Following the UK world premiere of John Wick: Chapter 4, the verdict is out and in favor of the Keanu Reeves starrer crime thriller. While critics are not short of praises for the 58-year-old star’s continued dedication to playing a physically intensive role as the guns-blazing Baby Yaga, early reactions are also filled with acclaim for the newcomers.

John Wick: Chapter 4 continues to tell the story of the skilled assassin’s face-off against the High Table. But after his near-death confrontation against the criminal organization in Chapter 3: Parabellum, Mr. Wick is left licking his wounds in the safety of The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne). In the fourth installment, John Wick’s unsettled score with the criminal council pits him against Marquis de Gramont (Bill skarsgård), a high-ranking member of the High table.

While the past three titles have largely been seen as a Keanu Reeves-led franchise, John Wick: Chapter 4 has particularly received praise for featuring a stacked cast with the inclusion of recognizable action stars like Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins and Donnie Yen. Rina Sawayama was also applauded for her performance.

With a runtime of 2 hours and 49 mins, many critics specifically pointed out the movie is almost a three-hour experience but the pacing and action scenes featuring “Armored ninja, fiery weapons” as critic John Nguyen puts it – make it a thrilling ride. Some are also stating it is a conclusion to the story – casting doubt on John Wick 5 moving forward.

Critics also spoke highly of Chad Stahelski for featuring high-octane action sequences – some also sharing more anticipation for his project, Highlander. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen also received plaudits for the visually stunning experience the movie delivers. Some of the early reviews have even suggested watching John Wick: Chapter 4 in IMAX.

Pleased to report #JohnWick4 is a big improvement over Parabellum. The near three-hour runtime seems daunting but the film earns it. All of the new characters are so good & fit in so well that I had to double check they weren't in previous films pic.twitter.com/rSvN7uFlqU

— Richard Martin (@RichardMartinNZ) March 7, 2023

I really liked #JohnWick4! Amazing to remember that big franchise blockbusters can look like this (good). Dan Lausten, you have my heart, my sword, my whatever. Didn't feel too long, you can ignore the lore (who cares!!). There is one (1) thing that I hated (because it's dumb).

— Katie Walsh (@katiewalshstx) March 7, 2023

Mesmerizing action sequences, stunning cinematography, and Keanu Reeves at his best – #JohnWick4 delivers an adrenaline-fueled cinematic experience that is simply unmatched. It's safe to say that it's the pinnacle of the franchise. A must-watch for all action movie enthusiasts! pic.twitter.com/t6okt1vfVW

— Dorian Parks (@DorianParksnRec) March 7, 2023

Brawny, bold & badass, #JohnWick4 brilliantly balances vested stakes with an absolutely spectacular, high octane thrill ride. A soaring, searing, scorching chapter in the saga. The wildest time you’ll have at the movies this year. A pure adrenaline rush. pic.twitter.com/eUmJRfnwJw

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) March 6, 2023

John Wick: Chapter 4 pushes the envelope in the action genre as we know it. The cast is STACKED and the fight scenes are dynamic! After 4 movies, you’d think there’d be some fatigue. This is not the case, you’ll just have to see it for yourself. #JohnWick4 pic.twitter.com/6LR6TxBkmT

— Felicia (@becomingfelicia) March 7, 2023

#JohnWick4 boasts next level action from director Chad Stahleski, stunning cinematography from Dan Laustsen & a virtuoso sequence in Tokyo w/ scene stealers Donny Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada & @rinasawayama that already ranks among my favorite action sequences of all-time. Wick rules! pic.twitter.com/0WJzC8Wark

— Mark A. Altman (@markaaltman) March 7, 2023

John Wick: Chapter 4 is absolutely HUGE. Yes, it's long, but its outrageously good set pieces more than make up for it. A slick, brutal and stylish action epic that sees Keanu Reeves push himself further than before, and with moments that'll have fans talking… #JohnWick4 pic.twitter.com/6zNg6c3KX5

— Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) March 6, 2023

I got to watch #JohnWick4!#JohnWick fans are going to love this chapter. It has everything that makes this franchise so epic – BRUTAL action, fantastic characters & Keanu kicking all kinds of ass!

It’s truly amazing how Chad Stahelski & co continue to innovate the action 🧵 pic.twitter.com/CTBKAvAtBz

— POC Culture (@POCculture) March 6, 2023

I watched #JohnWick4 in IMAX and I highly recommend you do the same!! The body count is more than the previous three installments combined. Keanu Reeves, as John Wick, once again does not hold back and is a force to be reckoned with. This film takes you around the world and… https://t.co/ZxJtjA1wT7 pic.twitter.com/hX0biejjY1

— Sean Tajipour (@Seantaj) March 7, 2023

#JohnWick4's Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Rina Sawayama are all scene stealers. Each has so much style, charisma, and talent on display to enrich the film as a whole.

Chad Stahelski also upped his game and droped one of my favorite action scenes, ever. You'll know it. pic.twitter.com/Id4IvUZBfJ

— The Brandalorian (@BrandonDavisBD) March 6, 2023

I loved #JohnWick4. Yes, it's a notably long action movie, but it's a long action movie filled with fantastic John Wick action sequences that truly transcend into that place where it feels like you are watching a masterful, carnage-filled ballet in all the right ways.

— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) March 6, 2023

#JohnWick4 is epic! The fight sequences are electrifying. Reeves owns Wick, and the addition of Bill Skarsgård, Hiroyuki Sanada, Scott Adkins, and Donnie Yen bring this impressive feature to an operatic finale! Fastest 2 hours and 38 minutes ever!

— JoBlo.com (@joblocom) March 7, 2023

The cast of #JohnWick4 is appropriately stacked with some great characters. Loved Donnie Yen, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins (Adkins’ big brawl is terrific), Shamier Anderson and THE DOG! There’s SO much to devour – I won’t spoil it, but the staircase sequence is a franchise fav pic.twitter.com/6A8fVxVDnu

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 7, 2023

#JohnWick4 is action cinema at its finest. This breathtaking, bloody and ballistic ballet delivers a bone-crunching crescendo to one of the greatest action franchises of all time. Pure power, #JohnWick4 is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. Reeves' Wick transcends icon status. pic.twitter.com/1tn6syfz6E

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) March 6, 2023

#JohnWick4 continues with the visceral and brutal action. We finally get the conclusion to the story, and the film brings the action to a higher level with armored ninja, fiery weapons, epic one-shot scenes, and more. Donnie Yen is definitely icing on the cake. pic.twitter.com/7N0utxj772

— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) March 6, 2023

The early removal of the embargo on social media reactions is a sound indication that Lionsgate is confident with John Wick 4’s release. The raving early reactions surely signal good news for the spin-off series The Continental arriving sometime this year and the Ballerina film featuring Ana de Armas in the titular role.

John Wick: Chapter 4 will arrive in theaters on March 24, 2023.