Navy SEAL Expert Rates John Wick: Chapter 4’s Fight Scenes “1/10 for Realism”

Keanu Reeves’ John Wick movies are known for their intense and stylish action scenes, but how realistic are they? A former Navy SEAL recently shared his thoughts after watching John Wick: Chapter 4, giving the movie a low score for realism in close-quarters combat.

DJ Shipley, who spent 17 years in the military, knows a lot about fighting and tactics. He reviewed several action movies, including John Wick: Chapter 4, and focused especially on the hand-to-hand fight scenes.

Shipley said that while the movie is exciting, the fighting doesn’t always match real-life combat rules.

He pointed out a scene set in a room of mirrors where John Wick faces many enemies at once. Shipley explained that in real life, running straight into the middle of a room full of opponents is a bad idea. Instead, fighters would stick close to the walls, move carefully, and reload their weapons while staying protected.

Shipley described how in the movie, John Wick performs some flashy moves like stabbing an enemy and quickly reloading without interruption, even though a big opponent is right behind him. He said, “I know the concept of the movie. It’s a bulletproof suit. The issue is, if you put on a bulletproof suit and I shoot you with 9-mil it’s going to knock you on your a*.”*

He also talked about how John Wick fires his gun without aiming properly, just shooting rounds in a general direction. Shipley added, “You’re not going to hit anything, and you’re shooting precious ammo you clearly don’t have in reserve.” According to Shipley, real combat requires careful aim and efficient use of ammo, especially when facing many enemies in tight spaces.

“He’s not even really picking up a target. He’s really looking this way, and he’s just trying to get rounds down range. You’re not going to hit anything, and you’re shooting precious ammo you clearly don’t have in reserve… There is no just winging it. We’re fighting armies of assassins inside of apartment buildings. I guess John’s style will work.”

“Entertaining? I’d give it a 10. For realism? I’d give it one” Shipley finished his analysis.

Even though the movie takes creative liberties, Shipley admitted that John Wick’s style fits the world of the film, where he fights armies of assassins inside apartments. Shipley works as a knowledge transfer specialist for a tactical training company, so his opinions come from real experience.

This breakdown of John Wick: Chapter 4 gives fans a peek at how Hollywood action compares to real military tactics. While the movie delivers thrilling fights and cool moves, the reality of combat is usually very different.

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