It is no secret that Hollywood is a little sequel and franchise happy at the moment. Most studios are leaving no stone unturned in the search for their next franchise, and many are trying desperately to cobble together some kind of cinematic universe in order to really try and cash in.John Wick: Chapter 2is the latest entry in what looks to be a budding and extremely promising franchise, but prior to 2014, nobody would have suspected aKeanu Reevesaction flick to be such a hit. That is where we are, and perhaps not sinceDie Hardhave we come across an action series so deserving of a continued storyline.John Wick: Chapter 2is everything audiences loved about the firstJohn Wick, but it never feels stale or recycled. It’s damn near perfect.
Lionsgate’sJohn Wick: Chapter 2once again followslegendary hitmanJohn Wick (Keanu Reeves) as he tries to put his life together and stay out of the killing game. Unfortunately for him, a figure from his past comes knocking and is attempting to collect on an old debt, which bringsJohn Wickright back into the world he is desperately wanting to leave behind. Now, whether he likes it or not, he’s back in the business of killing and business is very, very good.
John Wickwas not a movie that smelled like a franchise. Lionsgate barely even promoted it ahead of its release back in 2014. But once audiences got a taste, they wanted more. They needed more. Lionsgate was kind enough to give it to us. Luckily, they were smart enough to bring back directorChad StahelskiforJohn Wick 2, who co-directed the first entry withDavid Leitch. No disrespect toMr. Leitch, butChad Stahelskididn’t seem to miss a beat flying solo. The action inJohn WickandJohn Wick: Chapter 2is almost jarring, given its unrelenting intensity, and it is undeniably well executed. It is probably hard for anyone who watched the first movie to imagine things improving any, but it is certainly arguable that somehow,Chad Stahelskikicked it up a notch. His many years of experience working as a stunt coordinator and performer really show.
Movie sequels are a tricky thing. They are sort of like a band’s second album. Do you give the audience more of the same? Or do you try and reinvent the wheel?John Wick: Chapter 2is, and I say this in the best possible way, a lot more of the same. There are tons and tons of bullets, bodies and great lines to go around. Sure, there are little differences and a new story, or a continuation of the story, rather. It is more than enough to make it feel as though we aren’t watching the same movie over again.John Wick: Chapter 2does not fall into the same trap that movies likeTaken 2do. A lot of that has to do with the decision to surround all of this chaos with intrigue. Things like the Continental Hotel and this odd set of conduct that these hit men (and women) must follow are truly fascinating. Every character, even the guy who makes the suits, is someone you want to know more about, but the filmmakers cleverly leave you wanting more in that way. Those elements of the move are caked in nuance. There is a mystery to it. An intrigue. It provides a balance that few action movies ever achieve. It is brilliant and even after two full movies with a higher body count than anyone can fathom, the audience is somehow left wanting more. It defies logic.
Prior toJohn Wick, it had been awhile sinceKeanu Reeveshad really broken out in a role that made him feel like the bonafide movie star he is. At times, it is easy to write him off as a one dimensional guy, but it is clear after watchingJohn Wick: Chapter 2that this franchise simply wouldn’t be the same without him. He brings an odd charisma to the role that you can’t quite put your finger on. He is so clearly dedicated that it is impossible not to admire. Sure, he still has that classic “Keanu” line delivery, but that is part of the charm. It really works. He isJohn Wick.
There are several returning cast members that deliver the goods inJohn Wick: Chapter 2, such asJohn LeguizamoandLance Riddick, but once again, it isIan McShanewho steals every scene he is in. Something about this guy who we all know is a complete badass just hanging out and managing this bizarre hotel for hit men is so endlessly fascinating. Much like in the firstJohn Wick, we learn a lot about Winston but at the same time, we have a lot more questions than we have answers, which is way more awesome than it is frustrating. The new additions to the cast are all welcome and fit into this world perfectly.Ruby Roseis actually the stand out, even though she doesn’t actually have any dialogue in the movie.Commonis also great for his part and he seems like a guy who probably doesn’t get enough credit for being a pretty damn good actor when he shows up in a movie. The littleMatrixreunion we get withKeanu ReevesandLaurence Fishburneis also great, but best save that for when you see the movie. Everything and everyone in this movie syncs up like a very well-oiled machine.
WithJohn Wick: Chapter 2it is incredibly simple. If you liked the firstJohn Wick, you should be absolutely delighted with this sequel. If you haven’t seenJohn Wick, this movie could oddly stand on its own pretty well, but you will definitely get more out ofJohn Wick: Chapter 2if you have seen the first movie. Also, there is anew dog, and let’s just say things pan out a little better on that front than they did last time. Truly,John Wick: Chapter 2may not be a perfect movie when examined under the most intense forms of scrutiny that exist in the world of film criticism, but it is probably a perfect sequel and that is a rare thing in the world of action movies.
