New release a non-stop thrill ride

By George Gust

“John Wick: Chapter 4” continues the story of John Wick (Keanu Reeves) who uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. However, before he can earn his freedom, he must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

They say that you should never use clichés in your writing, as they are overused and dull, but in the case of “John Wick: Chapter 4” -- cliché’s are cliches for a reason, as its hard to describe this movie as anything other than a ‘non-stop thrill ride.’

The “John Wick” series has always been at the forefront of Hollywood action filmmaking, but “John Wick: Chapter 4” somehow manages to add to the heights of action that were reached in previous entries. With a phenomenal combination of cinematography, lighting and fight choreography, this film has an engaging and entertaining visual style that is wholly unique.

Clocking in with an epic run time of nearly three hours, “John Wick: Chapter 4” is the kind of R rated blockbuster movie that shouldn’t work. With that amount of time you would think that the film would be bloated with more of the complex world building of the previous two films, but in practice the break neck pacing of this film makes the time fly by. Towards the end of the film the non-stop action sequence leading into another action sequence can feel tiresome, but there are plenty of quiet moments of gravitas peppered in to give audiences a breather.

The cast brings the knowing solemness that the series has been known for, but it is of course

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Reeves who carries the movie. In “John Wick: Chapter 4” however Reeves brings the haggard aging action hero persona to another level with a brutal physicality and effortless movie star charm. And the newcomer to the series Donnie Yen as the appropriately named Caine, has the right background and tone for this film that matches perfectly for this entry.

Overall, “John Wick: Chapter 4” fulfills the promise of the impeccable action sequences featured in the first entry in the unlikely blockbuster action series. With an engaged cast and undeniable expertise in action, this is the kind of movie best taken in at the movie theater with a packed crowd, as the little moments of action garner the “Did you just see that?” reaction to the friends on you left and right.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” is rated R for pervasive strong violence and some language. 4 out of 5 stars

To reach George Gust for a comment on this review, please e-mail gust.george@gmail.com

Teens focus on health

Recently, several schools and other youth organizations held the first ever statewide day of action focusing on youth obesity prevention with the help of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET).

The TSET Healthy Youth Program partnered with groups from every region of the state to host Swap Up Day, which invited youth to engage in interactive games while learning how the foods and drinks they consume affect how they think, act and feel.

One third of Oklahoma children ages 1017 are overweight or obese. The latest state data shows more than 20 percent of students don’t eat fruit, while more than half don’t eat green salad.

“In the teen years, children are starting to make some of their own decisions on what to eat and drink, so it’s important that we give them the tools to make healthy choices,” said Julie Bisbee, executive director of TSET. “If we encourage teens to make healthy changes now, we can avoid more serious issues like obesity and heart disease in the future.”

Swap Up is an educational campaign funded by TSET.

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