Review: John Wick: Chapter 2

John Wick was a film that very few saw coming when it hit theaters back in 2014. In telling the story of a former assassin out for revenge on the man who killed his dog, director Chad Stahelski created a cinematic world that was built on the bones of late 80's and 90's action flicks. The sequel is on par with the original film and reminds everyone how a sequel should be done.

Picking up right after the first film, Keanu Reeves is back and out to get his car back. The opening scene hones in on a mixture of dry humor, crazy action set-pieces and a zen-like Reeves at the center. John Wick: Chapter 2 sustains this addictive cocktail for two fun-filled hours. The film also expands on the underworld of assassins only hinted at in the first film. The mythology building suggests that third film is not too far away. 

After John gets his car back, we see he has a new dog and a new foe. The plot is never muddled but it largely serves as a platter to delivery premium ass-kickery. Instead of making the plot gigantic, Chapter 2 goes for startling set-pieces for the action to play out. Subway trains, Italian rock concerts, and a mirrored exhibit at the MOMA backdrop the amazing stunt work and fight choreography.

Of the new side-characters, Common's Cassian stands out as a new favorite. He is the embodiment of the other road John Wick could have taken had he not wanted out. He proves to be every bit as brutal as Wick. It is a smart move to create a longer term counter-part to Wick and I expect his character to pay off in the next chapter. 

John Wick: Chapter 2 is as stylish as the first film with a bit more European flare. The neon lighting is turned up and often colored something like a Giallo film. This even includes an arresting image of a naked woman covered in blood. Moments such as these add an artistic layer that few action films can match. 

In the end, the film is a violent, cathartic blast. The film is so much fun that I am eagerly awaiting Chapter 3. This feels like the perfect character for Reeves as well. He is downright graceful in the action scenes and captivating in the dialogue exchanges. Movies sequels rarely succeed this well.

4.5/5