John Wick 3: A Critical Underdog? Analyzing Its Low Rotten Tomatoes Rating

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 07, 2025

4.9

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Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Consensus

John Wick Chapter 3 boasts a 66% Rotten Tomatoes score, a significant drop compared to the 86% of John Wick and the 89% of John Wick: Chapter 2. This disparity prompts a closer look at the critical consensus. Common criticisms levied against Parabellum frequently center on three key areas: excessive violence, a perceived lack of narrative depth compared to its predecessors, and repetitive action sequences.

Many reviews pointed to the sheer volume of violence as a drawback. Phrases like "over-the-top" and "gratuitous" peppered professional critiques. For example, one critic from The Guardian stated, "The film is relentless in its violence, often to the point of diminishing returns." This highlights a common thread: while the action is undeniably impressive, its intensity, for some, overwhelmed the narrative.

Another prevalent criticism concerned the perceived lack of narrative depth. Compared to the more tightly-plotted first two installments, some critics felt Parabellum suffered from a less compelling storyline, focusing more on spectacle than substance. This lack of character development, beyond the protagonist, was another common criticism. The audience score, however, paints a vastly different picture, highlighting a significant gap between critical and audience reception. This discrepancy demands further investigation.

Analyzing the Action Sequences: Style Over Substance?

John Wick Chapter 3 is renowned for its breathtaking action choreography. Long takes showcasing intricate fight sequences became a defining characteristic, and the film’s action is undeniably stylish. However, some critics argued that this stylistic focus overshadowed narrative and character development. The sheer volume and visual complexity of the action sequences, while impressive, may have, for some, become repetitive and ultimately less impactful.

• Examples of Criticized Action Sequences: The extended fight in the Continental Hotel, while visually stunning, might have been criticized for its length and perceived lack of narrative progression for some viewers.
• Stylized vs. Unrealistic: The highly stylized and almost balletic nature of the fight choreography, though visually captivating, might have been seen by some as unrealistic and detached from the gritty tone of previous films.
• Comparison to other action films: While the film certainly shares stylistic similarities with acclaimed action movies such as The Raid and Atomic Blonde, critics may have felt that John Wick 3 didn't innovate enough within the established style, leading to a sense of repetition.

The Narrative and Character Development in John Wick Chapter 3

John Wick Chapter 3's plot sees John Wick on the run, with a massive bounty on his head. While the premise is engaging, some critics felt the plot lacked the focused narrative drive of its predecessors. The expansion of the world-building, while adding depth to the John Wick universe, may have diluted the focus on John Wick's character arc.

• Plot Structure and Pacing: The film's fast-paced action sequences, while exciting, might have left some viewers feeling that the plot lacked sufficient breathing room for character development.
• Effectiveness of New Characters: While the introduction of new characters broadened the universe, some felt that these additions didn't add significantly to the main narrative or John Wick’s journey.
• Emotional Impact: Although the film features moments of emotional resonance, some critics felt it lacked the emotional depth and impactful character moments seen in the previous films, particularly concerning John Wick's emotional core.

Audience Reception vs. Critical Reception: A Tale of Two Ratings

The stark difference between the audience score (a significantly higher rating than the critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and other aggregators) and the critics' score points to a disconnect between professional critics and the general audience. This discrepancy might be attributed to several factors.

Genre expectations play a significant role. Action movie fans may have a different set of expectations than critics, potentially prioritizing spectacle and excitement over nuanced storytelling and character development. Furthermore, audience demographics also matter. Fans of the franchise might have been more forgiving of perceived flaws, appreciating the stylistic choices and sheer scale of the action. Positive audience reviews frequently praised the film's action sequences and the overall cinematic experience, with comments like, "Best action sequences ever!" highlighting the film's success in delivering a thrilling experience for its target audience.

Conclusion: John Wick 3 – A Critical Underdog?

John Wick Chapter 3’s relatively low Rotten Tomatoes score, despite its box office success and enthusiastic fan response, demonstrates the subjectivity of film criticism. While some critics found fault with repetitive action or a perceived lack of narrative depth, the film's undeniable stylistic flair and non-stop action spectacle resonated strongly with its audience. Ultimately, the "critical underdog" debate surrounding John Wick 3 underscores the subjective nature of film assessment. Whether you consider it a masterpiece or a flawed gem, John Wick 3 remains a significant chapter in the action genre. Do you agree with the critics or the audiences? Share your thoughts on John Wick 3’s Rotten Tomatoes rating in the comments below!