The Continental Lags Behind John Wick Film Series’ High-Intensity Ratings Breaking Franchise’s Rotten Tomatoes Streak

Summary

• The Continental, the television show spin-off of the John Wick franchise, has received negative feedback and a low score of 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, falling short of optimistic expectations.
• Critics highlighted the absence of Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski as a detriment, with the show lacking the magic and flair from the movies and suffering from dull subplots.
• One of the key criticisms is the action sequences, which are deemed “generic” and lack the imagination and brilliance showcased in the films. However, the final judgment will rest with the fans.

Over time, the Lionsgate-produced John Wick saga has become synonymous with thrilling sequences that are both intense and sharply choreographed. After the success of four film installments, expectations were riding high for the franchise’s foray into television, The Continental. Set in 1970s New York City, this three-part TV show for Peacock chronicles Winston’s rise within the walls of the iconic hotel. As feedback began to emerge, it was evident that The Continental didn’t meet many people’s optimistic expectations.

Rotten Tomatoes, a touchstone for many film and TV enthusiasts, recently unveiled its score for The Continental, and it’s not good news. Clocking in at a mere 53% based on 43 reviews, the series has set a new (and not in a good way) record for the John Wick universe. To give this score some context: the original 2014 film, the lowest among the movies until now, held a solid 86%, while the subsequent two movies sat at 89% and the most recent John Wick: Chapter 4 reached an admirable 94%. The bar was set high, and it seems The Continental has struggled to reach it.

RELATED: The Continental Director Shares The Challenges of Recasting The Characters of John Wick’s World

From Big Screen to Small: Does The Continental Lack the John Wick Essence?

Peacock

The heart of the concern is this: Can the John Wick world thrive without the dynamic duo of Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski? With Reeves not appearing in the series and Stahelski stepping back to an executive producer role, the absence of this powerhouse team is palpably felt. The magic they conjured on the big screen seems to be missing from the small one. Critics have raised eyebrows at multiple facets of the show. The distinct flair and streamlined narrative we’ve come to expect from John Wick movies seem to have been left on the cutting room floor. Reports suggest that The Continental is plagued by an excess of dull subplots, taking its time to build momentum.

Then there’s the action — the crown jewel of the John Wick franchise. The sequences that had us gripping our armrests in the theaters have been replaced with what many have labeled as “generic”. Ben Travers from IndieWire, along with a chorus of other critics, points out that the series’ action sequences lack the imagination, energy, and sheer brilliance that Stahelski brought to the movies.

All is not lost, however. The true test will come when general audiences dive into The Continental. Critics provide a barometer, but fans have the final say. There’s a hope that the series may find its stride and resonate with the viewers.

While The Continental might have taken a detour from the John Wick legacy in its early reviews, it is yet to face its biggest critics: the fans. Only time will tell if this is a mere hiccup for the franchise or a sign that the magic lies truly and solely with Reeves and Stahelski.

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