He’s back after six years and this time, John Wick has a major mission in mind that will change the course of his life and livelihood.

After the events where he was forced to abide by the rules of the High Table only to find himself nearly killed, John Wick has had it and has decided to wage war. Going to Morocco, he kills the new Elder of the High Table. This leads to a new leader in the Marquis de Gramont, who has decided to make an example by destroying the New York Continental and killing its concierge Charon. Winston, realizing what he has done, decides to help Wick, but it will not be easy.

The Marquis has hired blind assassin Caine to find and kill John Wick, which is complicated as the two are old friends. Wick finds out death is always coming at every turn and now, he’s not the only one affected by his actions. With the help of the Bowery King and Winston, Wick learns the only way to stop the Marquis is the ancient tradition of a single duel. However, there are complications, including the Marquis’ men and a mysterious tracker who is looking for a cash grab on Wick. Will John be able to overcome the most dangerous odds to gain his freedom again?

Four years after his last adventure, John Wick is back in a major way in one of the biggest action films of the year. Once again, Keanu Reeves and Chad Stakelski unleash a barrage of action sequences that highlight not only Reeves on screen, but also one of the best action ensembles in a while. And with a running time of nearly three hours, the action set pieces are longer and more exciting than before.

Playing the central nemesis this time around is Bill Skarsgård, who plays the Marquisx de Gramont, the new leader of the High Table. He is the mastermind who rarely gets in on action, but when he does, it still makes an impact. However, he takes a step back and lets other do the hard work. And some of the names, action fans will definitely go crazy over.

Hong Kong action legend Donnie Yen is excellent as Caine, a blind assassin who finds himself conflicted between his loyalty to the High Table and his friendship with Wick. There is a reasoning behind Caine’s conflict as someone close to him has been taken to the High Table as insurance. When Yen comes into action, it is so exciting to see as we get to see him unleash some fantastic moves and tricks up his sleeve. There is even an excellent homage to Yen’s 1998 film Ballistic Kiss with a close quarter sword-gun fight between Caine and Wick.

Making the most of his screen time is another legend in Hiroyuki Sanada, who plays Koji, Wick’s friend and the owner of the Continental in Osaka, Japan. While he engages in some of the action, kudos and major props goes out to actress and singer Rina Sawayama, who shines as Koji’s daughter and concierge Akira as she unleashes some amazing skills against the Marquis’ men. And speaking of that, the Marquis’ main enforcer comes in the form of Marko Zaror’s Chidi, who in the middle of an amazing car chase in Paris, finds himself fighting Wick in the middle of the streets while cars are all around them.

Two major roles must also be noted that make a heck of an impact. One is the Tracker, played by Shamier Anderson. Similar to Wick in the fact he has a dog with him (Wick has no dog this time around), he is only looking to score a payday only to find himself at the mercy of the Marquis, who offers more money for Wick’s location and eventual kill. The other is German High Table leader Killa Harkan, who looks like something that came out of a James Bond movie. And who better than to play the character than the amazing Scott Adkins, decked out in a fat suit and sporting a half-gold grill. His scene is even exciting and those waiting for a Reeves-Adkins throwdown are not going to be disappointed. In fact, altogether, the action does not disappoint in the least.

John Wick Chapter 4 lives up to the hype and was well worth the wait. Reeves once again shines and this time, with a stellar supporting cast, this is one of the best action films of the year. Give Yen’s Caine and Sawayama’s Akira their own spinoffs.

WFG RATING: A+

Lionsgate presents a Thunder Road/8711 production in association with Studio Babelsberg. Director: Chad Stahelski. Producers: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski. Writers: Shay Hatten and Michael Finch; based on characters created by Derek Kolstad. Cinematography: Dan Lausten. Editing: Nathan Orloff.

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Ian McShane, Shamier Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Rina Sawayama, Hiroyuki Sanada, Marko Zaror, Scott Adkins, Natalia Tena, Lance Reddick.