Keanu Reeves has become one of the most uttered names in Hollywood in recent times. An almost astronomical surge in popularity happened, and we are sure of the fact that Reeves is an actor who deserves all this and more. For the longest time now, he had been one of the most underrated Hollywood stars of our generation. We are happy to see that change for the better because if not now, then we don’t know when. Now, multiple films can be taken as proof of his incredible abilities as an actor, but the first franchise to come to mind when you hear his name has got to be John Wick.
John Wick is not only popular as a series of action films, but it has also been attributed to created a cultural revolution. We assure you that you cannot enter one discussion of pop culture without these films being referred to in passing. If you’ve had the chance to watch the movie, you will know just why they are so popular amongst fans. If you have not yet watched them, well, then we hope that this article persuades you to do just that. The new chapter of John Wick is right around the corner, and we figured that now would be a great time to take a trip down memory lane and look at all of the films in the franchise individually and the series as a whole.
If there is another reason why these films seem to be everywhere, excluding Reeves’s amazing performance, we are hellbent on finding it and bringing it to your attention. So let’s cut right to the chase and look at John Wick’s rise to fame and how it came about.
John Wick: what is it?
John Wick is an American series of films that can be categorized under neo-noir action movies. The movie follows the title character who is played by, drum roll please, none other than Keanu Reeves. The plot of the franchise kicks off when Wick sets out to seek revenge on the people who are behind the passing of a dog given to him by his ex-wife. An unusual plot, you think? We think so too.
But we also know that this is what makes the films so special. The aesthetic, the plot, the casting, and the overall style of filmmaking that is involved are all unique in their own way. When we tell you that this is a franchise that stands out from the rest of the films in the genre, you best believe we mean it.
The first film dropped in 2014, and we knew right then that this is the start of a very wild and interesting ride. The next two movies came out in 2017 and 2019, respectively, and the latest installment of the film is set to premiere in 2022 if the production goes according to schedule.
Also Read: John Wick Chapter 4 Release Date, Director, Cast, Storyline
These films are being directed by Chad Stahelski and have an awe-inspiring cast who play their roles to perfection alongside Reeves himself. The production companies involved with the franchise include Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Pictures, and Legendary Entertainment. By all means, this is a film franchise that is humongous in nature. Going by the popularity scale alone, we can say that the movies receive a stellar welcome in several parts of the world. This can be attributed to Reeves’ popularity, just how his popularity can be attributed to the films themselves. So what is it about these films that make them so special? What is the storyline like? Is there consistency? Do we see a recurring cast? Let’s find out.
John Wick: chapter one – a wild ride begins
As you might have already guessed, this is where the legacy of John Wick originally began. The movie came out in 2014, and it became an instant hit amongst fans. People were eager to know if what they’ve heard about the plot was true. They were pleasantly surprised to find out that this was indeed the case.
Okay, okay, there is more to the plot than just the killing of a dog, although it just might be enough to create a burning rage in the heart of anyone. The plot follows the story of an assassin – John Wick. Wick has bid his early years of violence goodbye and is now happily married to the woman he claims to be the love of his life. Everything goes downhill for our main character when he is met with his wife’s sudden death.
Already in a dark place, something in him snaps when a gangster named Iosef Tarasov and his groupies steal John’s car and kill the puppy that was the last ever gif this late wife gave him. Faced with this sudden onset of dark anger, he is all set to seek revenge. He goes on a killing spree to put an end to anyone involved in this incident all while his former peer puts a bounty on Wick’s head.
John Wick: Chapter 2 – the saga continues
This movie is the next installment in the series, and it premiered in the year 2017. The film was one that was much anticipated because of the popularity of the first movie. Needless to say, the hype was totally worth it. The movie lived up to its name, and all expectations were exceeded. If anything, this film only made the excitement surrounding the franchise even more palpable. The continuity from the first film to this was seamless. The plot was carried out in a very fluid way – something that is welcome in the cinema of any kind. We would think the genre would leave no room for artistic expression, but this movie proved us wrong.
The plot is obviously the aftermath of the events in the first film. This is also the one where John finally learns about the business surrounding the bounty on his head. In this movie, we are taken on a trip to Rome. But this is not just any trip, no. In this film, John is all set to go head-on head with some of the most ruthless assassins in the world. All this for what, you may ask. It is to keep up a vow he had previously made. We do love a person who keeps their promises on here!
John Wick: Chapter 3 – where the franchise is at right now
This is the latest film in the installment and one of our favorites. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum came out in the year 2019. This one film singlehandedly made the year special for all of us. The movie was obviously well made, no doubt about that. But what made this film all the more special is the consistency. Usually, with a film franchise, we see the subsequent movies dwindle a little bit. There might be a hole in the plot—a little inconsistency in the aesthetic. Maybe a cast member or two doesn’t deliver. This is not the case with the franchise. This chapter of the film was so good that we were once again made aware of the brilliance that we have the good fortune to witness in the form of John Wick.
The assassination, of course, continues with this film too. What did you think? Wick will suddenly turn a corner and start waving a peace sign? Join a club or two? Please! The plot of the films starts with an emphasis on the already mentioned bounty. Wick is declared an excommunicado after proof of him murdering an international crime lord comes to light. In the film, we see Wick run for his life while trying to find someone that would help him with an escape plan.
With this movie, you will see yourself at the edge of your seat. You will also see yourself rooting for John Wick with all your might!
Audience reaction and response
We do not have to tell you just how popular this franchise has become over the years. It has blown up so much that there isn’t a person out there who hasn’t heard of it. If you haven’t watched the films in this day and age, it is almost as if you are committing a crime against cinema. And we can’t have that now, can we? There are multiple reasons behind this success, but the most important thing is how relatable the character is. Are we telling you that an international gold star assassin is relatable to the average person who is on their way to their usual 9-5 job? Yes, we are! But before you write us off, hear us out.
John Wick is the story of a born killer, yes. But it is also the story of a broken man. How many of us have lost someone we love one way or another – that one event that has left us completely lost in life? All of us, you say? You’re right, all of us. John Wick is the story of a man who has lost almost everything he held dear in his life. It is the story of a man who tries to pick himself up and set out to find the missing pieces. Does he do it in the form of murder? Of course, but hey, we all have our cons, don’t we? (Okay, yes, that was blatant sarcasm)
What is next in the franchise?
So yes, you agree with us? That’s great because we knew you would.
Again, there is a multitude of reasons as to why this franchise is so popular, but we have a pretty good hunch that the above-mentioned is the major one. If you are all set to watch the film but are now sad that there are only three movies out there, don’t you worry. We have some good news for you! John Wick: Chapter 4 is right around the corner. And from what we know, it will be bigger, better, and more badass than ever. Read on for more information on this new and exciting venture!
John Wick: Chapter 4
The makers and the actor himself have confirmed that the saga of John Wick is not over yet. It was told that new installments would keep coming as long as we, as an audience, keep watching it. And if there is anything we know about us, it is that we love the franchise. That means there is hope for the future. Officially, there are two more installments to the film. That is, there will be not only a fourth chapter but also a fifth. But since we don’t know much about the latter just as yet, it is smart that we focus on the former for the time being.
What does the plot involve?
The new installment’s plot is one that is being kept a secret from us. Knowing that it is still early into the film’s production, this seems to be a reasonable move. However, remember that thing we told you about consistency? Yes, that still holds. Chapter 4 of the series of films will continue whatever plotline was left off in chapter 3. This means we will see some recurring faces, tropes, places, and many more details that we might have seen in the last film but must have brushed off to be irrelevant. Always remember what they say – the devil is in the details! If the makers keep up what they have been doing with the last few movies, this film might be the next big thing in the industry – even bigger than what came before it.
What to expect from the new installment and when to expect it:
As of to this point, we have covered everything regarding the franchise except the premiere dates of John Wick: Chapter 4. Don’t you worry now, we won’t leave you hanging – that’s not like us. This new installment will premiere a little late than you might expect, but better late than never, right? The fourth chapter is set for the 2022 release. While the initial plan was to drop the film on May 21st, 2021, we all know how that turned out. With the pandemic postponing the production, the new release date is scheduled for May 27th, 2022. You can’t wait to set your eyes on the new film, we know. We can’t either. But you know what they say – with patience comes all good things!
This new movie will see the return of a majority of the cast and crew. With a TV series also rumored to be in the making, this movie could potentially be the deciding factor for the franchise’s future. Whatever the makers decide to do with the film, we already know that it will be good. Will the movie live up to its expectations? We will have to wait till 2022 to find out!
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