series' status as a serious blockbuster franchise (even though the movie has only slightly outdone the third entry's domestic box office). Director Chad Stahelski's approach recalls that of George Lucas when he conceived of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" as a series of adventure set pieces, then hired writer Lawrence Kasdan to connect them all together narratively. But in Stahelski's case, his John Wick movies are basically a series of insane gun-fu action scenes threaded together with a much more loose narrative and bolstered by multi-layered lore.
And with the latest entry, those action scenes took even more precedence, as Stahelski and his team pushed themselves to outdo previous entries. With a final act that is basically a full hour of non-stop combat and stunt choreography, the director and his team certainly managed to fill the...
And with the latest entry, those action scenes took even more precedence, as Stahelski and his team pushed themselves to outdo previous entries. With a final act that is basically a full hour of non-stop combat and stunt choreography, the director and his team certainly managed to fill the...
- 5/6/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Global audiences have been gaga for Baba Yaga with Lionsgate/Thunder Road Films/87 Eleven’s John Wick: Chapter 4 now having passed the $400M mark worldwide.
The Keanu Reeves-starrer jumped out of the gate in late March, scoring a $137.5M global debut in a best-ever for the franchise. JW4 in mid-April then became the top-grossing film in the series; it’s also the best-reviewed John Wick movie ever at 94% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently, JW4 is estimated at $226M overseas and $402M global (+22% versus John Wick 3 – Parabellum’s final tally). That’s after a weekend that brought in another $10.1M from 86 international box office markets.
The previous titles in the series have had staggered overseas releases while JW4 kicked off in 71 markets, the widest day-and-date release internationally for the franchise.
Anticipation was high for the Chad Stahelski-directed pic with Reeves starting a promotional tour at Brazil Comic Con in December.
The Keanu Reeves-starrer jumped out of the gate in late March, scoring a $137.5M global debut in a best-ever for the franchise. JW4 in mid-April then became the top-grossing film in the series; it’s also the best-reviewed John Wick movie ever at 94% certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Currently, JW4 is estimated at $226M overseas and $402M global (+22% versus John Wick 3 – Parabellum’s final tally). That’s after a weekend that brought in another $10.1M from 86 international box office markets.
The previous titles in the series have had staggered overseas releases while JW4 kicked off in 71 markets, the widest day-and-date release internationally for the franchise.
Anticipation was high for the Chad Stahelski-directed pic with Reeves starting a promotional tour at Brazil Comic Con in December.
- 5/1/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The genius of the first "John Wick" movie lies in the way it introduces its titular protagonist as a soft-spoken and depressed man looking to quietly mourn his wife's passing. It isn't until he's pushed to the brink of berserker rage that the audience learns that this unassuming widower is actually the most feared assassin in the criminal underworld. In the montage showing him preparing to enact his violent revenge against the Russian gangsters who murdered his dog, mob boss Viggo Tarasov ominously calls him "Baba Yaga." The name is a reference to a creature from Russian folklore, reflecting John's history with the mob, although it's often misinterpreted as a "Russian boogeyman."
Even Viggo points out to his son Iosef that John isn't so much the Boogeyman as "the one you sent to kill the boogeyman," establishing both John's frightening reputation as well as reminding viewers that he's ultimately supposed...
Even Viggo points out to his son Iosef that John isn't so much the Boogeyman as "the one you sent to kill the boogeyman," establishing both John's frightening reputation as well as reminding viewers that he's ultimately supposed...
- 4/16/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
For better or worse, no franchise would be complete without an origin story. But we've never really needed one for the Boogeyman himself, John Wick (Keanu Reeves). A dedicated husband and legendary assassin of very few words, the mystery is part of his stoic appeal. So instead of delving deeper into his life, it's time to learn more about the second most important character in the "John Wick" saga ... "The Continental."
As introduced in the film franchise, The Continental is the kind of unforgettable, hidden-in-plain-sight revelation that'll make you think twice the next time you enter a hotel. To the average visitor, it appears to be a chain of luxury hotels scattered worldwide. But in reality, it's a neutral sanctuary for hitmen, assassins, and other members of the criminal underworld. To kill on Continental grounds is forbidden and near impossible to get away with. Weapons and ammunition are supplied by sommeliers,...
As introduced in the film franchise, The Continental is the kind of unforgettable, hidden-in-plain-sight revelation that'll make you think twice the next time you enter a hotel. To the average visitor, it appears to be a chain of luxury hotels scattered worldwide. But in reality, it's a neutral sanctuary for hitmen, assassins, and other members of the criminal underworld. To kill on Continental grounds is forbidden and near impossible to get away with. Weapons and ammunition are supplied by sommeliers,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Shania Russell
- Slash Film
What’s next for Hollywood’s beloved Baba Yaga? The John Wick franchise burst onto the scene back in 2014 with the release of the original film and introduced audiences to the world’s most deadly assassin. While the movie blew viewers away with it’s grotesque choreography and deadly action scenes, nobody could have predicted how popular the franchise would ultimately become. A sequel was produced three years later with a third film following after just another two, and now John Wick: Chapter 4 has retaken Hollywood and reminded everyone just how enthralling Keanu Reeves is as the titular assassin.
Unfortunately (spoilers ahead) the fourth movie brought an end to the tale of Baba Yaga with John Wick’s life finally coming to a close – but does that mean that the franchise will end alongside him? The short answer is absolutely not. Despite John Wick finally meeting his maker, the fourth...
Unfortunately (spoilers ahead) the fourth movie brought an end to the tale of Baba Yaga with John Wick’s life finally coming to a close – but does that mean that the franchise will end alongside him? The short answer is absolutely not. Despite John Wick finally meeting his maker, the fourth...
- 4/1/2023
- by Jon Meschutt
- JoBlo.com
The very foundation of the John Wick franchise is the entire stunt crew at 87eleven Productions which the director, Chad Stahelski, founded with fellow action movie director David Leitch. 87eleven is a company comprised of stunt performers for the making of such action films as the John Wick franchise, Day Shift and many more. Keanu Reeves has had a collaborating relationship with the company from the ground floor as Stahelski was Reeves’ stunt double in the original The Matrix trilogy. With Reeves being such a giving individual, Variety reports that the actor who portrays the Baba Yaga had gifted the stunt crew of John Wick: Chapter 4 commemorative presents to celebrate the wrapping of such elaborate, demanding action sequences.
According to the New York Times, “At the end of the shoot, Reeves made T-shirts for the stunt performers emblazoned with the number of times they were slain over the course of the entire movie.
According to the New York Times, “At the end of the shoot, Reeves made T-shirts for the stunt performers emblazoned with the number of times they were slain over the course of the entire movie.
- 3/30/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves have once again proven there's an endless appetite for exquisitely crafted combat sequences, with "John Wick: Chapter 4" breaking franchise box office records. The latest installment in the massively popular action saga ramped things up considerably, delivering a high-octane 3-hour-long action cinema masterclass, cementing the "John Wick" movies' standing as bonafide blockbusters. That's impressive considering the first "John Wick" film was initially expected to be yet another flop for the then-struggling Reeves.
"John Wick: Chapter 4" looks set to continue the series trend of making a lot more money than its predecessor, which in Hollywood means one thing: more of the same is coming. In fact, that's been the case since 2017, when "John Wick: Chapter 2" made $171 million at the box office — more than double the first entry's take. Naturally, Lionsgate and Thunder Road Productions hastily cooked up some spin-off ideas in the...
"John Wick: Chapter 4" looks set to continue the series trend of making a lot more money than its predecessor, which in Hollywood means one thing: more of the same is coming. In fact, that's been the case since 2017, when "John Wick: Chapter 2" made $171 million at the box office — more than double the first entry's take. Naturally, Lionsgate and Thunder Road Productions hastily cooked up some spin-off ideas in the...
- 3/29/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The “John Wick” movie franchise has featured some strong, extremely skilled, and totally badass female characters since the very beginning of the franchise, without veering into the femme fatale trope. The first installment of “John Wick” had the assassin Ms. Perkins, who tried to hunt down the titular character to avail herself of the contract set by the Russian mobster Viggo Tarasov but got herself killed after breaking the cardinal rule of the High Table by killing people inside the Continental hotel. In the second venture, the deadly, mute assassin Ares gives a tough fight before getting killed by John. The third part introduced us to the Manager of the Morocco division of the Continental, the fierce Sophia, and her two Belgian Malinois, the trio of whom assisted John in laying waste to Berrada’s men. In the latest sequel, “John Wick: Chapter 4,” the viewers are introduced to the character Akira,...
- 3/29/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
This post contains major spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4."
There's a simple rule that usually dictates whether you'll get more of a show or movie you love: follow the money. Hollywood is infamous for squeezing as much life as it can out of anything successful, whether through sequels, spin-offs, or the industry's latest obsession, cinematic universes. This means those of us who've seen "John Wick: Chapter 4" and its bombshell of an ending have been given hope by the fact the film has set a new franchise box office opening record, making $73.5 million in its first weekend.
While it would seem our dearly departed assassin's quest for freedom finally ended with "John Wick: Chapter 4," the film is also on track to continue the franchise trend of making more money than the previous entry. And you know what that means. Lionsgate and Thunder Road execs are hastily being assembled...
There's a simple rule that usually dictates whether you'll get more of a show or movie you love: follow the money. Hollywood is infamous for squeezing as much life as it can out of anything successful, whether through sequels, spin-offs, or the industry's latest obsession, cinematic universes. This means those of us who've seen "John Wick: Chapter 4" and its bombshell of an ending have been given hope by the fact the film has set a new franchise box office opening record, making $73.5 million in its first weekend.
While it would seem our dearly departed assassin's quest for freedom finally ended with "John Wick: Chapter 4," the film is also on track to continue the franchise trend of making more money than the previous entry. And you know what that means. Lionsgate and Thunder Road execs are hastily being assembled...
- 3/29/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The following post contains spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4."
This was my dad's favorite story: One morning, when I was four years old, a jingling chain and a loud thump woke me. I crept downstairs to investigate and found my dad -- drenched in sweat -- punching a leather hanging bag. Without hesitating, I said, "I want to do that, too." Although it surprised him, he replied, "Alrighty, kiddo." He enrolled me in karate that week. Soon, martial arts became our thing. On Saturdays, we attended regional tournaments in crowded gyms. I competed in sparring, and my dad refereed. Before and after matches, we'd spend hours debating scores, questioning techniques, and musing on the dangers of executing flashy movements amidst incoming kicks.
For over two decades, I've studied martial arts both to honor my dad's memory and because my bones can't remember a time before I did. As a result,...
This was my dad's favorite story: One morning, when I was four years old, a jingling chain and a loud thump woke me. I crept downstairs to investigate and found my dad -- drenched in sweat -- punching a leather hanging bag. Without hesitating, I said, "I want to do that, too." Although it surprised him, he replied, "Alrighty, kiddo." He enrolled me in karate that week. Soon, martial arts became our thing. On Saturdays, we attended regional tournaments in crowded gyms. I competed in sparring, and my dad refereed. Before and after matches, we'd spend hours debating scores, questioning techniques, and musing on the dangers of executing flashy movements amidst incoming kicks.
For over two decades, I've studied martial arts both to honor my dad's memory and because my bones can't remember a time before I did. As a result,...
- 3/28/2023
- by Cass Clarke
- Slash Film
This John Wick: Chapter 4 article contains spoilers.
Even before the end credits run, John Wick: Chapter 4 is an exhausting movie. Exhilarating, but exhausting.
The latest, and potentially last, part of the Baba Yaga’s violent quest for puppy revenge lasts almost three hours, and nearly every second of the screen is filled with breathtaking action. By the time the closing credits roll, we might feel like John Wick, barely stumbling to the top of the Sacré Coeur staircase. And when the screen lights up again for one more scene after the credits, we might feel like Wick getting knocked down those stairs, forced to ascend them once again.
Those who did stick around for the last scene were treated to a glimpse of potential things to come. Freed from his obligations to the High Table, blind swordsman Caine (Donnie Yen) goes to visit his daughter. But the reunion...
Even before the end credits run, John Wick: Chapter 4 is an exhausting movie. Exhilarating, but exhausting.
The latest, and potentially last, part of the Baba Yaga’s violent quest for puppy revenge lasts almost three hours, and nearly every second of the screen is filled with breathtaking action. By the time the closing credits roll, we might feel like John Wick, barely stumbling to the top of the Sacré Coeur staircase. And when the screen lights up again for one more scene after the credits, we might feel like Wick getting knocked down those stairs, forced to ascend them once again.
Those who did stick around for the last scene were treated to a glimpse of potential things to come. Freed from his obligations to the High Table, blind swordsman Caine (Donnie Yen) goes to visit his daughter. But the reunion...
- 3/28/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Warning: Contains major John Wick: Chapter 4 spoilers
For four films now, it’s been increasingly apparent that nothing can stop John Wick. Plummeting off the roof of the Continental? He’s handily scraped off the pavement to fight another day. Shot in the gut by an assassin disguised as a busking violinist? Mere minutes later, he’s brutalising someone with a pencil. Rolled down the entirety of Paris’ Montmartre steps just as he was about to reach the top? Like Sisyphus, Keanu Reeves’s Marquis and beating the High Table for good, it appears John Wick has taken one bullet too many, and – gasp! – dies at Sacré-Cœeur while the sun rises, dreaming of his late loving wife Helen, before being buried in the plot next to her. The End. Well… maybe.
It wasn’t always going to go down like this. Back in 2020, it was announced that John Wick:...
For four films now, it’s been increasingly apparent that nothing can stop John Wick. Plummeting off the roof of the Continental? He’s handily scraped off the pavement to fight another day. Shot in the gut by an assassin disguised as a busking violinist? Mere minutes later, he’s brutalising someone with a pencil. Rolled down the entirety of Paris’ Montmartre steps just as he was about to reach the top? Like Sisyphus, Keanu Reeves’s Marquis and beating the High Table for good, it appears John Wick has taken one bullet too many, and – gasp! – dies at Sacré-Cœeur while the sun rises, dreaming of his late loving wife Helen, before being buried in the plot next to her. The End. Well… maybe.
It wasn’t always going to go down like this. Back in 2020, it was announced that John Wick:...
- 3/28/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
The evolution of the "John Wick" franchise from underdog to action movie king has been quite the journey to witness. When the first movie debuted in 2014, critics expected the B-movie premise to accelerate Keanu Reeves' journey toward irrelevancy. But it did the exact opposite, restoring "The Matrix" star's standing as a bonafide action movie badass and helping revive his career after a string of flops.
Make no mistake, the first "John Wick" movie is the best of the lot, but there's something the other three films inarguably do better than that inaugural outing: world-building. In fact, that was the main focus for franchise director Chad Stahelski, who once he was given the green light for a sequel, set about expanding the lore surrounding the underground criminal society which he, fellow "John Wick" director David Leitch, and screenwriter Derek Kolstad has set up in the first movie.
That's not an easy thing to do.
Make no mistake, the first "John Wick" movie is the best of the lot, but there's something the other three films inarguably do better than that inaugural outing: world-building. In fact, that was the main focus for franchise director Chad Stahelski, who once he was given the green light for a sequel, set about expanding the lore surrounding the underground criminal society which he, fellow "John Wick" director David Leitch, and screenwriter Derek Kolstad has set up in the first movie.
That's not an easy thing to do.
- 3/28/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
[The following story contains spoilers for John Wick: Chapter 4.]
Yeah, Lionsgate is thinking John Wick is back.
John Wick: Chapter 4 had widely been expected to be the final installment in the main action franchise, but a fifth installment is back on the table after the movie’s astonishing opening at the global box office, according to Lionsgate motion picture group chair Joe Drake.
Directed by Chad Stahelski and returning Keanu Reeves in the titular role as the iconic assassin, the unstoppable action pic served up a huge $73.8 million domestically after pristine reviews and an A CinemaScore from audiences. The results were just as impressive overseas, where the movie debuted to a resounding $67.6 million from 71 markets for a global start of $141.4 million, a series record on all fronts.
Making a fifth installment of John Wick is no small challenge considering that Reeves’ character seemingly meets his demise the end of Chapter 4. But on Sunday, Lionsgate’s...
Yeah, Lionsgate is thinking John Wick is back.
John Wick: Chapter 4 had widely been expected to be the final installment in the main action franchise, but a fifth installment is back on the table after the movie’s astonishing opening at the global box office, according to Lionsgate motion picture group chair Joe Drake.
Directed by Chad Stahelski and returning Keanu Reeves in the titular role as the iconic assassin, the unstoppable action pic served up a huge $73.8 million domestically after pristine reviews and an A CinemaScore from audiences. The results were just as impressive overseas, where the movie debuted to a resounding $67.6 million from 71 markets for a global start of $141.4 million, a series record on all fronts.
Making a fifth installment of John Wick is no small challenge considering that Reeves’ character seemingly meets his demise the end of Chapter 4. But on Sunday, Lionsgate’s...
- 3/27/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In an industry obsessed with sequels and reboots, going against established norms is often a risky but rewarding approach. In 2022, Zach Cregger's "Barbarian," budgeted at $4.5 million, became a sleeper hit when its upending of horror movie tropes and unique blend of terror and comedy brought in $44 million at the box office. You would think such a stark contrast of tones would result in one undermining the other, but somehow it worked.
Eight years prior, Keanu Reeves was looking for something similarly unorthodox to jump-start his career. Since 1999's "The Matrix," he'd struggled to pick the right projects, with the blunder that was 2013's "47 Ronin" almost killing the star's career. Then, the script for "John Wick" came across his desk, and Reeves was drawn to what he referred to as a "full-blooded character" — a preternaturally skilled hitman feared by even the toughest of crime bosses. The actor praised screenwriter...
Eight years prior, Keanu Reeves was looking for something similarly unorthodox to jump-start his career. Since 1999's "The Matrix," he'd struggled to pick the right projects, with the blunder that was 2013's "47 Ronin" almost killing the star's career. Then, the script for "John Wick" came across his desk, and Reeves was drawn to what he referred to as a "full-blooded character" — a preternaturally skilled hitman feared by even the toughest of crime bosses. The actor praised screenwriter...
- 3/27/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
With “John Wick: Chapter 4”, the saga of John Wick comes to a satisfactory conclusion, or not, given that there is a hint at the possibility of his return in the closing sequence. Looking back at how the franchise started with production concerns and a small budget, to blazing through an almost decade-long journey where its already iconic status has guaranteed a number of spin-offs and the biggest action stars joining the ventures, it’s safe to say “John Wick” has come a long way. Regardless of whether the Baba Yaga is summoned once again or not, there are multiple storylines and character arcs we wish to see attaining completion, and hopefully, the makers will take note of the popular demand as well.
Spoilers Ahead
Aurelio Shouldn’t Be Forgotten
Technically speaking, John’s friend Aurelio, the owner of the chop shop, was the one connection that let the carnage...
Spoilers Ahead
Aurelio Shouldn’t Be Forgotten
Technically speaking, John’s friend Aurelio, the owner of the chop shop, was the one connection that let the carnage...
- 3/27/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
God bless the Baba Yaga, long may he reign. And by “reign” we mean “murder bad guys who deserve it, preferably if those bad guys are played by talented character actors and action movie stars.”
John Wick: Chapter 4 has opened at the top of the U.S. box office, making a little more than $73 million in its debut, which…...
John Wick: Chapter 4 has opened at the top of the U.S. box office, making a little more than $73 million in its debut, which…...
- 3/26/2023
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
Part of the reason seasoned action movie fans like to invest themselves so much in the “John Wick” franchise is its self-awareness, and the choice of consciously presenting some character archetypes is a testament to that. The globally expanded underworld provides ample scope to work with different sets of characters in each installment, and the ever-expanding universe of John Wick received some exciting new additions in “John Wick Chapter 4,” with some of them allying with the death dealer in his war against the High Table, some going against, and some looking to profit using the opportunity provided by the in-fighting. We will take a closer look at some of these characters and discuss the future possibilities of the franchise with them.
Spoilers Ahead
Shimazu Koji
Fans across social media platforms were going wild after the updates about modern martial arts legends Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada joining the cast of...
Spoilers Ahead
Shimazu Koji
Fans across social media platforms were going wild after the updates about modern martial arts legends Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada joining the cast of...
- 3/26/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
Baba Yaga, aka John Wick, has delivered once again.
Action pic John Wick: Chapter 4 slashed up the weekend box office with a huge $73.5 million domestic opening from 3,855 theaters after earning glowing reviews and an A CinemaScore from audiences. Globally, it debuted to a resounding $64 million from 71 markets for a global start of $137.5 million, a series record on all fronts.
In North America, the fourth installment in the marquee Lionsgate action franchise easily bested the $56.8 million opening of 2019’s John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum. It also marks Lionsgate’s biggest domestic opening of the pandemic era, as well as one of the best so far of 2023.
To boot, according to Lionsgate, it joins a select few films that have set a franchise record in their fourth outing or only nine in the past 40 years.
Internationally, the movie opened No. 1 in every market. The U.K. led with $6.7 million, 56 percent ahead of John Wick 3.
Action pic John Wick: Chapter 4 slashed up the weekend box office with a huge $73.5 million domestic opening from 3,855 theaters after earning glowing reviews and an A CinemaScore from audiences. Globally, it debuted to a resounding $64 million from 71 markets for a global start of $137.5 million, a series record on all fronts.
In North America, the fourth installment in the marquee Lionsgate action franchise easily bested the $56.8 million opening of 2019’s John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum. It also marks Lionsgate’s biggest domestic opening of the pandemic era, as well as one of the best so far of 2023.
To boot, according to Lionsgate, it joins a select few films that have set a franchise record in their fourth outing or only nine in the past 40 years.
Internationally, the movie opened No. 1 in every market. The U.K. led with $6.7 million, 56 percent ahead of John Wick 3.
- 3/26/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Lionsgate’s “John Wick: Chapter 4” has burst onto the box office charts with guns blazing. After earning just under $30 million on its opening day, the R-rated blockbuster has raised its estimates to a $73.5 million opening weekend from 3,855 theaters.
Keanu Reeves’ fourth round as Baba Yaga has more than quintupled the unadjusted $14.4 million opening of the first “John Wick” released back in 2014, and passed the previous franchise record of $56.8 million earned by “John Wick: Chapter 3” in May 2019. In fact, this result is the highest opening for any Lionsgate film since the final installment of the “Hunger Games” series opened to $102.6 million in November 2015.
“John Wick 4” also took in $64 million from 71 overseas territories, debuting at No. 1 in all markets as it heads to a global opening of $137.5 million, also a franchise record.
Lionsgate’s “John Wick: Chapter 4” has burst onto the box office charts with guns blazing. After earning just under $30 million on its opening day, the R-rated blockbuster has raised its estimates to a $73.5 million opening weekend from 3,855 theaters.
Keanu Reeves’ fourth round as Baba Yaga has more than quintupled the unadjusted $14.4 million opening of the first “John Wick” released back in 2014, and passed the previous franchise record of $56.8 million earned by “John Wick: Chapter 3” in May 2019. In fact, this result is the highest opening for any Lionsgate film since the final installment of the “Hunger Games” series opened to $102.6 million in November 2015.
“John Wick 4” also took in $64 million from 71 overseas territories, debuting at No. 1 in all markets as it heads to a global opening of $137.5 million, also a franchise record.
- 3/26/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
In the world of “John Wick,” where characters and their motivations range from different shades of gray all the way to pitch black, there’s no option to look for binaries. While the ‘dignified’ criminals continue to live under the false pretense that their theatricality and rules make them better than animals, the existence of any distinguishing features among varying degrees of evil gets blurred as the predators eat each other up in the urban jungle. Still, there are those who, strengthened by their power and wealth, think themselves to be untouchable and dare to mess with the Baba Yaga, only to end up six feet under.
The first three movies in the “John Wick” saga didn’t stress the necessity of a singular character as the antagonist, and except for some bits of Michael Nyqvist’s performance as Viggo Tarasov, the franchise lacked strong antagonistic performances. In the fourth chapter of the franchise,...
The first three movies in the “John Wick” saga didn’t stress the necessity of a singular character as the antagonist, and except for some bits of Michael Nyqvist’s performance as Viggo Tarasov, the franchise lacked strong antagonistic performances. In the fourth chapter of the franchise,...
- 3/26/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
This post contains spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4."
John Wick is known by his enemies as "Baba Yaga," the man who you send to kill the Boogeyman. Others call him "Mr. Wick," giving a title to his position as a professional hitman. All he really wants to be known as, though, is simply "John," detached from the world of crime that he seems forever tethered to. "John Wick: Chapter 4" finally gives the character a chance to embrace that moniker, giving closure to his long journey to shed himself of his past.
"John Wick: Chapter 4" ends with Wick's allies Winston and the Bowery King (Ian McShane and Laurence Fishburne respectfully), looking over the grave of John Wick to pay their respects and give a final goodbye. In an interview with /Film's Vanessa Armstrong, screenwriters Michael Finch and Shay Hatten suggest that this isn't as sad as it looks, as...
John Wick is known by his enemies as "Baba Yaga," the man who you send to kill the Boogeyman. Others call him "Mr. Wick," giving a title to his position as a professional hitman. All he really wants to be known as, though, is simply "John," detached from the world of crime that he seems forever tethered to. "John Wick: Chapter 4" finally gives the character a chance to embrace that moniker, giving closure to his long journey to shed himself of his past.
"John Wick: Chapter 4" ends with Wick's allies Winston and the Bowery King (Ian McShane and Laurence Fishburne respectfully), looking over the grave of John Wick to pay their respects and give a final goodbye. In an interview with /Film's Vanessa Armstrong, screenwriters Michael Finch and Shay Hatten suggest that this isn't as sad as it looks, as...
- 3/25/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
Massive spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4" follow.
Throughout "John Wick: Chapter 4," both friend and foe ask John (Keanu Reeves) what he thinks the ending to his story is. His enemies are like a Hydra, Winston (Ian McShane) declares, and if he keeps chopping off heads, more will appear. That's why John seeks a duel with the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) so that he can permanently get the High Table off his back. John wins the duel, but it turns out the only freedom he can get is in death; Winston, the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), and John's dog show up for the funeral.
Now, the tone of the ending feels definitive, but the execution leaves some leeway. After remembering his wife Helen (Bridget Moynahan), John collapses in a wide shot. Cue a cross-dissolve to New York City, then cut to his gravestone. It seems hard to believe John Wick...
Throughout "John Wick: Chapter 4," both friend and foe ask John (Keanu Reeves) what he thinks the ending to his story is. His enemies are like a Hydra, Winston (Ian McShane) declares, and if he keeps chopping off heads, more will appear. That's why John seeks a duel with the Marquis de Gramont (Bill Skarsgård) so that he can permanently get the High Table off his back. John wins the duel, but it turns out the only freedom he can get is in death; Winston, the Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne), and John's dog show up for the funeral.
Now, the tone of the ending feels definitive, but the execution leaves some leeway. After remembering his wife Helen (Bridget Moynahan), John collapses in a wide shot. Cue a cross-dissolve to New York City, then cut to his gravestone. It seems hard to believe John Wick...
- 3/25/2023
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
In his prolonged career of manhunting filled with death and violence, the rugged, dreaded hitman John Wick has come across a number of interesting characters who deal in a similar trade to his own. John has shown them his professional courtesy, irrespective of whether their allegiance matches his or not. Also, during his encounters with these former associates, none were shown to be equal to his skills in armed or unarmed combat. The fourth installment of the series “John Wick: Chapter 4” introduces Caine, John’s old friend, a visually impaired assassin, yet one so astoundingly skilled that he can go toe to toe with the legendary Baba Yaga and, at times, best him in terms of sheer skill. Donnie Yen, the revered Hong Kong-based martial artist primarily known for his Ip Man movies, is no stranger to blind warrior roles, as he played the blind monk Chirrut Imwe in the Star Wars franchise.
- 3/25/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
What is left for John Wick, the grim reaper of modern fiction, to fight for anymore? Is it, as he says, the fleeting memories with his beloved wife, which at times feel like a distant dream, almost a fantasy? Or is it rampant, incessant bloodshed that gives him a sense of purpose to become willingly caught up in the destructive loop, as his enemies remark? After coming back from retirement to avenge his canine companion, the Baba Yaga is entangled in the deadly underworld intrigue, and as he tries to free himself from the death knot, the question keeps recurring throughout the fourth entry of the franchise titled “John Wick Chapter 4”. Which, by the way, has already proven itself to be possibly the pinnacle of the franchise, that is, if the creators don’t come up with another wound which triggers the Devil’s bloodlust. The enthralling, artistic settings of the fight sequences,...
- 3/25/2023
- by Siddhartha Das
- Film Fugitives
This article contains some John Wick: Chapter 4 spoilers.
This weekend marks John Wick’s long anticipated return to cinemas in the fourth installment of the hitman’s story. Keanu Reeves’ formerly retired assassin has earned a reputation for the merciless nature of his kills, and while the motivations of the “Baba Yaga” might have begun with the simplicity of revenge, his saga has now spiraled into a complex display of the politics of this violent, shadowy underworld. Lucky for us though, Wick’s spiral has also resulted in the creation of some of the most fantastic fight sequences ever put to film.
This action series is relentless in its incredible use of hand-to-hand combat, stunt coordination, and weapons expertise, which all come together to forge an array of tense, visually inventive set pieces that seem to grow bigger and more brutal with each passing release. The best fight sequences...
This weekend marks John Wick’s long anticipated return to cinemas in the fourth installment of the hitman’s story. Keanu Reeves’ formerly retired assassin has earned a reputation for the merciless nature of his kills, and while the motivations of the “Baba Yaga” might have begun with the simplicity of revenge, his saga has now spiraled into a complex display of the politics of this violent, shadowy underworld. Lucky for us though, Wick’s spiral has also resulted in the creation of some of the most fantastic fight sequences ever put to film.
This action series is relentless in its incredible use of hand-to-hand combat, stunt coordination, and weapons expertise, which all come together to forge an array of tense, visually inventive set pieces that seem to grow bigger and more brutal with each passing release. The best fight sequences...
- 3/25/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Warning: This article discusses major spoilers for "John Wick: Chapter 4." Proceed at your own risk!
John Wick: the man, the myth, the legend. With each and every installment of this franchise, our hero has steadily reinvented himself until he became widely feared as the unstoppable killing machine that haunts the nightmares of the esteemed High Table itself. "John Wick: Chapter 4" always had the makings of a genuine epic, even aside from its giant-sized runtime. The sequel is packed with Biblical quotes, revolutionary imagery from famous paintings, and even overt allusions to Greek mythology. But more than any of that, the climactic battle that closes out the film — pitting Keanu Reeves' John Wick against Donnie Yen's Caine in a duel to the death — makes a martyr out of the Baba Yaga and sends him off into the great hereafter.
... or does it?
The conclusion might seem pretty definitive,...
John Wick: the man, the myth, the legend. With each and every installment of this franchise, our hero has steadily reinvented himself until he became widely feared as the unstoppable killing machine that haunts the nightmares of the esteemed High Table itself. "John Wick: Chapter 4" always had the makings of a genuine epic, even aside from its giant-sized runtime. The sequel is packed with Biblical quotes, revolutionary imagery from famous paintings, and even overt allusions to Greek mythology. But more than any of that, the climactic battle that closes out the film — pitting Keanu Reeves' John Wick against Donnie Yen's Caine in a duel to the death — makes a martyr out of the Baba Yaga and sends him off into the great hereafter.
... or does it?
The conclusion might seem pretty definitive,...
- 3/24/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
While superhero tentpoles might be struggling in the early going of 2023, other genre films seem to be doing perfectly fine, thank you very kindly. "John Wick: Chapter 4" is the latest non-superhero flick to openly strongly at the box office, taking in a franchise-high $8.9 million in Thursday evening previews (via Variety). That's despite its 169-minute runtime, although its supporters would tell you Mr. Wick's fourth outing is perhaps the breeziest three-hour action movie to make its way into theaters this side of "Rrr."
Once again pairing the man, the myth, the legend that is Keanu Reeves with series director Chad Stahelski (drawing from a screenplay that's credited to "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" writer Shay Hatten and "Predators" scribe Michael Finch), "John Wick: Chapter 4" sends Baba Yaga on a quest for revenge against the High Table, in the hopes of securing his freedom once and for all. Far...
Once again pairing the man, the myth, the legend that is Keanu Reeves with series director Chad Stahelski (drawing from a screenplay that's credited to "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" writer Shay Hatten and "Predators" scribe Michael Finch), "John Wick: Chapter 4" sends Baba Yaga on a quest for revenge against the High Table, in the hopes of securing his freedom once and for all. Far...
- 3/24/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
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