I’ll be perfectly honest with you. I was completely caught off guard by John Wick back when it was released in 2014. It was a prime example of expecting very little but coming out of it gaining so much more. It was an action film that action fans deserved and there is a reason the film became such a cult hit. It was a compulsively watchable film for anyone who is into high octane action and a bit of dry wit to liven things up.
John Wick: Chapter 2 is pretty much more of the same but that’s more of a compliment than a detriment. It feels like a logical extension of the first film and since there was much to love about our introduction to this character, the sequel proves to be a fun revisit with its own brand of high-energy action to appease anyone who demands a bit more from their action films.
The movie’s prologue allows John to close out some “old business” that wasn’t finalized in the previous film. From there, we’re introduced to new material. Although all John wants to do is retire and live a peaceful life, his old associates won’t allow it. He owes a marker to a boss named Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio). When he refuses to honor it, Santino repays the slight by blowing up John’s house. A visit to his friend Winston (Ian McShane) confirms that for John to remain in good standing with the shadowy criminal syndicate of which he’s a member, he must honor the marker. That means assassinating Santino’s sister, Gianna (Claudia Gerini), an act that invites swift and violent retribution. John soon finds himself the target of a $7 million bounty and every hitman and hitwoman in New York City is ready to take him out. His chief enemies are Santino’s mute henchwoman, Ares (Ruby Rose), and Gianna’s personal bodyguard, Cassian (Common), but those are by no means his only adversaries.
Director Chad Stahelski maintains the tone of the first movie and that includes extreme screen violence that doesn’t back down from going all out to illicit an impactful reaction. John Wick: Chapter 2, like John Wick, is all about testosterone, adrenaline, blood, viscera, and broken bones. The frequent, high-energy action scenes are shot in a manner intended to hold the viewer’s attention without becoming incoherent or by the numbers. The film owes a debt to action films of the 80’s that embraced going balls to wall when it comes to depicting action. If you don’t want your action to be neutered, this is the film for you.
The film features its share of standout moments. At one point, John has to run around grabbing rounds from dead enemies because he has run out of ammo, which is probably the best video game movie moment that isn’t actually in a movie based on a video game. I was also impressed by the final showdown, which happens in an extended hall of mirrors and offers up some pretty interesting forms of visual trickery. In fact, most of the action is presented in a very interesting way. It’s stylized without feeling too familiar and they are expertly executed. Sometimes action like this can get redundant but the film offers up a new spin at almost every turn.
Once upon a time, people used to give Keanu Reeves his fair share of jeers for some of his performances. It would be easy to dismiss him as an actor but this is the kind of role that requires more confidence than great range. Being sure of yourself in a role like this is what makes it work and he’s always believable throughout the film. This is a role made for a strong screen presence and Reeves certainly has that on full display here.
While this is Reeves’ film through and through, some of the supporting work here is also memorable. Ian McShane is always a reliable presence and he puts in solid work as Winston. Also surprisingly impressive is Ruby Rose and Common who have enough screen presence that makes you want more of them. Riccardo Scamarcio doesn’t truly stand out as the main bad guy but Ruby Rose and Common more than make up for what he lacks. Fans of The Matrix will appreciate the appearance by Laurence Fishburne in a limited role but thankfully it’s suggested his part could be bigger in a future film. There is even a Matrix in-joke that actually works and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.
The film ends on a bit of cliffhanger but it isn’t one that’s too large that this can’t function as its own ending. Apparently, this is being planned as a trilogy and after its $30 million opening over the weekend, we’re more than likely going to get to see this story play out as it was meant to. I know I can personally go another round with John Wick because he’s certainly making action films fun again.
Reel Talk gives John Wick: Chapter 2 3.5 Reels
